Lake Koronis
About Lake Koronis
Lake Koronis is a 2,968-acre lake near Paynesville in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 132 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 29 feet, and has roughly 15.8 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Stearns County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 22 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 5 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR, township, county, and city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Lake Koronis Regional Park and Sandy Point Park are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 14, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Koronis
- 2,968 acres, up to 132 feet deep, near Paynesville
- 5 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR, township, county, and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 4.7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Lake Koronis Regional Park and Sandy Point Park
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, township, county, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,968 acres
- Max depth
- 132 ft
- Average depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 15.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,176 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
- 5 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Lake Koronis Regional Park and Sandy Point Park
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 22
- Game fish
- 10
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 14
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- April 3, 2004
- Latest
- April 28, 2023
- Most recent
- April 28, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Lake Koronis Regional Park and Sandy Point Park are mapped on or near Lake Koronis. 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 Koronis
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Nearby Lakes
Rice Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Paynesville1,513 acres
5.4 miles away
Lake Calhoun
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · Spicer647 acres
7.3 miles away
Long Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreKandiyohi · New London325 acres
7.6 miles away
Vails Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley161 acres
8.6 miles away
Big Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond458 acres
9 miles away
Eden Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley278 acres
9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Koronis?
Lake Koronis is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Paynesville. It covers 2,968 acres and reaches 132 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Koronis?
Lake Koronis covers 2,968 acres with about 15.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 132 feet and its average depth is about 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Koronis?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Koronis?
Yes. Lake Koronis has 5 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR, township, county, and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Koronis?
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 Lake Koronis stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Koronis; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Koronis?
The median ice-out date is April 14, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 3, 2004 and the latest is April 28, 2023.
Can you camp at Lake Koronis?
Yes. Lake Koronis Regional Park and Sandy Point Park are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Koronis have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Koronis as infested with 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.