Buffalo Lake
About Buffalo Lake
Buffalo Lake is a 418-acre lake near Richwood in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 38 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 18, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Buffalo Lake
- 418 acres, up to 38 feet deep, near Richwood
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 11.6 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 418 acres
- Max depth
- 38 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 192 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 (concrete)
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 18
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- April 3, 2021
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- April 18, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Buffalo Lake
Compare Buffalo Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Rice Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood231 acres
1.9 miles away
Little Sugar Bush Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood221 acres
2.4 miles away
Rock Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes1,196 acres
3.5 miles away
Big Sugar Bush Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood522 acres
5.1 miles away
North Tamarack Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Rochert1,442 acres
6.4 miles away
Little Floyd Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes215 acres
6.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. It covers 418 acres and reaches 38 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake covers 418 acres with about 7.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 38 feet.
What fish can you catch at Buffalo Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Buffalo Lake?
Yes. Buffalo Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Buffalo Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Buffalo 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 Buffalo Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Buffalo Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Buffalo Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Buffalo Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 18, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 3, 2021 and the latest is May 6, 2022.
Does Buffalo Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Buffalo Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.