French Lake
About French Lake
French Lake is a 149-acre lake near Palisade in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to French Lake
- 149 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Palisade
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 7.5 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 149 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 61 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to French Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Gun Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade712 acres
1.8 miles away
Fleming Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade319 acres
2.2 miles away
Wilkins Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade349 acres
2.5 miles away
Jenkins Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade114 acres
3.6 miles away
Portage Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Kimberly372 acres
6.5 miles away
Turner Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor63 acres
6.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is French Lake?
French Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. It covers 149 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is French Lake?
French Lake covers 149 acres with about 2.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet.
What fish can you catch at French Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on French Lake?
Yes. French Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at French Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at French Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is French Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for French Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does French Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists French Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.