Forest Lake
About Forest Lake
Forest Lake is a 2,271-acre lake near Forest Lake in Washington County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 15.7 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 18 Washington County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.6 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie. 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 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Timm's Marina & Seasonal RV Park is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 9, based on 102 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Forest Lake
- 2,271 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Forest Lake
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Average water clarity around 5.6 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Timm's Marina & Seasonal RV Park
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,271 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 15.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,531 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Timm's Marina & Seasonal RV Park
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 18
- 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 9
- Years of record
- 102
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2013
- Most recent
- March 31, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Timm's Marina & Seasonal RV Park is mapped on or near Forest Lake. 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 Forest Lake
Compare Forest Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Forest Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Forest Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Forest Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Forest Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Forest Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Forest Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Clear Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Forest Lake429 acres
2.9 miles away
Comfort Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Wyoming218 acres
3.3 miles away
Bone Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Forest Lake221 acres
4.3 miles away
Green Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Chisago City1,809 acres
5.4 miles away
Big Marine Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreWashington · Forest Lake1,799 acres
5.8 miles away
Spider Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Marine on Saint Croix131 acres
6.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Forest Lake?
Forest Lake is in Washington County, Minnesota, near Forest Lake. It covers 2,271 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Forest Lake?
Forest Lake covers 2,271 acres with about 15.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet.
What fish can you catch at Forest Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Forest Lake?
Yes. Forest Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Forest Lake?
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 Forest Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Forest Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Forest Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 9, from 102 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2013.
Can you camp at Forest Lake?
Yes. Timm's Marina & Seasonal RV Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Forest Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Forest Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, flowering rush, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.