Freeborn Lake
About Freeborn Lake
Freeborn Lake is a 248-acre lake near Farwell in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 12 feet, and has roughly 3.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 2020.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Freeborn Lake
- 248 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Farwell
- 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 3.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- 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
- 248 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Average depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 172 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)
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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Freeborn Lake
Compare Freeborn Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Freeborn Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Freeborn Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Freeborn Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Freeborn Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
South Oscar Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas997 acres
2.3 miles away
Rachel Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City448 acres
3 miles away
Blackwell Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City307 acres
3.6 miles away
Grants Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City177 acres
4.2 miles away
Pocket Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City263 acres
4.8 miles away
Crooked Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Holmes City284 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Freeborn Lake?
Freeborn Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Farwell. It covers 248 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Freeborn Lake?
Freeborn Lake covers 248 acres with about 3.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet and its average depth is about 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Freeborn 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 Freeborn Lake?
Yes. Freeborn Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Freeborn Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Freeborn 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 Freeborn Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Freeborn Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Freeborn Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Freeborn 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.