Sleepy Eye Lake
About Sleepy Eye Lake
Sleepy Eye Lake is a 241-acre lake near Sleepy Eye in Brown County, Minnesota. It reaches 21 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 4.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows Swimming Beach on or beside the lake. Sleepy Eye Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around March 27, based on 15 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Sleepy Eye Lake
- 241 acres, up to 21 feet deep, near Sleepy Eye
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Swimming Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Sleepy Eye Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 241 acres
- Max depth
- 21 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 203 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: Swimming Beach
- Camping: Sleepy Eye Campground
- Picnic area
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
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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
- March 27
- Years of record
- 15
- Earliest
- March 6, 2017
- Latest
- April 18, 2013
- Most recent
- April 8, 2019
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Sleepy Eye Campground is mapped on or near Sleepy Eye 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 Sleepy Eye Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sleepy Eye Lake?
Sleepy Eye Lake is in Brown County, Minnesota, near Sleepy Eye. It covers 241 acres and reaches 21 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sleepy Eye Lake?
Sleepy Eye Lake covers 241 acres with about 4.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 21 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sleepy Eye Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sleepy Eye Lake?
Yes. Sleepy Eye Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sleepy Eye Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Swimming Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Sleepy Eye Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sleepy Eye Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Sleepy Eye Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 27, from 15 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 6, 2017 and the latest is April 18, 2013.
Can you camp at Sleepy Eye Lake?
Yes. Sleepy Eye Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.