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 is a 3080-acre (1660 littoral acres) lake with a maximum depth of 37 feet. Lake Waconia is located north of the City of Waconia in central Carver County. Waconia is primarily managed for Walleye (special regulation: 16 inch minimum length) and Muskellunge. Walleye are fingerling-stocked at 1 pound per littoral acre (1,660 pounds) biennially, while Muskellunge fingerlings (830 fish) are stocked annually in the fall. In addition to the primarily managed Walleye and Muskellunge, Lake Waconia supports catchable populations of Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Black Crappie.

Public water access is provided at three locations around Lake Waconia. The DNR access on the east side of the lake near the intersection of County road 30 and 155 has parking available for up to 40 vehicle/trailers; while there is another access on the southeast side of the lake in the regional park that provides parking for up to 34 vehicle/trailers. One additional access is available through the city of Waconia on the southwest side of the lake off of Lakeview Terrace Blvd (up to 8 vehicle/trailer parking spaces).

A Standard Survey (12 trap nets/12 gill nets) was conducted on Lake Waconia during the week of 8/8/2022 to assess the fishery. Waconia had moderately-poor water clarity, measured at 5.0 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was 7.1 parts per million (ppm) at 40 feet during the survey period. Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra Mussels has been found in Lake Waconia and remain present.

Walleye in Lake Waconia are maintained through fingerling stocking in odd numbered years at a rate of 1 pound per littoral acre (1660 pounds). During the 2022 survey, Walleye were captured at high numbers (9/net). The 2022 survey marked the highest catch rate of Walleye in Lake Waconia in the previous 20 years. There were 108 Walleye sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 16.8 inches and the longest measured at 27.1 inches. Length and abundance data describe a balanced population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Growth rates were fast compared to the statewide average, with an average length of 15 inches by age 3. The 2022 survey results show Waconia exceeding long-range Walleye abundance and size goals, providing excellent angling opportunity.

Muskellunge are not effectively sampled with the gear used in the summer fisheries survey. Two Muskellunge were incidentally captured with gill nets, averaging 35.0 inches with the largest measured at 41.7 inches.

Largemouth Bass are present in Lake Waconia, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2022 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 25 Largemouth Bass, with an average length of 10.1 inches and the largest measured at 18.7 inches.

Low numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (2.2/net). Waconia has historically been a low abundance Norther Pike fishery; however, catch rates have been trending up in recent surveys. There were 26 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 24.6 inches and the largest measured at 32.3 inches. Limited spawning habitat are likely keeping the Northern Pike population low.

Yellow Perch were sampled with gill nets (15.7/net) near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 188 Yellow Perch sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 6.3 inches and the largest measured at 8.3 inches. While providing little value to anglers, Yellow Perch in Lake Waconia play an important part in the diets of Walleye, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge.

High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (65.8/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 789 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2022 survey. Bluegill averaged 5.4 inches, with the largest measured at 7.7 inches. Less than 8 percent of Bluegill sampled were greater than 7 inches. High numbers of Bluegill are likely increasing competition among other Bluegill, keeping growth rates and sizes low.

Similar to Bluegill, high numbers of Pumpkinseed were sampled with trap nets (9.5/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. Unexpectedly, high numbers were also sampled in gill nets (9.3/net), suggesting many of these fish are moving further from shore. Combining gill net and trap net catches, there were 225 Pumpkinseed sampled during the 2022 survey. Pumpkinseed averaged 5.7 inches, with the largest measured at 8.9 inches. While Pumpkinseed are typically found close to shore, anglers may have additional opportunity to catch Pumpkinseed further offshore in Lake Waconia.

High numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with both gill nets (8.9/net) and trap nets (5.3/net). There were 170 Black Crappie sampled during the 2022 survey, with an average length of 7.2 inches and the largest measured at 13.2 inches. Length and count data reveal a balanced population. Despite high numbers and small average sizes, Black Crappie in Lake Waconia have shown the ability to reach memorable lengths (12"+), which should provide memorable fishing opportunity.

Low numbers of Freshwater Drum were sampled in gill nets (1.2/net). Despite low numbers, Freshwater Drum boast a phenomenal size structure in Lake Waconia with an average length of 22.3 inches and the largest measured at 26 inches. Freshwater Drum are a highly sought-after species in many systems; however, Waconia anglers are likely unaware of their presence in this system. We would expect this trend to change in the future due to the current trophy (25"+) size structure present in Lake Waconia.

Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Green Sunfish, and Yellow Bullhead.

With multiple invasive species found in Lake Waconia, anglers can help stop the spread by following three steps every time they leave a lake or river - whether or not it's infested:
Clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other invasive species from boats, trailers, and water-related equipment.
Drain water from your boat, ballast tanks, motor, live well and bait container. Remove drain plugs and keep drain plugs out while transporting equipment.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. To keep live bait, drain the water and refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.

What is the average air temp for Lake Waconia?