Orchard Lake
About Orchard Lake
Orchard Lake is a 238-acre lake near Lakeville in Dakota County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.4 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. 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 8, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Orchard Lake
- 238 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Lakeville
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 9.4 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 238 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 177 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
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
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskellunge: Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 8
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- March 3, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Orchard Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Crystal
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Lakeville293 acres
2.5 miles away
Lake Marion
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Lakeville530 acres
2.5 miles away
Lac Lavon
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Burnsville66 acres
3.4 miles away
Cleary Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Prior Lake145 acres
4.1 miles away
Alimagnet Lake
9 out of 100 Lake ScoreDakota · Apple Valley104 acres
4.3 miles away
Lower Prior Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreScott · Grainwood956 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Orchard Lake?
Orchard Lake is in Dakota County, Minnesota, near Lakeville. It covers 238 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Orchard Lake?
Orchard Lake covers 238 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet.
What fish can you catch at Orchard Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Tiger Muskellunge, 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 Orchard Lake?
Yes. Orchard Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Orchard 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 Orchard Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Orchard Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Orchard Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 40". Possession limit one.
When does the ice go out on Orchard Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 8, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does Orchard Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Orchard 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.