Duck Lake
About Duck Lake
Duck Lake is a 290-acre lake near Madison Lake in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. It reaches 25 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 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 county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Sakatah Trail Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 4, based on 41 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Duck Lake
- 290 acres, up to 25 feet deep, near Madison Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Sakatah Trail Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 290 acres
- Max depth
- 25 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 231 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)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Sakatah Trail Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 17
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 4
- Years of record
- 41
- Earliest
- March 7, 2000
- Latest
- April 30, 1988
- Most recent
- April 12, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Sakatah Trail Campground is mapped on or near Duck Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Duck Lake
Compare Duck Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Duck Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Ballantyne Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Madison Lake371 acres
1 miles away
Lake Madison
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Madison Lake1,447 acres
2.3 miles away
George Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Marysburg88 acres
2.9 miles away
Swede's Bay
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg507 acres
3.6 miles away
Lake Washington
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Madison Lake1,516 acres
3.8 miles away
West Jefferson Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg439 acres
4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Duck Lake?
Duck Lake is in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, near Madison Lake. It covers 290 acres and reaches 25 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Duck Lake?
Duck Lake covers 290 acres with about 2.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 25 feet.
What fish can you catch at Duck 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 Duck Lake?
Yes. Duck Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Duck Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Duck Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Duck Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Duck Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 4, from 41 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2000 and the latest is April 30, 1988.
Can you camp at Duck Lake?
Yes. Sakatah Trail Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.