Washington

Washington is a large-sized lake (2,438 acres) located south of the Town of Darwin in Meeker County. A large state-owned access with paved parking and a double cement boat ramp is present on the south shore. There is also a small cement plank access, with limited parking, on the east shore. Boaters can also access Washington from Stella Lake, through a culvert under County Highway 14 - when the water level is deep enough. Washington has approximately ten miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of seventeen feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has divided Minnesota's lakes into 44 different classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Washington is a class 41 lake and another similar waterbody in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area is Jennie Lake in Meeker County. Washington's 2021 lake management plan listed Walleye, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass as primary management species, while Black Crappie and Bluegill were secondary species. Netting was completed in 2025 to monitor the fish population and evaluate the 2019 Walleye stocking regime (500 Spicer strain fry per littoral acre every other year). Moderate numbers of Walleye were gill netted in 2025, but size was nice. Walleye averaged 16 inches in length. The longest Walleye sampled was almost 27 inches. Smallmouth Bass were not netted in this survey, but bass anglers still reported catching them in their outings in 2025. Low numbers of Largemouth Bass were netted in 2025, but bass often sample better using electrofishing gear - sampling which was not done this year. Maximum length for Largemouth Bass was a respectable 17 inches. Low numbers of Black Crappie were netted in 2025, and size was small. Most of the crappie were less than 5 inches in length. Maximum crappie length was a respectable 11 inches. Record high numbers of Bluegill were trap netted, but size was small (average length of 4 inches). Some keeper-sized (6 inches or longer) Bluegill were present. Maximum Bluegill length was just over 7 inches. Low numbers of Northern Pike were gill netted this year with fish averaging a decent 23 inches in length. The longest pike captured was 29 inches. Northern Pike regulations were revised at a statewide level beginning in 2018 to better accommodate regional differences in pike habitats, population abundances and size structures. Three management zones were established for Northern Pike, with their own bag limit and length limit restrictions. In the north-central zone, where Washington Lake is found, anglers can keep ten Northern Pike, but only two can be over 26 inches in length. All pike between 22 and 26 inches must be released immediately. This zone regulation is meant to increase Northern Pike size structure (more bigger fish) and to decrease the number of small fish - an attempt to restore balance to the population. The regulation will be evaluated on a state-wide basis after 2028. Additional fishes sampled in the 2025 nets included Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead. People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Overharvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are typically moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters and lakeshore owners, and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. Washington Lake has two AIS - Eurasian watermilfoil and Zebra mussel. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and drain all lake water from their boat and bait buckets before leaving the lake. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local MNDNR office. Additional information on all these topics can be found on the MNDNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Hutchinson Area Fisheries office.

A targeted survey (fall nighttime electrofishing) was conducted on Washington Lake on October 3rd, 2024, to evaluate young of the year (YOY) and yearling Walleye abundance. A total of 28 YOY were sampled for a catch rate of 21.0 fish/h, which was below the lake's historical (1993-2024) median (33.8 fish/h). This indicated that a substantial YOY year class was present. In 2024, the average length for YOY was 6.9 inches, which was equal to Washington's historical average (6.9 inches). Walleye fry were not stocked in 2024. A total of 14 yearlings were sampled in 2024 for a catch rate of 10.5 fish/h, which was above Washington's historical (2017-2024) yearling median (3.0 fish/h) and was the lake's highest yearling catch rate on record. The average length for the yearlings was 10.8 inches and was below Washington's historical average (11.5 inches).

A targeted survey (fall nighttime electrofishing) was conducted on Washington Lake on October 3rd, 2024, to evaluate young of the year (YOY) and yearling Walleye abundance. A total of 28 YOY were sampled for a catch rate of 21.0 fish/h, which was below the lake's historical (1993-2024) median (33.8 fish/h). This indicated that a substantial YOY year class was present. In 2024, the average length for YOY was 6.9 inches, which was equal to Washington's historical average (6.9 inches). Walleye fry were not stocked in 2024. A total of 14 yearlings were sampled in 2024 for a catch rate of 10.5 fish/h, which was above Washington's historical (2017-2024) yearling median (3.0 fish/h) and was the lake's highest yearling catch rate on record. The average length for the yearlings was 10.8 inches and was below Washington's historical average (11.5 inches).

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, and Hybrid Sunfish in Washington. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Washington has a maximum depth of 17 feet and a mean depth of 8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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