Union Lake
About Union Lake
Union Lake is a 107-acre lake near Forada in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 14 feet, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 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 2022.
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 Union Lake
- 107 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Forada
- 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 11.2 feet
- 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
- 107 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Average depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 57 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
- 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
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 Union Lake
Compare Union Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Burgen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria174 acres
2.2 miles away
Maple Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada831 acres
3.1 miles away
Jessie Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Nelson110 acres
3.6 miles away
Lake Andrew
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada923 acres
3.7 miles away
Lake Victoria
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria417 acres
3.9 miles away
Turtle Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Forada218 acres
4.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Union Lake?
Union Lake is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Forada. It covers 107 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Union Lake?
Union Lake covers 107 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet and its average depth is about 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Union 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 Union Lake?
Yes. Union Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Union Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Union 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 Union Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Union Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Union Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Union 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.