Lake Winona
About Lake Winona
Lake Winona is a 308-acre lake near Winona in Winona County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 24 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth 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 (asphalt surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 30, based on 5 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Winona
- 308 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Winona
- 3 public boat launches (asphalt) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Average water clarity around 3.2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 308 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 278 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 (asphalt)
- Swim beach
- Fishing pier
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Ice fishing
- Shore fishing from a pier
- 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
- 24
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- 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
- March 30
- Years of record
- 5
- Earliest
- March 13, 2026
- Latest
- April 8, 1989
- Most recent
- March 13, 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 Lake Winona
Compare Lake Winona against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Goodview Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreWinona · Winona77 acres
4.5 miles away
Bear Creek Reservoir
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Chester104 acres
33.3 miles away
Silver Creek Reservoir
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Chester107 acres
35.6 miles away
Silver Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Rochester50 acres
40.5 miles away
Lake Zumbro
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Oronoco715 acres
42.6 miles away
Lake Pepin
76 out of 100 Lake ScoreGoodhue · Lake City12,299 acres
44.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Winona?
Lake Winona is in Winona County, Minnesota, near Winona. It covers 308 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Winona?
Lake Winona covers 308 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Winona?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Lake Winona?
Yes. Lake Winona has 3 public boat launches (asphalt), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Winona?
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 Winona stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Winona; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Winona?
The median ice-out date is March 30, from 5 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 13, 2026 and the latest is April 8, 1989.
Does Lake Winona have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Winona as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.