Lake Minnewaska Fishing
Pope County, 8,050 acres, 32 feet deep.
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Lake Minnewaska in numbers
In Pope County, Lake Minnewaska spreads across 8,050 acres as a lake. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, with an average of 17 feet. Water shallower than 15 feet makes up 3,291 acres, or 41%. Census data put Long Beach nearest, around 2 miles away. The Glenwood DNR fisheries crew handles surveys here.
Expect walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass, going by DNR survey records. Public use comes through 3 public water accesses. A standard survey on June 21, 2022 is the newest on file. At 5.67 walleye per gill net, the catch ran within the 3.3-8.8 normal range. Ice usually leaves around April 15, the DNR median across 315 records.
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Read each row against its normal range; data from the standard survey on June 21, 2022.
| Species | Gear | Caught | Per set | Normal range | Avg lb | Normal lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Standard gill nets | 85 | 5.67 | 3.3-8.8 | 2.34 | 1.2-2.1 |
| Walleye | Standard trap nets | 2 | 0.13 | 0.2-0.8 | 4.66 | 1.0-2.7 |
| Northern pike | Standard gill nets | 285 | 19 | 2.8-9.0 | 2.8 | 1.6-2.8 |
| Northern pike | Standard trap nets | 12 | 0.8 | 3.3 | ||
| Yellow perch | Standard gill nets | 141 | 9.4 | 7.0-46.3 | 0.16 | 0.1-0.2 |
| Yellow perch | Standard trap nets | 13 | 0.87 | 0.6-3.5 | 0.13 | 0.1-0.2 |
| Black crappie | Standard gill nets | 13 | 0.87 | 0.4-2.7 | 0.31 | 0.3-0.6 |
| Black crappie | Standard trap nets | 20 | 1.33 | 0.4-2.3 | 0.56 | 0.3-0.6 |
| Bluegill | Standard gill nets | 623 | 41.53 | 0.23 | ||
| Bluegill | Standard trap nets | 795 | 53 | 4.4-49.0 | 0.13 | 0.1-0.2 |
| Largemouth bass | Standard gill nets | 120 | 8 | 0.3-1.4 | 1.08 | 0.5-1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | Standard trap nets | 5 | 0.33 | 0.3-1.3 | 0.6 | 0.2-0.8 |
What the Lake Minnewaska gill nets held
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder lake survey data, survey report. Checked October 2026.
DNR notes on Lake Minnewaska
“Lake Minnewaska is an 8,050-acre basin located in central Pope County between the towns of Glenwood and Starbuck.”
“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.”
Quoted from the DNR status of the fishery for Lake Minnewaska (report). Checked October 2026.
Trailering a boat to Lake Minnewaska
- Minnewaska Lake (N) Access2 ramps, 20 trailer stalls, 2 docks, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Minnewaska Lake (NE) Access2 ramps, 15 trailer stalls, 2 docks, toilet, City
- Minnewaska Lake (NW) Access2 ramps, 32 trailer stalls, 2 docks, City of Starbuck
Landings neighboring Lake Minnewaska
- Pelican Lake Access near Long BeachPelican, 2 miles north
- Malmedal Lake AccessMalmedal, 5 miles northwest
- Ann Lake Access near LowryAnn, 6 miles north
- Signalness Lake, Mountain Lake AccessSignalness, 7 miles southwest
- Nelson Lake Access near StarbuckNelson, 7 miles south
- Reno Lake (S) AccessReno, 7 miles north
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Public Fishing Sites layers and LakeFinder, checked October 2026.
The Lake Minnewaska basin
Secchi disk readings on Lake Minnewaska number 6, the first in 2006.
Lake Minnewaska has lost its ice as soon as March 13, 2024 and as late as May 11, 2013.
DNR LakeFinder morphology and water clarity, DNR ice-out records (ice-out data), checked October 2026.
Gauge readings for Lake Minnewaska
Gauge readers send the DNR the Lake Minnewaska readings; the newest is shown with its date.
DNR lake level record (datum NGVD 29).
Lake Minnewaska fish list
The list for Lake Minnewaska follows the DNR LakeFinder record of fish caught in surveys over the last ten years or the latest survey.
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder species list and survey catch.
Keeping walleye and panfish from Lake Minnewaska
These Lake Minnewaska rules take precedence over statewide limits.
| Species | Regulation | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sunfish | Daily limit 10. |
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
Zone rows for Lake Minnewaska: North-central Zone.
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations and LakeFinder special regulations, checked October 2026. All Minnesota limits.
Who runs events on Lake Minnewaska
Schedules and winners on Lake Minnewaska are collected on a separate page.
Lakes near Lake Minnewaska, side by side
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Accesses | Walleye per gill net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Minnewaska | 8,050 | 32 | 3 | 5.67 | |
| Pelican Lake, Pope County | 1 mile north | 518 | 34 | 1 | 3.33 |
| Strandness Lake | 4 miles northwest | 92 | 5 | 0 | 15 |
| Malmedal Lake | 5 miles northwest | 199 | 10 | 1 | 50.5 |
| Ann Lake, Pope County | 5 miles north | 370 | 14 | 1 | 29.17 |
| Signalness Lake | 7 miles southwest | 42 | 14 | 1 | 5.5 |
DNR LakeFinder morphology, access layer and latest survey per lake.
Near Lake Minnewaska on the map
Lakes neighboring Lake Minnewaska
- Pelican Lake, Pope County1 mile north
- Strandness Lake4 miles northwest
- Malmedal Lake5 miles northwest
- Ann Lake, Pope County5 miles north
- Signalness Lake7 miles southwest
Where to grab leeches near Lake Minnewaska
- Minnewaska Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Starbuck, 4 miles
- Fish onbait and tackle shop, Glenwood, 4 miles
- Glenwood Fleet Supplyfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Glenwood, 5 miles
- Fleet Farm, 310 50th Avenue Westsporting goods store, Alexandria, 16 miles
- Christopherson Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Alexandria, 19 miles
- Chrisopherson Bait Shopbait and tackle shop, Douglas, 19 miles
Lodging towns close to Lake Minnewaska
- Long Beach2 miles
- Starbuck4 miles
- Glenwood4 miles
Lake Minnewaska county pages
- Pope Countyseat: Glenwood
Piscifun tackle for a day on Lake Minnewaska
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What Minnesota anglers ask about Lake Minnewaska
Where in Minnesota is Lake Minnewaska?
Pope County holds it, managed from the Glenwood fisheries office, about 2 miles from Long Beach.
How many acres does LakeFinder list for Lake Minnewaska?
About 8,050 acres, 32 feet at the deepest.
How many accesses does Lake Minnewaska have?
3 public accesses, including Minnewaska Lake (N) Access.
Which fish has the DNR found in Lake Minnewaska?
DNR surveys list walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.
How many walleye did the DNR net in Lake Minnewaska?
On June 21, 2022, a standard survey. walleye ran 5.67 per gill net.
What are the limits on Lake Minnewaska?
Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
What does a license for Lake Minnewaska cost?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
When does the ice go out on Lake Minnewaska?
The DNR median is April 15, with the latest record April 3, 2026.
Which shop is nearest Lake Minnewaska?
Try Minnewaska Bait & Tackle, around 4 miles off.
Get out on Lake Minnewaska this season
Buy the Minnesota license online before the drive north.