Minnesota · Carver County
Eagle Lake Fishing guide
Eagle Lake is a 183-acre lake in Carver County, Minnesota, reaching 14 ft at its deepest point. Secchi readings average around 1 ft of visibility. The Minnesota DNR has surveyed the lake 9 times, most recently in 2023, with walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike and bluegill in the nets.
DNR survey data
Fish species
WalleyeLast stocked 2025Good numbers5.5per gill net18"Typical20"Biggest
Lengths measured · 22 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 22 fish
2023Lengths measured · 11 fish
2018Lengths measured · 6 fish
2008Only 6 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 34 fish
2002No recent survey rating.
Northern pikeGood numbers10.5per gill net24"Typical30"Biggest
Lengths measured · 57 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 57 fish
2023Lengths measured · 32 fish
2018Lengths measured · 7 fish
2008Only 7 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 25 fish
2002BluegillFair numbers29.8per trap net5"Typical8"Biggest
Lengths measured · 301 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 301 fish
2023Lengths measured · 111 fish
2018Lengths measured · 502 fish
2008Lengths measured · 1129 fish
2002CrappieFair numbers18.4per trap net7"Typical11"Biggest
Lengths measured · 918 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 918 fish
2023Lengths measured · 1670 fish
2018Lengths measured · 1157 fish
2008Lengths measured · 770 fish
2002Last recorded in the 2008 survey and not seen since.
Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear, so the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, only presence and size are listed. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey.
How to fish Eagle Lake through the year
Walleye
- Spring
- Walleye are shallow, on and just off the spawning flats and the first green weeds. In 1 ft of visibility, they sit shallower than you think.
- Early summer
- Walleye are setting up on the outside weed edge, points and shallow structure.
- Summer
- Walleye are working the weed edge, points and any wind-blown structure. With 100% of this lake 15 ft or shallower, the weed edge is the main event.
- Fall
- Walleye are packing onto the sharpest breaks and points as the water cools, in big schools with short windows. A 14-ft bowl cools fast, so the fall window comes early here.
Northern pike
- Spring
- Pike are in the shallow bays and along new weed growth. In 1 ft of visibility, they sit shallower than you think.
- Early summer
- Pike are on the outside weed edge and points.
- Summer
- Pike are on the deep weed edge and points near the coolest water they can find. With 100% of this lake 15 ft or shallower, the weed edge is the main event.
- Fall
- Pike are on the last green weeds and the breaks beside them, feeding heavily as the water drops. A 14-ft bowl cools fast, so the fall window comes early here.
Season patterns for each species. Open the live map for today's wind, light and water temp.
Size history
Biggest fish by survey year
| Survey year | Walleye | Northern pike | Bluegill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 20" | 30" | 8" |
| 2018 | 21" | 34" | 9" |
| 2008 | 26" | 29" | 7" |
| 2002 | 26" | 34" | 8" |
| 1996 | 20" | 28" | 7" |
Longest fish measured by DNR survey crews in each year's nets. Survey gear samples the population, so the lake usually holds larger fish than any survey measured.
Suggested tackle
What to bring
Top presentations for this lake's structure and clarity:
Walleye · Live bait
Live-Bait (Lindy) Rig + Leech/Crawler
jumbo leech or half a nightcrawler
Walleye · Trolling
Snap Weights + Stickbaits
4–5" suspending or slow-floating stickbait
Northern pike · Soft plastics
Paddletail Swimbait on Jighead
4–5" paddletail swimbait on a ball-head swimbait jighead
Northern pike · Jigs & bladed
Spinnerbait
3/8–1/2 oz safety-pin spinnerbait with tandem willow-leaf blades
Bluegill · Live bait
Clip-On Bobber + Worm
half to whole garden nightcrawler
Bluegill · Soft plastics
Tungsten Jig + Micro Plastic
1–1.5" micro plastic
Full setups, including hooks, weights and line, are on the live map. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Walleye | 4,249 yearlings |
| 2023 | Walleye | 2,275 fingerlings |
| 2021 | Walleye | 450 fingerlings |
| 2019 | Walleye | 183,000 fry · 7,056 fingerlings |
| 2016 | Walleye | 233,000 fry |
MN DNR · in their words
From the 2023 survey
Eagle Lake is a 183-acre lake with a maximum depth of 14 feet. The lake is located north of the City of Norwood Young America in western Carver County. Due to shallow water depths, an aerator is operated during winter months to prevent winter kill. Eagle is actively managed for Walleye, with secondary emphasis on Bluegill. Eagle also supports catchable populations of Northern Pike and Black Crappie. The Walleye population is maintained through odd numbered year fall fingerling (4-6 inches) stocking. Public water access is provided by DNR Parks and Trails on the southeast side of the lake off County Road 135 (up to 12 vehicle/trailer parking spaces).
A standard survey (9 trap nets/4 gill nets) was completed on Eagle Lake during the week of 7/17/2023 to monitor water quality and fish populations. Water color was green, with low water clarity, measured at 1.0 foot during the time of this survey. Despite low water clarity, oxygen was 5.9 parts per million (ppm) at a bottom depth of 12 feet, meaning fish were able to use the entire water column during our mid-summer survey.
Read the full DNR narrative
Moderate numbers of Walleye were sampled with gill nets (5.5/net), near the expected catch rate of similar metro lakes. Average length of Walleye sampled in gill nets was 18.2 inches with the largest measured at 20.3 inches. Despite zero large (>21") Walleye measured, 100% of Walleye caught were of quality size (>16"). Walleye growth in Eagle Lake was fast compared to similar lakes across the metro, indicated by an average length of 18.2 inches by age 4. A strong year class of Walleye (16-20") should provide excellent angling opportunity currently and into the future.
High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (29.8/net) above the expected catch rate of similar metro lakes. There were 268 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2023 survey, with an average length of 5.7 inches, and the largest measured at 8.1 inches. Half of all Bluegill sampled were less than 6 inches with less than 1% greater than 8 inches. Although Bluegill are abundant, relatively few large fish can be found.
High numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (10.5/net), above the expected catch rate of similar metro lakes. There were 42 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets during the 2023 survey, the highest catch in the previous 25 years. Average size of Northern Pike in the 2023 survey was 24.6 inches with the largest measured at 29.3 inches. Despite the lack of pike greater than 30 inches, high numbers of moderate sized individuals should provide decent angling opportunity.
Extremely high numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (188/net) and trap nets (18.4/net) well above the expected catch rate of similar metro lakes. There were 918 Black Crappie sampled during the 2023 survey, with an average length of 7.3 inches, and the largest measured at 11.7 inches. The presence of 11-inch crappie suggests angling could be worthwhile, however anglers should be prepared to sort through many small fish along the way.
Other fish species sampled in were Black Bullhead, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch.
Eurasian Watermilfoil, a submersed invasive aquatic plant has been found in Eagle Lake and remains present. Eurasian watermilfoil can limit recreational activities on water bodies by forming mats on the water surface and alter aquatic ecosystems by displacing native plants. The most important action that you can take to limit the spread of milfoil and other aquatic invasive plants is to remove all vegetation from your watercraft before you move it from one body of water to another.
Narrative text from the Minnesota DNR lake survey.
Recent reports
Eagle Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Eagle Lake from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Eagle Lake (E) (trailer launch)
- Eagle Lake (S) (trailer launch)
- Eagle Lake Fishing Pier (fishing pier)
DNR bathymetry
Eagle Lake depth map
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Hydes Lake · 222 ac · 3.1 mi
- Burandt Lake · 97 ac · 7 mi
- Goose Lake · 302 ac · 7.2 mi
- Waconia Lake · 3,080 ac · 8.3 mi
- Reitz Lake · 92 ac · 9.4 mi
- Miller Lake · 143 ac · 9.6 mi
- Swede Lake · 433 ac · 10.1 mi
- Riverpointe Pond · 6 ac · 10.5 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Eagle Lake?
Eagle Lake reaches 14 ft at its deepest point; about 100% of the lake is littoral (15 ft or shallower).
How big is Eagle Lake?
Eagle Lake covers 183 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline.
How clear is the water in Eagle Lake?
DNR Secchi readings on Eagle Lake average 1 ft of visibility, on the stained end for a Minnesota lake.
What fish are in Eagle Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys (most recently 2023) record walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, tiger muskellunge.
Is Eagle Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked walleye in 2025; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2016.
Does Eagle Lake have a public access?
Yes. Eagle Lake has 3 public access sites, including Eagle Lake (E) (trailer launch).
How big do walleye get in Eagle Lake?
The biggest walleye measured in recent DNR surveys taped 20"; the size-history table on this page tracks the biggest fish in each survey back to 1996.
When was Eagle Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Eagle Lake in 2023, the most recent of 9 surveys on record.
Page updated .
Featured guide spot
Your guide service here
One featured guide per lake, with your photo, your writeup and a link straight to your booking page. Free through December 31, 2026.
Then $20 a month from January. Cancel any time.
The live map adds today's conditions and ranked spots for Eagle Lake, plus a trip plan you can share:
Open Eagle Lake on the live map → Fished it lately? Write a report