Lake Minnetonka

Boat Ramps: 15
Access Points: 17
Species: 19

Lake Minnetonka is one of Minnesota's premier fishing destinations, spanning over 14,500 acres with approximately 125 miles of shoreline. Located just 20 minutes west of Minneapolis, this complex system comprises approximately 30 interconnected bays linked by numerous channels. With an average depth of 30 feet and a maximum depth of 113 feet in Crystal Bay, Lake Minnetonka offers diverse fishing opportunities throughout the year. The lake's varying water conditions, bottom types, and depths create ideal habitats for numerous fish species, making it one of the most popular fishing lakes in the state for both recreational anglers and tournament competitors.

Minnesota licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Lake Minnetonka and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Black Bullhead

Ameiurus melas

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Brown Bullhead

Ameiurus nebulosus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

White Bass

Morone chrysops

White Crappie

Pomoxis annularis

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Bullhead

Ameiurus natalis

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

Walleye10,500 fish · Yearlings2025
Muskellunge1,170 fish · Yearlings2025
Walleye25,200 fish · Fingerlings2024
Walleye9,246 fish · Fingerlings2024
Walleye52,870 fish · Fingerlings2024

Source

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Minnetonka. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Wayzata Beach Park

Access Point

Surfside Park Park

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Minnetonka

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Minnesota licenses and regulations

Minnesota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

Learn more

Minnesota Fishing License

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

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Minnesota Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

Learn more

Minnesota Stream Access Laws

A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.

Learn more

Take Lake Minnetonka with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Lake Minnetonka to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Minnetonka to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.