Lake Manuella
About Lake Manuella
Lake Manuella is a 293-acre lake near Darwin in Meeker County, Minnesota. It reaches 51 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 22 feet, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 11, based on 11 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Manuella
- 293 acres, up to 51 feet deep, near Darwin
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 5.9 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 293 acres
- Max depth
- 51 ft
- Average depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 114 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 16
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 11
- Years of record
- 11
- Earliest
- March 10, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 22, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Manuella
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Stella
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin599 acres
1.4 miles away
Round Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield266 acres
3.3 miles away
Greenleaf Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield238 acres
3.4 miles away
Erie Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin190 acres
3.5 miles away
Lake Washington
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin2,438 acres
3.6 miles away
Lake Minnie-Belle
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield597 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Manuella?
Lake Manuella is in Meeker County, Minnesota, near Darwin. It covers 293 acres and reaches 51 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Manuella?
Lake Manuella covers 293 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 51 feet and its average depth is about 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Manuella?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Manuella?
Yes. Lake Manuella has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Manuella?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Manuella. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Lake Manuella stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Manuella; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Manuella?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 10, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Lake Manuella have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Manuella as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.