Howard Lake
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is a 745-acre lake near Howard Lake in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 16 feet, and has roughly 4.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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 2024.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city and township. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 12, based on 110 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Howard Lake
- 745 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Howard Lake
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city and township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 745 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Average depth
- 16 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 318 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 12
- Years of record
- 110
- Earliest
- March 15, 2000
- Latest
- May 2, 2018
- Most recent
- March 31, 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 Howard Lake
Compare Howard Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Howard Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Dutch Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Howard Lake162 acres
1.5 miles away
Smith Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Smith Lake244 acres
2.8 miles away
Lake Ann
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Howard Lake375 acres
3.3 miles away
Yaeger Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Waverly111 acres
3.5 miles away
Little Waverly Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Waverly338 acres
3.6 miles away
Emma Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Howard Lake189 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Howard Lake?
Howard Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Howard Lake. It covers 745 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Howard Lake?
Howard Lake covers 745 acres with about 4.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet and its average depth is about 16 feet.
What fish can you catch at Howard 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 Howard Lake?
Yes. Howard Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Howard Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Howard 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 Howard Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Howard Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Howard Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 12, from 110 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2000 and the latest is May 2, 2018.
Does Howard Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Howard 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.