Ballantyne Lake
About Ballantyne Lake
Ballantyne Lake is a 371-acre lake near Madison Lake in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. It reaches 58 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete 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 Ballantyne Lake
- 371 acres, up to 58 feet deep, near Madison Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — 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
- 371 acres
- Max depth
- 58 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 301 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 16
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 Ballantyne Lake
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1 miles away
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Eagle Lake
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West Jefferson Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ballantyne Lake?
Ballantyne Lake is in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, near Madison Lake. It covers 371 acres and reaches 58 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Ballantyne Lake?
Ballantyne Lake covers 371 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 58 feet.
What fish can you catch at Ballantyne Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Ballantyne Lake?
Yes. Ballantyne Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Ballantyne Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Ballantyne 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 Ballantyne Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Ballantyne Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Ballantyne Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Ballantyne 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.