Wood Lake
About Wood Lake
Wood Lake is a 485-acre lake near Wood Lake in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish. 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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Wood Lake
- 485 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Wood Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and channel catfish
- Average water clarity around 2.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 485 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 485 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)
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 11
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
1 campground is mapped on or near Wood 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.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Wood Lake
Compare Wood Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Wood Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Wood Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Wood Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Wood Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Tyson Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreYellow Medicine · Wood Lake166 acres
5 miles away
Curtis Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreYellow Medicine · Echo382 acres
7.8 miles away
Cottonwood Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Cottonwood383 acres
8.7 miles away
Lady Slipper Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Cottonwood286 acres
9.2 miles away
School Grove Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Cottonwood349 acres
10.1 miles away
Redwood Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreRedwood · Redwood Falls56 acres
22.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wood Lake?
Wood Lake is in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, near Wood Lake. It covers 485 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Wood Lake?
Wood Lake covers 485 acres with about 5.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Wood Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Wood Lake?
Yes. Wood Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Wood Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Wood 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 Wood Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Wood Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Wood Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.