Lake Charlotte
About Lake Charlotte
Lake Charlotte is a 253-acre lake near Hanover in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 46 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 22 feet, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 7, based on 15 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Charlotte
- 253 acres, up to 46 feet deep, near Hanover
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 15.8 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 253 acres
- Max depth
- 46 ft
- Average depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 94 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 public boat launch (concrete)
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- 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 7
- Years of record
- 15
- Earliest
- March 12, 2024
- Latest
- May 3, 2018
- Most recent
- March 12, 2024
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 Charlotte
Compare Lake Charlotte against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Lake Charlotte ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Martha Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Hanover102 acres
0.8 miles away
Beebe Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Saint Michael323 acres
1.6 miles away
Lake Washington
15 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo155 acres
3.7 miles away
Dean Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo176 acres
4.7 miles away
Lake Rebecca
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Rockford263 acres
6 miles away
Lake Pulaski
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo813 acres
6.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Charlotte?
Lake Charlotte is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Hanover. It covers 253 acres and reaches 46 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Charlotte?
Lake Charlotte covers 253 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 46 feet and its average depth is about 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Charlotte?
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 Lake Charlotte?
Yes. Lake Charlotte has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Charlotte?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Charlotte. 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 Lake Charlotte stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lake Charlotte; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Lake Charlotte?
The median ice-out date is April 7, from 15 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 12, 2024 and the latest is May 3, 2018.
Does Lake Charlotte have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Charlotte 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.