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Lake Pepin vs U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool

Two of the top-scoring lakes in Goodhue County, Minnesota, side by side.

Lake Pepin is the larger of the two at 12,299 acres against 1,549 for U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool. On our rankings, Lake Pepin comes out ahead for fishing, Lake Pepin comes out ahead for swimming, Lake Pepin comes out ahead for boating, Lake Pepin comes out ahead for camping, and Lake Pepin comes out ahead for paddling.

MeasureLake PepinU.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool
Lake Score76 / 10042 / 100
Nearest townLake CityEtter
Surface area12,299 acres1,549 acres
Max depth60 ft11 ft
Shoreline54.9 mi51.3 mi
Water clarity——
Public access4 public boat launches (concrete)Public access on record
Fish species4341
Game fishWalleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth BassWalleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass
StockedNoNo
Special regulationsNoYes
Swim beachYesNo
CampingYesNo
Invasive speciesEurasian watermilfoil, bighead carp, silver carp, zebra musselEurasian watermilfoil, bighead carp, flowering rush, grass carp, silver carp, zebra mussel

Which lake is better for…

  • Fishing
    Lake Pepin
  • Swimming
    Lake Pepin
  • Boating
    Lake Pepin
  • Camping
    Lake Pepin
  • Paddling
    Lake Pepin

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Lake Pepin or U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool?

Lake Pepin is bigger at 12,299 acres; U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool covers 1,549 acres.

Which is deeper, Lake Pepin or U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool?

Lake Pepin is deeper, with a maximum depth of 60 feet against 11 feet.

Is Lake Pepin or U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool better for fishing?

Lake Pepin ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Lake Pepin lists 43 species and U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool lists 41.