Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best walleye lakes in Carver County
The DNR has surveyed walleye in 18 lakes in Carver County. The 7 ranked below are the ones that earn a grade on this site. Grades come from survey catch rates, fish size and trophy history, scored the same way for every lake on the live map.
Waconia Lake is first at A. The DNR caught 8 walleye per gill net in the 2025 survey, and the biggest was 27 inches. Lotus Lake is second at B+, with 10 walleye per gill net in the 2025 survey, and 24% of its walleye measured over 20 inches. Oak Lake is third at B+, and its biggest walleye was 27 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 20" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waconia Lake | A | 3,080 | 8/net in gill nets | 26% | 27" | 2 lb | 2025 |
| 2 | Lotus Lake | B+ | 245 | 10/net in gill nets | 24% | 27" | 1.9 lb | 2025 |
| 3 | Oak Lake | B+ | 333 | 7.3/net in gill nets | 52% | 27" | 3.2 lb | 2011 |
| 4 | Eagle Lake | C+ | 183 | 5.5/net in gill nets | 14% | 20" | 1.7 lb | 2023 |
| 5 | Piersons Lake | C+ | 267 | 2/net in gill nets | 56% | 27" | 3.1 lb | 2025 |
| 6 | Riley Lake | C− | 296 | 1.5/net in gill nets | 50% | 25" | 2.8 lb | 2021 |
| 7 | Parley Lake | C− | 258 | 1.3/net in gill nets | 57% | 25" | 2.8 lb | 2025 |
Also ranked in Carver County: Northern pike · Largemouth bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow perch
All of Minnesota: Best walleye lakes in Minnesota
Grades are based on Minnesota DNR survey data: how many fish the DNR caught (scaled by lake size), how many reached quality size, and the biggest fish measured. Each lake's page has the numbers behind its grade. The table shows each lake's most recent survey year.