Big Carnelian Lake
About Big Carnelian Lake
Big Carnelian Lake is a 457-acre lake near Stillwater in Washington County, Minnesota. It reaches 66 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 26 feet, and has roughly 5.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 18.3 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 4, based on 24 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Big Carnelian Lake
- 457 acres, up to 66 feet deep, near Stillwater
- 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 18.3 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with 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
- 457 acres
- Max depth
- 66 ft
- Average depth
- 26 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 18.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 131 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
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- 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 4
- Years of record
- 24
- Earliest
- March 10, 2024
- Latest
- April 23, 2008
- Most recent
- April 3, 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 Big Carnelian Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Carnelian Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Carnelian Junction137 acres
1.3 miles away
Square Lake
78 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater203 acres
1.4 miles away
Lily Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater44 acres
6.1 miles away
Big Marine Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Forest Lake1,799 acres
6.3 miles away
Long Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Stillwater102 acres
6.5 miles away
Sunset Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · White Bear Lake133 acres
6.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Big Carnelian Lake?
Big Carnelian Lake is in Washington County, Minnesota, near Stillwater. It covers 457 acres and reaches 66 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Big Carnelian Lake?
Big Carnelian Lake covers 457 acres with about 5.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 66 feet and its average depth is about 26 feet.
What fish can you catch at Big Carnelian 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 Big Carnelian Lake?
Yes. Big Carnelian Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Big Carnelian Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Big Carnelian 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 Big Carnelian Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Big Carnelian Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Big Carnelian Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 4, from 24 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 10, 2024 and the latest is April 23, 2008.
Does Big Carnelian Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Big Carnelian Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.