Lake Washington
About Lake Washington
Lake Washington is a 2,438-acre lake near Darwin in Meeker County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 10 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Meeker County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.4 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 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 8, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Washington
- 2,438 acres, up to 17 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 3.4 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- 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
- 2,438 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 10 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,266 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
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 9
- 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 8
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 17, 2016
- Latest
- April 30, 2013
- Most recent
- April 24, 2023
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 Washington
Compare Lake Washington against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Washington ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Washington ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Washington ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Washington ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Lake Stella
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin599 acres
2.3 miles away
Lake Manuella
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin293 acres
3.6 miles away
Spring Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Dassel201 acres
4 miles away
Long Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Dassel164 acres
4.4 miles away
Erie Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin190 acres
4.7 miles away
Lake Jennie
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Dassel1,069 acres
5.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Washington?
Lake Washington is in Meeker County, Minnesota, near Darwin. It covers 2,438 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Washington?
Lake Washington covers 2,438 acres with about 10 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Washington?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Washington?
Yes. Lake Washington 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 Washington?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Washington. 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 Washington stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Washington; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Washington?
The median ice-out date is April 8, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2016 and the latest is April 30, 2013.
Does Lake Washington have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Washington 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.