Lake Marion
About Lake Marion
Lake Marion is a 530-acre lake near Lakeville in Dakota County, Minnesota. It reaches 21 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.2 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 12 Dakota County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9 feet.
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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county and city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 30, based on 14 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Marion
- 530 acres, up to 21 feet deep, near Lakeville
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county and city
- 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 9 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 530 acres
- Max depth
- 21 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 454 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
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Ice fishing
- 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
- 2021
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- March 30
- Years of record
- 14
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- March 28, 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 Lake Marion
Compare Lake Marion against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Marion ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Marion ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Lake Marion ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Marion ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Marion ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Orchard Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Lakeville238 acres
2.5 miles away
Lake Crystal
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Lakeville293 acres
3.8 miles away
Lac Lavon
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Burnsville66 acres
4.2 miles away
Cleary Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake145 acres
5.4 miles away
Alimagnet Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Apple Valley104 acres
5.8 miles away
McMahon Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Credit River187 acres
6.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Marion?
Lake Marion is in Dakota County, Minnesota, near Lakeville. It covers 530 acres and reaches 21 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Marion?
Lake Marion covers 530 acres with about 10.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 21 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Marion?
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 Lake Marion?
Yes. Lake Marion has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Marion?
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 Lake Marion stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Marion; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Marion?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Lake Marion?
The median ice-out date is March 30, from 14 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Lake Marion have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Marion as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.