Okabena Lake
About Okabena Lake
Okabena Lake is a 776-acre lake near Worthington in Nobles County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 8 feet, and has roughly 6.5 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 7 Nobles County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 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 2025.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Olson Park Municipal Park Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Okabena Lake
- 776 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Worthington
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 1.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Olson Park Municipal Park Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 776 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 752 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
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Olson Park Municipal Park Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 19
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Olson Park Municipal Park Campground is mapped on or near Okabena Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Okabena Lake
Compare Okabena Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Okabena Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
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See how Okabena Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Okabena Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Ocheda Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreNobles · Worthington1,691 acres
3.3 miles away
Bella Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreNobles · Worthington180 acres
7.1 miles away
Indian Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreNobles · Round Lake197 acres
9.1 miles away
Round Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Round Lake930 acres
9.8 miles away
West Graham Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreNobles · Kinbrae519 acres
14.1 miles away
East Graham Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreNobles · Fulda511 acres
14.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Okabena Lake?
Okabena Lake is in Nobles County, Minnesota, near Worthington. It covers 776 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Okabena Lake?
Okabena Lake covers 776 acres with about 6.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Okabena Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Okabena Lake?
Yes. Okabena Lake has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Okabena Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Okabena Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Okabena Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Okabena Lake?
Yes. Olson Park Municipal Park Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.