Lake Byllesby
About Lake Byllesby
Lake Byllesby is a 1,368-acre reservoir near Cannon Falls in Dakota County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 13.9 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 12 Dakota County lakes in this directory.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 22 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie. 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 2023.
There are 3 public boat launches (asphalt surface) managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows Lake Byllesby Beach and Lake Byllesby beach on or beside the lake. Lake Byllesby and Phillippo Scout Reservation are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with flowering rush and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Byllesby
- 1,368 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Cannon Falls
- 3 public boat launches (asphalt) — managed by the county and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Lake Byllesby Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Lake Byllesby and Phillippo Scout Reservation
- Listed as infested with flowering rush and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,368 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.9 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 976 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
- 3 public boat launches (asphalt)
- Swim beach: Lake Byllesby Beach, Lake Byllesby beach, and Lake Byllesby Beach Swimming Area
- Camping: Lake Byllesby and Phillippo Scout Reservation
- Fishing pier
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Shore fishing from a pier
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 22
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- Yes
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Lake Byllesby and Phillippo Scout Reservation are mapped on or near Lake Byllesby. 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 Lake Byllesby
Compare Lake Byllesby against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Lake Byllesby ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Byllesby ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Byllesby ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
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12.4 miles away
Clear Lake
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16.1 miles away
Spring Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Hastings1,494 acres
17 miles away
Union Lake
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17 miles away
Lake Rebecca
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Hastings82 acres
17.1 miles away
Goose Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreGoodhue · Stroms220 acres
17.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Byllesby?
Lake Byllesby is in Dakota County, Minnesota, near Cannon Falls. It covers 1,368 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Byllesby?
Lake Byllesby covers 1,368 acres with about 13.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Byllesby?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Lake Byllesby?
Yes. Lake Byllesby has 3 public boat launches (asphalt), managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Byllesby?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Lake Byllesby Beach and Lake Byllesby beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Byllesby stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Byllesby; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Lake Byllesby?
Yes. Lake Byllesby and Phillippo Scout Reservation are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Byllesby have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Byllesby as infested with flowering rush and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.