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Square Lake

lakeWashington County, Minnesota · near Stillwater203 acres78 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Square Lake

Square Lake is a 203-acre lake near Stillwater in Washington County, Minnesota. It reaches 68 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2016.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Golden Acres is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

Plan Your Visit to Square Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 203 acres, up to 68 feet deep, near Stillwater
  • 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
  • Average water clarity around 17 feet — very clear
  • Swim beach on or beside the lake
  • Camping close to the water at Golden Acres

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (concrete)
Launch fee
Permit or fee required
Managed by
county

Conditions

Surface area
203 acres
Max depth
68 ft
Shoreline
2.4 mi
Water clarity
17 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
65 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
  • Recorded accesses require a permit or fee

Facilities

  • 1 public boat launch (concrete)
  • Swim beach
  • Camping: Golden Acres

Best For

  • Swimming and beach days
  • Lakeside camping
  • Quiet paddling
  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • 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
6
Stocked
No
Last DNR survey
2016
Special regulations
No
Fishing pier
No
Ice fishing
Yes
Boat launch
Yes
View on DNR LakeFinder Buy a Minnesota fishing license

Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.

Camping & Reservations

Golden Acres is mapped on or near Square 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.

RV sites

Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddlingSwimmingCamping

Amenities

Boat RampSwim BeachCampground

Fish Species

Northern PikeLargemouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchBlack BullheadBrown BullheadGreen SunfishHybrid SunfishWhite SuckerYellow Bullhead

Plan your trip to Square Lake

Compare Square Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

Best fishing lakes in Washington County

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Best swimming lakes in Washington County

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Best boating lakes in Washington County

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Best camping lakes in Washington County

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Best paddling lakes in Washington County

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Best ice fishing lakes in Washington County

See how Square Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.

Nearby Lakes

Big Carnelian Lake

66 out of 100 Lake Score

Washington · Stillwater457 acres

1.4 miles away

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Little Carnelian Lake

30 out of 100 Lake Score

Washington · Carnelian Junction137 acres

2.6 miles away

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Big Marine Lake

69 out of 100 Lake Score

Washington · Forest Lake1,799 acres

5.1 miles away

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Sunset Lake

47 out of 100 Lake Score

Washington · White Bear Lake133 acres

7 miles away

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Lily Lake

57 out of 100 Lake Score

Washington · Stillwater44 acres

7.6 miles away

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Goose Lake

49 out of 100 Lake Score

Washington · Scandia76 acres

7.7 miles away

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Square Lake?

Square Lake is in Washington County, Minnesota, near Stillwater. It covers 203 acres and reaches 68 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Square Lake?

Square Lake covers 203 acres with about 2.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 68 feet.

What fish can you catch at Square Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Square Lake?

Yes. Square Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Square 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 Square Lake stocked?

The DNR has no stocking report on file for Square Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.

Can you camp at Square Lake?

Yes. Golden Acres is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.