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Lake Geneva

lakeDouglas County, Minnesota · near Alexandria640 acres70 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is a 640-acre lake near Alexandria in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 63 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 24 feet, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.3 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 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 April 12, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.

Plan Your Visit to Lake Geneva

What to Know Before You Go
  • 640 acres, up to 63 feet deep, near Alexandria
  • 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
  • Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
  • Average water clarity around 12.3 feet — very clear
  • 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
2 public boat launches (concrete)
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses
Managed by
Minnesota DNR

Conditions

Surface area
640 acres
Max depth
63 ft
Average depth
24 ft
Shoreline
5.2 mi
Water clarity
12.3 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
295 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

  • 2 public boat launches (concrete)
  • Swim beach

Best For

  • Walleye fishing
  • Swimming and beach days
  • Quiet paddling
  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake

Angler's Report

Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Species on survey
17
Game fish
9
Stocked
Yes
Last DNR survey
2024
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 12
Years of record
8
Earliest
March 29, 2017
Latest
May 1, 2008
Most recent
April 25, 2023

See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddlingSwimming

Amenities

Boat RampSwim Beach

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeLargemouth BassSmallmouth BassBlack CrappieBluegillPumpkinseedYellow PerchRock BassBlack BullheadBowfinBrown BullheadCommon CarpGreen SunfishHybrid SunfishWhite SuckerYellow Bullhead

Plan your trip to Lake Geneva

Compare Lake Geneva against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Geneva?

Lake Geneva is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Alexandria. It covers 640 acres and reaches 63 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Lake Geneva?

Lake Geneva covers 640 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 63 feet and its average depth is about 24 feet.

What fish can you catch at Lake Geneva?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth 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 Lake Geneva?

Yes. Lake Geneva has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.

Can you swim at Lake Geneva?

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 Geneva stocked?

Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Geneva; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.

When does the ice go out on Lake Geneva?

The median ice-out date is April 12, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 29, 2017 and the latest is May 1, 2008.

Does Lake Geneva have invasive species?

Yes. The DNR lists Lake Geneva 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.