Sauer Lake
About Sauer Lake
Sauer Lake is a 193-acre lake near Detroit Lakes in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface).
Plan Your Visit to Sauer Lake
- 193 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Detroit Lakes
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 10.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 193 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 84 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 Sauer Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Mill Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes155 acres
1.1 miles away
Lake Melissa
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes1,850 acres
2 miles away
Johnson Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Shoreham183 acres
2.4 miles away
Meadow Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes71 acres
2.5 miles away
Leek Lake (Trowbridge)
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas621 acres
2.5 miles away
Little Pelican Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Vergas366 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sauer Lake?
Sauer Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Detroit Lakes. It covers 193 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sauer Lake?
Sauer Lake covers 193 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sauer 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 Sauer Lake?
Yes. Sauer Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sauer Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sauer 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 Sauer Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sauer Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.