Zumwalde Lake
About Zumwalde Lake
Zumwalde Lake is a 128-acre lake near Richmond in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 6 feet, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.9 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, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Zumwalde Lake
- 128 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Richmond
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- 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 2.9 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — 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
- 128 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Average depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 105 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
- 19
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Zumwalde Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Cedar Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond986 acres
0.8 miles away
Great Northern Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring196 acres
0.9 miles away
Bolfing Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring109 acres
1.1 miles away
Knaus Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Cold Spring216 acres
1.7 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond629 acres
2.4 miles away
Becker Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond221 acres
2.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Zumwalde Lake?
Zumwalde Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Richmond. It covers 128 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Zumwalde Lake?
Zumwalde Lake covers 128 acres with about 4.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet and its average depth is about 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at Zumwalde Lake?
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 Zumwalde Lake?
Yes. Zumwalde Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Zumwalde Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Zumwalde 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 Zumwalde Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Zumwalde Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Zumwalde Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
Does Zumwalde Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Zumwalde Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.