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The lake has a maximum depth of 32 feet and an average depth of 17 feet. It is surrounded by rocky cliffs and rolling hills, which provide a picturesque backdrop for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, bass, and sunfish, which are popular targets for anglers.
Minnewaska Lake is also an important ecological resource, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The lake is part of the Minnewaska Area Wildlife Management Area, which is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to protect and conserve the area's natural resources.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Minnewaska Lake is surrounded by several parks, campgrounds, and resorts, making it a popular vacation destination. The area also offers hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
Overall, Minnewaska Lake is a popular and vibrant natural resource in west-central Minnesota, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities and ecological significance.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Minnewaska, MN
- How big is Lake Minnewaska?
- How deep is Lake Minnewaska?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Minnewaska?
- Are there places to stay in the Lake Minnewaska area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Minnewaska?
- Are there boat launches on Lake Minnewaska?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Minnewaska?
- What are the fishing regulations for Lake Minnewaska?
- What is the average air temp for Lake Minnewaska?
- Are there any state parks near Lake Minnewaska?
How big is Lake Minnewaska?
How deep is Lake Minnewaska?
What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Minnewaska?
Other fish species in the lake include Cisco (Tullibee), Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Lake Minnewaska area?
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Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Minnewaska?
Are there boat launches on Lake Minnewaska?
Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Minnewaska?
What are the fishing regulations for Lake Minnewaska?
There are specific fishing regulations Lake Minnewaska 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?
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Glenwood, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Minnewaska?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Lake Minnewaska is an 8,050-acre basin located in central Pope County between the towns of Glenwood and Starbuck. For its size, Minnewaska is relatively shallow. Maximum depth is just 32.0 feet. Residential development surrounds the entire lake. Lake Minnewaska lies within the Chippewa River watershed and outflows to Lake Emily. It is the largest lake within the Glenwood Management Area and is a popular destination for many anglers and recreational boaters in west-central Minnesota. Swimming is also a popular activity during summer months. Municipal swimming beaches are located in Glenwood and Starbuck. Three public accesses are available. Two occur on the northeast side of the lake near Glenwood. The access adjacent to the Glenwood swimming beach is relatively shallow and launching larger boats can be problematic, especially during low water periods. The third access is located within the Starbuck Marina. A long, shallow sand bar with rocks is located along the north shoreline in the central portion of the lake. Boaters should be cautious when navigating around this area.
Lake Minnewaska is designated as an infested waterbody due to the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. Eurasian watermilfoil has been present for many years, but zebra mussels were first confirmed in 2012. Regulations restricting bait harvest and transport of water apply to this basin. For more information regarding aquatic invasive species in Minnesota see the following: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html
Lake Minnewaska supports a diverse fish community and offers a wide range of fishing opportunities. This lake is primarily managed for Walleye with bass and sunfish being species of secondary management importance. In 2014, the Walleye population exhibited relatively high abundance, good size structure, and relatively fast growth rates. Catch rates averaged 8.3 Walleye/gill net. Mean size of captured Walleye was 17.5 inches and 1.9 pounds. Walleye growth rates are relatively fast with fish usually exceeding 16.0 inches in length after their fourth growing season. Typical of most large Walleye fisheries, natural reproduction accounts for much of the population abundance. Walleye fry and fingerlings are routinely stocked to supplement the population. The MN DNR stocks fry on an annual basis. Fingerling stockings are prescribed following documentation of two consecutive poor year classes. Walleye fingerlings are also stocked by the Lake Minnewaska Association.
Other gamefishes targeted by anglers include Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass populations have expanded in recent years. Both species are abundant and larger bass are relatively common. Consequently, Lake Minnewaska is now a popular choice for organized bass tournaments. Panfish anglers will likely find good numbers of Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. Typical of most panfish populations, small- to medium-size fish comprise the majority of these populations. However, Bluegill exceeding 8.0 inches and Black Crappie and Yellow Perch exceeding 10.0 inches are not uncommon. Northern Pike were moderately abundant. Mean size was just 22.0 inches and 2.6 pounds but large pike are present. A few pike exceeding 34.0 inches in length were captured in 2014. The largest pike measured was nearly 41.0 inches. Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullheads are all present in Lake Minnewaska. Yellow Bullheads are most common. Size structure of these populations is impressive as most bullheads caught in survey nets exceeded 12.0 inches.
Other fish species sampled in the 2014 survey include Common Carp, Freshwater Drum (sheepshead), Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker. The next lake survey is tentatively scheduled for 2018.
Fishing pressure on Lake Minnewaska can be heavy at times, during both open water and winter seasons. To help maintain fishing quality, anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages release of larger fish and harvest of more abundant smaller fish for eating. Releasing medium to large fish will ensure the lake will have enough spawning age fish and should provide anglers with opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.
What is the average air temp for Lake Minnewaska?
Are there any state parks near Lake Minnewaska?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Lake Minnewaska Reviews
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Lake Minnewaska...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Pelican Lake | 1.5 mi | 519 | 34 ft |
| Strandness Lake | 3.9 mi | 92 | 5 ft |
| Malmedal Lake | 4.9 mi | 199 | 10 ft |
| Ann Lake | 5.5 mi | 370 | 14 ft |
| Signalness Lake | 6.5 mi | 41 | 14 ft |
| Nelson Lake | 6.8 mi | 293 | 15 ft |
| Lake Reno | 8.5 mi | 3,794 | 23 ft |
| Amelia Lake | 9.2 mi | 934 | 69 ft |
| Villard Lake | 10.1 mi | 544 | 16 ft |
| Lake Linka | 10.3 mi | 175 | 50 ft |
