Lake Stella
About Lake Stella
Lake Stella is a 599-acre lake near Darwin in Meeker County, Minnesota. It reaches 75 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 14 feet, and has roughly 4.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 7, based on 34 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Stella
- 599 acres, up to 75 feet deep, near Darwin
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- 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 and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 599 acres
- Max depth
- 75 ft
- Average depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 226 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
- 2 public boat launches (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
- 15
- 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 7
- Years of record
- 34
- Earliest
- March 15, 2016
- Latest
- May 2, 2013
- Most recent
- March 29, 2026
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 Stella
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Manuella
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin293 acres
1.4 miles away
Lake Washington
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin2,438 acres
2.3 miles away
Erie Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin190 acres
3.9 miles away
Round Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield266 acres
4.2 miles away
Greenleaf Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield238 acres
4.6 miles away
Willie Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield192 acres
5.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Stella?
Lake Stella is in Meeker County, Minnesota, near Darwin. It covers 599 acres and reaches 75 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Stella?
Lake Stella covers 599 acres with about 4.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 75 feet and its average depth is about 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Stella?
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 Stella?
Yes. Lake Stella has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Stella?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Stella. 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 Stella stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Stella; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Stella?
The median ice-out date is April 7, from 34 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2016 and the latest is May 2, 2013.
Does Lake Stella have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Stella as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.