Brophy Lake
About Brophy Lake
Brophy Lake is a 297-acre lake near Alexandria in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 44 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 11, based on 7 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Brophy Lake
- 297 acres, up to 44 feet deep, near Alexandria
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 297 acres
- Max depth
- 44 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 164 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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
- April 11
- Years of record
- 7
- Earliest
- April 7, 2004
- Latest
- April 30, 2008
- Most recent
- April 12, 2015
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Brophy Lake
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Nearby Lakes
North Union Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria118 acres
1 miles away
Cowdry Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria243 acres
1.3 miles away
Mina Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Garfield411 acres
1.8 miles away
Lake Louise
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Garfield214 acres
2 miles away
Lake Latoka
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria767 acres
2.1 miles away
Lake Darling
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria1,050 acres
2.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Brophy Lake?
Brophy Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Alexandria. It covers 297 acres and reaches 44 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Brophy Lake?
Brophy Lake covers 297 acres with about 3.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 44 feet.
What fish can you catch at Brophy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Brophy Lake?
Yes. Brophy Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Brophy 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 Brophy Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Brophy Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Brophy Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 7 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 7, 2004 and the latest is April 30, 2008.
Does Brophy Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Brophy Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.