Emma Lake
About Emma Lake
Emma Lake is an 189-acre lake near Howard Lake in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 2.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Emma Lake
- 189 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Howard Lake
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 8.3 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 189 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 180 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 carry-in access
Best For
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Emma Lake
Compare Emma Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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0.9 miles away
Yaeger Lake
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Lake Mary
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Oster190 acres
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Dog Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Oster97 acres
2.3 miles away
Dutch Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Howard Lake162 acres
2.5 miles away
Little Waverly Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Waverly338 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Emma Lake?
Emma Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Howard Lake. It covers 189 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Emma Lake?
Emma Lake covers 189 acres with about 2.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Emma 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 Emma Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Emma Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Emma 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 Emma Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Emma Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Emma Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Emma Lake 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.