Lake Waconia

How big is Lake Waconia?

How deep is Lake Waconia?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Waconia?

What are the closest cities to Lake Waconia?

Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Waconia?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Lake Waconia (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Lake Waconia

Are there boat launches on Lake Waconia?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Waconia?

What are the fishing regulations for Lake Waconia?

There are specific fishing regulations Lake Waconia that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Waconia?

Lake Waconia (DOW 10-0059-00) is a 2,996-acre, Class 27 Lake with a maximum depth of 37 feet. It is located in north central Carver County, just north of the city of Waconia. DNR-owned public access is provided on the east end of the lake. Several other public access points and shore-angling locations, along with a marina with pay access, are also present.

Lake Waconia is primarily managed for Walleye (special regulation: 16 inch minimum length) and Muskellunge. It is one of only two lakes in the DNR West Metro Fisheries Area (the other being Lake Minnetonka) that have had evidence of Walleye natural reproduction. Amounts and consistency have been insufficient to produce a steady, desirable walleye fishery. Since 2015, Muskellunge fingerlings (830 fish) are stocked annually in the fall. Walleye have recently been stocked in a cycle of three out of four years with fry (830,000 fish), and the fourth year with fingerlings (1,660 pounds). Results from the 2016 survey indicated this Walleye stocking plan may not be maximizing the return. Beginning in 2017, Lake Waconia will be fingerling-stocked at 1 pound per littoral acre (1,660 pounds) biennially. Secondarily managed species in Waconia include Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. Lake Waconia supports other game fish including Black Crappie and Yellow Perch.

A standard survey (12 trap nets/10 gill nets) was conducted on Lake Waconia during the week of 8/8/16 to monitor water characteristics and fish populations. Lake Waconia is a productive eutrophic lake. Water clarity varied between 4.5 and 6 feet between the two sampling sites, while overall water color was brownish green throughout. Dissolved oxygen dropped to 0 parts per million in depths greater than 30 feet during the sampling period. The Lake Waconia Regional Park beach was closed for a period in late September 2016 because of high E. coli bacteria levels. Zebra Mussels were discovered in 2014.

Walleye numbers in Lake Waconia were low, with gill nets catches at 2.7/net- numbers well below average when compared to similar lake types across the state. The 2016 Lake Waconia catch rate was the lowest recorded since 1988. From 2009 through 2015, only two year classes of Walleye appeared in gill net catches, both corresponding to fingerling-stocked years. These results prompted a change in Walleye stocking; beginning in 2017, fry stocking will be dropped in favor of every-other-year Walleye fingerlings. Despite multiple missing year classes, Walleye average size was desirable at 16.9 inches, with the largest measured at 22.1 inches. Body condition of these individuals was on the low end of the expected range. Changed Walleye-stocking plans- based on fingerling stocking- should help recruitment problems caused by successive years of fry stocking and/or little evidence of recent natural reproduction.

Muskellunge are not effectively sampled with the gear used in the summer fisheries survey. However, incidental catch occurred on 1 Muskellunge in trap nets (32.7 inches) and an additional 1 Muskellunge in gill nets (21.1 inches). Future surveys will include targeted ice-out Muskellunge sampling. Angler reports, muskie-fishing-guide effort, and Metro Muskie Tournament results reflect establishment of a viable, consistent Muskellunge fishery with a desired size structure.

Largemouth Bass are present in Lake Waconia, although boat electrofishing was not conducted in 2016. Incidental catch captured 16 Largemouth Bass in trap and gill nets, with an average length of 10.7 inches and a maximum length of 17.8 inches. Results from a 2013 voluntary creel survey found about 45% of Largemouth Bass caught were greater than 15 inches, while 5% were greater than 20 inches. Future surveys will include spring Largemouth Bass sampling.

Bluegill numbers in Lake Waconia were high, with 34.8/net. Average size of Bluegill in trap nets was 6.4 inches, with the largest measured at 8.3 inches. Bluegill averaged 5.7 inches by age 3; however, Bluegill are not reaching 7 inches until age 6, indicating slow growth. Body condition values were low, and likely contributed to slow growth rates. Despite low condition and slow growth, Bluegill are consistently reproducing and recruiting to the population.

Black Crappie in Lake Waconia were abundant, with trap net (3.1/net) and gill net (9.5/net) catches high when compared to similar lakes across the state. Average size of Black Crappie sampled during 2016 was 8.3 inches with a maximum length of 9.7 inches. Body condition and growth rates were average, with a mean length of 8 inches at age 4.

Yellow Perch numbers in Lake Waconia were extremely low, with 1.1/gill net. This was the lowest-ever value recorded. There were several missing year classes, reflecting poor recruitment. Yellow Perch body condition was also poor, the poorest observed since this value was recorded. Despite low abundance and poor condition, growth was moderate, with an average length of 6.5" by age 3.

Other fishes sampled in low abundance were Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, hybrid sunfish, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Bullhead.

What is the average air temp for Lake Waconia?