O'Dowd Lake
About O'Dowd Lake
O'Dowd Lake is a 301-acre lake near Shakopee in Scott County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 9.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.9 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 3, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to O'Dowd Lake
- 301 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Shakopee
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.9 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 301 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 235 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 3
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 14, 2016
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- April 11, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to O'Dowd Lake
Compare O'Dowd Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how O'Dowd Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how O'Dowd Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how O'Dowd Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how O'Dowd Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Thole Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Shakopee119 acres
0.9 miles away
Spring Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake592 acres
3.6 miles away
Upper Prior Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood386 acres
3.9 miles away
Gifford Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Carver119 acres
4.3 miles away
Lower Prior Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood956 acres
5.3 miles away
Lake Riley
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarver · Chanhassen296 acres
6.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is O'Dowd Lake?
O'Dowd Lake is in Scott County, Minnesota, near Shakopee. It covers 301 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is O'Dowd Lake?
O'Dowd Lake covers 301 acres with about 9.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at O'Dowd Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black 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 O'Dowd Lake?
Yes. O'Dowd Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at O'Dowd Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at O'Dowd 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 O'Dowd Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for O'Dowd Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on O'Dowd Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 3, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 14, 2016 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does O'Dowd Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists O'Dowd 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.