Willie Lake
About Willie Lake
Willie Lake is a 192-acre lake near Litchfield in Meeker County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.5 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, black crappie, white 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Willie Lake
- 192 acres, up to 17 feet deep, near Litchfield
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 192 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 121 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
- 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
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Willie Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Greenleaf Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield238 acres
1.3 miles away
Hoff Lake
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2.6 miles away
Lake Minnie-Belle
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Litchfield597 acres
2.6 miles away
Cedar Lake
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2.8 miles away
Erie Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Darwin190 acres
3.7 miles away
Belle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Hutchinson864 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Willie Lake?
Willie Lake is in Meeker County, Minnesota, near Litchfield. It covers 192 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Willie Lake?
Willie Lake covers 192 acres with about 3.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Willie Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Willie Lake?
Yes. Willie Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Willie Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Willie Lake. 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 Willie Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Willie Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.