Waboose Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Ponsford. DNR lake ID 03021300.
Waboose Lake is a 231.8-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Ponsford. Its deepest point reaches 14 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 4.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03021300 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Ponsford |
| Surface area | 231.8 acres |
| Maximum depth | 14 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 4.0 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 40.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 20.1 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 4.0 ft, phosphorus 40.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 20.1 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Waboose Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Waboose Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 2.83 | 1.5 to 5.8 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.14 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 53.67 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 2.71 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 11.33 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.14 | 0.8 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 14.83 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.43 | 0.8 to 6.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.67 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 13.71 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.29 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.14 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 29.0 in (2017), Walleye 24.0 in (2017), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Waboose Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. 9 miles northwest of Ponsford in the Tamarac Wildlife Area, off County Road 143 on the south shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Bush Lake 0.8 mi, Becker County
- Lower Egg Lake 0.9 mi, Becker County
- Upper Egg Lake 1.7 mi, Becker County
- Round Lake 2.1 mi, Becker County
- Carman Lake 2.1 mi, Becker County
- Ice Cracking Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- Winter Lake 2.9 mi, Becker County
- Many Point Lake 4.0 mi, Becker County
Questions about Waboose Lake
How deep is Waboose Lake?
Waboose Lake reaches a maximum depth of 14 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Waboose Lake?
Waboose Lake covers about 231.8 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Waboose Lake?
Summer water clarity on Waboose Lake averages 4.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Waboose Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Waboose Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Waboose Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, white sucker, yellow bullhead in Waboose Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
Where is the public boat access on Waboose Lake?
Waboose Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Waboose Lake.
How is the walleye population on Waboose Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2017, walleye numbers on Waboose Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Waboose Lake?
Homes on Waboose Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Waboose Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Waboose Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 100% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 4.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Waboose Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Waboose Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Waboose Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Becker County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2017), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.