Winter Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. DNR lake ID 03021600.
Winter Lake is a 116.7-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. Its deepest point reaches 14 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 6.8 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 northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Winter Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03021600 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Richwood |
| Surface area | 116.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 14 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 6.8 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 23.2 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 11.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| 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 6.8 ft, phosphorus 23.2 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 11.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Winter Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Winter Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2021 (5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern pike | gill | 32.0 | n/a |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.5 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 18.0 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.83 | n/a |
| Black crappie | gill | 9.0 | n/a |
| Black crappie | trap | 7.0 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.17 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 5.0 in (2021), Northern pike 22.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Yellow perch, 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
- Winter Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 4 trailer spaces. 18 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes in the Tamarac National Wildlie area, off Refuge Service Road. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Carman Lake 1.2 mi, Becker County
- Mary Yellowhead Lake 1.8 mi, Becker County
- Lower Egg Lake 2.2 mi, Becker County
- Upper Egg Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- Waboose Lake 2.9 mi, Becker County
- Flat Lake 3.2 mi, Becker County
- Bush Lake 3.7 mi, Becker County
- Strawberry Lake 4.1 mi, Becker County
Questions about Winter Lake
How deep is Winter Lake?
Winter 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 Winter Lake?
Winter Lake covers about 116.7 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Winter Lake?
Summer water clarity on Winter Lake averages 6.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Winter Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Winter 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 Winter Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead, black bullhead in Winter Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2021.
Where is the public boat access on Winter Lake?
Winter Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Winter Lake.
Are there lake homes for sale on Winter Lake?
Homes on Winter 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 Winter Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Winter Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 100% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 6.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Winter Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Winter Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Winter 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 2021), 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.