Lake Minnewaska
About Lake Minnewaska
Lake Minnewaska is an 8,050-acre lake near Long Beach in Pope County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 19.9 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Pope County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 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. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. OpenStreetMap shows Starbuck Public Beach on or beside the lake. Barsness Park Campground and Hobo Park Campground & Marina are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 315 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Minnewaska
- 8,050 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Long Beach
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9.4 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Starbuck Public Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Barsness Park Campground and Hobo Park Campground & Marina
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 8,050 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 19.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 3,291 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Starbuck Public Beach
- Camping: Barsness Park Campground and Hobo Park Campground & Marina
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 20
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 15
- Years of record
- 315
- Earliest
- March 13, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 3, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Barsness Park Campground and Hobo Park Campground & Marina are mapped on or near Lake Minnewaska. 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 Lake Minnewaska
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Nearby Lakes
Pelican Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Long Beach518 acres
1.4 miles away
Malmedal Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Lowry199 acres
4.8 miles away
Lake Ann
49 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Long Beach370 acres
5.5 miles away
Signalness Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Starbuck42 acres
6.5 miles away
Nelson Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Terrace293 acres
6.8 miles away
Lake Reno
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Forada3,809 acres
8.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Minnewaska?
Lake Minnewaska is in Pope County, Minnesota, near Long Beach. It covers 8,050 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Minnewaska?
Lake Minnewaska covers 8,050 acres with about 19.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Minnewaska?
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 Minnewaska?
Yes. Lake Minnewaska has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Minnewaska?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Starbuck Public Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Minnewaska stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Minnewaska; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Minnewaska?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
When does the ice go out on Lake Minnewaska?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 315 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 13, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Can you camp at Lake Minnewaska?
Yes. Barsness Park Campground and Hobo Park Campground & Marina are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Minnewaska have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Minnewaska as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.