Mazaska Lake
About Mazaska Lake
Mazaska Lake is a 688-acre lake near Shieldsville in Rice County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 13 feet, and has roughly 4.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the county. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 19 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Mazaska Lake
- 688 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Shieldsville
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 4.3 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 688 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Average depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 336 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
- 17
- Game fish
- 9
- 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 five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 6
- Years of record
- 19
- Earliest
- March 2, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 26, 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 Mazaska Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Dudley Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Faribault128 acres
2 miles away
Shields Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville940 acres
2.3 miles away
French Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Faribault876 acres
2.3 miles away
Circle Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Lonsdale838 acres
3.7 miles away
Fox Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Millersburg312 acres
3.7 miles away
Hunt Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville176 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mazaska Lake?
Mazaska Lake is in Rice County, Minnesota, near Shieldsville. It covers 688 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mazaska Lake?
Mazaska Lake covers 688 acres with about 4.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet and its average depth is about 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mazaska Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and White Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Mazaska Lake?
Yes. Mazaska Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mazaska Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mazaska 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 Mazaska Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Mazaska Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Mazaska Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Mazaska Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 19 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 2, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does Mazaska Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Mazaska Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.