Leif Lake
About Leif Lake
Leif Lake is a 521-acre lake near Audubon in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 26 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 13 feet, and has roughly 11.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt 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.
Plan Your Visit to Leif Lake
- 521 acres, up to 26 feet deep, near Audubon
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — 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 6.3 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 521 acres
- Max depth
- 26 ft
- Average depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 316 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 (asphalt)
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
- 15
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 Leif Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Cormorant Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon1,067 acres
1.5 miles away
Big Cormorant Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon3,657 acres
2.4 miles away
Marshall Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Audubon191 acres
2.9 miles away
Rossman Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park273 acres
3.5 miles away
Stakke Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park497 acres
3.8 miles away
Middle Cormorant Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Lake Park373 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Leif Lake?
Leif Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Audubon. It covers 521 acres and reaches 26 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Leif Lake?
Leif Lake covers 521 acres with about 11.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 26 feet and its average depth is about 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Leif Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Leif Lake?
Yes. Leif Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Leif Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Leif 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 Leif Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Leif Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Leif Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Leif 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.