South Center Lake
About South Center Lake
South Center Lake is a 910-acre lake near Lindstrom in Chisago County, Minnesota. It reaches 109 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.9 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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. Special fishing regulations apply to northern pike, and they override the statewide limits. 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 Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 2, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to South Center Lake
- 910 acres, up to 109 feet deep, near Lindstrom
- 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
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 3.9 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 (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 910 acres
- Max depth
- 109 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 561 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
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Northern Pike: All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 2
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2013
- Most recent
- April 1, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to South Center Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Linn Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom177 acres
1.4 miles away
South Lindstrom Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom455 acres
1.7 miles away
North Lindstrom Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom142 acres
1.9 miles away
Kroon Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Lindstrom193 acres
1.9 miles away
North Center Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Center City749 acres
2.1 miles away
Chisago Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreChisago · Chisago City944 acres
2.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Center Lake?
South Center Lake is in Chisago County, Minnesota, near Lindstrom. It covers 910 acres and reaches 109 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Center Lake?
South Center Lake covers 910 acres with about 12.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 109 feet.
What fish can you catch at South Center 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 South Center Lake?
Yes. South Center Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at South Center Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South Center 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 South Center Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for South Center Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on South Center Lake?
Yes. All from 24-36" must be immediately released. Possession limit three, only one over 36".
When does the ice go out on South Center Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 2, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2013.
Does South Center Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists South Center 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.