Waconia

Lake Waconia is 3080-acres (1660 littoral acres) 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 (concreate ramp; parking available for up to 40 vehicle/trailers), while the regional park provides access on the southeast side of the lake (two concreate ramps; parking for up to 34 vehicle/trailers). One additional access (mainly used in winter) is maintained by the city of Waconia on the southwest side of the lake off Lakeview Terrace Blvd (concreate ramp; 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 8/4/2025 to monitor water characteristics and fish populations. Water color was clear, with moderately good water clarity, measured at 7.0 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen fell to zero parts per million at 28 feet, meaning fish would be unable to use water depths greater than 18 feet during mid-summer. Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra Mussels have been found in Lake Waconia and remain present, providing a good reminder of the clean, drain, dispose law which helps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species: 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. High numbers of Walleye were sampled with gill nets (7.1/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 85 Walleye sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 18.1 inches and the largest measured at 26.6 inches. Walleye size structure was balanced (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 13.3 inches by age 2 and 17.4 inches by age 4. The current Walley population is providing excellent angling opportunity with no signs of slowing down. Muskellunge are not effectively sampled with the gear used in the summer fisheries survey. However, six Muskellunge were incidentally captured with trap and gill nets, averaging 40.7 inches with the largest measured at 44.9 inches. Angler reports reflect establishment of a viable, consistent muskellunge fishery with a desired size structure. Largemouth Bass are present in Lake Waconia, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2025 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 27 Largemouth Bass, with an average length of 10.0 inches and the largest measured at 19.3 inches. Low numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (3.2/net), below the expected catch rate of similar lakes. Waconia has historically been a low abundance Norther Pike Lake; however, catch rates have been trending up in recent surveys, with 2025 marking the highest catch rate in the previous 30 years. There were 38 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 27.3 inches and the largest measured at 33.9 inches. Northern Pike size structure remains balanced with over 40% of pike sampled measuring greater than 28 inches. High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (90.5/net), well above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 1,086 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2025 survey. Bluegill averaged 5.5 inches, with the largest measured at 7.6 inches. Although Waconia currently lacks the largest Bluegill (8"+), those looking to harvest a limit of smaller fish will be pleasantly surprised with nearly 1/3 of them measuring between 6.5-7.5 inches. High numbers of Pumpkinseed were sampled with trap nets (19.6/net) and gill nets (8.5/net) above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 337 Pumpkinseed sampled during the 2025 survey. Pumpkinseed are often lumped in with Bluegill and collectively referred to as "sunnies." However, Pumpkinseed in Lake Waconia are typically larger than their relatives (Bluegill), with an average length of 5.8 inches, with the largest measured at 8.1 inches. Size structure was balanced, with nearly 20% of fish measured greater than 7 inches. Moderate numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (3.8/net) and trap nets (1.8/net), above the expected catch rates of similar lakes. Despite above average catch rates, the 68 Black Crappie sampled during the 2025 survey, marked one of the lowest in the previous 30 years. Combining gill and trap net catches Black Crappie had an average length of 7.7 inches and the largest measured 12.2 inches. Despite lower abundances and small average sizes, Black Crappie in Lake Waconia have consistently shown the ability to reach memorable lengths (12"+). Moderate numbers of Freshwater Drum were sampled in gill nets (3.5/net), near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. Freshwater Drum in Waconia boast a phenomenal size structure with an average length of 22.1 inches and the largest measured at 25.1 inches. Freshwater Drum are a highly sought after species in many systems; while this trend has not emerged in Lake Waconia due to low abundances, the current trophy (25"+) size structure of these individuals should attract increased attention from anglers. Other fish species sampled during the survey include Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

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.

Lake Waconia is a 3080-acre lake with a maximum depth of 37 feet. Lake Waconia is located north of the City of Waconia in central Carver County. Public water access is provided by the DNR on the east side of the lake near the intersection of County road 30 and 155 (up to 40 vehicle/trailer parking spaces); access is also provided through the city of Waconia on the southwest side of the lake off of Lakeview Terrace Blvd (up to 8 vehicle/trailer parking spaces). Waconia is primarily managed for Walleye (special regulation: 16 inch minimum length) and Muskellunge, but supports catchable populations of Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Black Crappie. A Standard Survey (gill nets and trap nets) was conducted on Lake Waconia during the week of 8/5/2019 to assess the fishery. During the 2019 survey, Waconia had uncharacteristically green water. This sudden change in water color/clarity was likely due to the previous week's weather pattern (high temps, sunny days, calm winds) which provided ideal conditions for a large algal bloom. Waconia had poor water clarity, measured at 3.0 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was zero parts per million (ppm) below 24 feet during the survey period. Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra Mussels has been found in Lake Waconia and remain present. Walleye in Lake Waconia have become completely dependent on fingerling stockings to maintain the population. Over the previous three surveys (2014, 2016, and 2019), stocked fish have been the only ones sampled in gill nets; meaning natural reproduction does not appear to be contributing to any identifiable year class. During the 2019 survey Walleye were captured at moderate numbers (5.6/net), near the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 67 Walleye sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 16.6 inches and the largest measured at 26.6 inches. Size indices show a balanced population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Walleye growth was fast compared to the statewide average, with an average length of 17.3 inches by age 4. Over 65% of Walleye sampled were greater than 16 inches, providing excellent angling and harvest opportunity. Muskellunge are not effectively sampled with the gear used in the summer fisheries survey. However, two Muskellunge were incidentally captured with trap nets, averaging 30.0 inches with the largest measured at 35.2 inches. Angler reports reflect establishment of a viable, consistent muskellunge fishery with a desired size structure. Future surveys will include targeted ice-out Muskellunge sampling. Largemouth Bass are present in Lake Waconia, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2019 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 13 Largemouth Bass, with an average length of 10.6 inches and the largest measured at 14.5 inches. Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (2.4/net) below the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the area. Waconia has historically been a low-abundance Northern Pike lake. However, the 2019 catch rate was the highest recorded on Lake Waconia in the previous 25 years. There were 28 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 27.5 inches and the largest measured at 37.8 inches. Although sampled at low numbers, multiple Northern Pike measured greater than 36 inches, providing a unique opportunity to catch large pike in the metro. High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (76.3/net) at nearly double the catch rate of similar lakes. There were 916 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2019 survey, the highest catch rate in the previous 25 years. Bluegill averaged 6.3 inches, with the largest measured at 8.0 inches. The Bluegill population in Lake Waconia is almost completely composed of small to medium sized fish, with 23% of fish sampled measuring between 7 and 8 inches, and less than 1% of Bluegill measured greater than 8 inches. While high numbers likely keep anglers interest, any improvement to size structure would likely need to come from selective harvest, where the smaller fish are kept for consumption, and many of the medium to large fish are released. While casually grouped into the family of "sunnies" by most anglers, Pumpkinseed are a unique species separate from Bluegill (although known to hybridize) that have their own unique appearance (bright orange spot at the tip of the ear flap) and life history. Waconia supports one of the more impressive Pumpkinseed populations in the metro with high numbers sampled in trap nets (25.7/net) at over three times the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 308 Pumpkinseed sampled in trap nets during the 2019 survey, the highest catch rate in the previous 25 years. Pumpkinseed averaged 6.1 inches, with the largest measured at 8.3 inches. While similar sizes to Bluegill, Pumpkinseed had over 33% of the sampled population greater than 7 inches with over 5% greater than 8 inches. Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (5.8/net) and trap nets (9.5/net), substantially exceeding the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 184 Black Crappie sampled during the 2019 survey, with an average length of 7.9 inches and the largest measured at 10.6 inches. While the majority of Black Crappie in Waconia are small, harvest opportunity exists with 29% of the sampled population greater than 9 inches. Yellow Perch were sampled with gill nets (14.8/net) near the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 178 Yellow Perch sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 6.3 inches and a maximum length of 8.4 inches. While providing little interest to most anglers, Yellow Perch in Lake Waconia play an important part in the diets of Walleye, Northern Pike, and Muskellunge. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, and Yellow Bullhead.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Muskellunge, Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie in Waconia. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Waconia. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Waconia has a maximum depth of 37 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Waconia is from 2025.

Yes — Waconia has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.