Albert Lea Lake
About Albert Lea Lake
Albert Lea Lake is a 2,669-acre lake near Albert Lea in Freeborn County, Minnesota. It reaches 6 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 4 feet, and has roughly 23.8 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Freeborn County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2021.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. OpenStreetMap shows Albert Lea Beach on or beside the lake. Backpack #5 and Backpack #4 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around March 31, based on 35 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Albert Lea Lake
- 2,669 acres, up to 6 feet deep, near Albert Lea
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Albert Lea Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Backpack #5 and Backpack #4
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,669 acres
- Max depth
- 6 ft
- Average depth
- 4 ft
- Shoreline
- 23.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,669 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Albert Lea Beach
- Camping: Backpack #5, Backpack #4, and Backpack #3
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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
- March 31
- Years of record
- 35
- Earliest
- March 5, 2000
- Latest
- April 18, 2013
- Most recent
- March 17, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Backpack #5, Backpack #4, Backpack #3, and Backpack #2 are mapped on or near Albert Lea Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Albert Lea Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Fountain Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Albert Lea522 acres
3.8 miles away
Pickeral Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Albert Lea588 acres
4.4 miles away
White Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Albert Lea168 acres
5 miles away
Bear Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Emmons1,033 acres
11.1 miles away
Lake Geneva
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Geneva1,884 acres
11.2 miles away
State Line Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Emmons372 acres
11.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Albert Lea Lake?
Albert Lea Lake is in Freeborn County, Minnesota, near Albert Lea. It covers 2,669 acres and reaches 6 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Albert Lea Lake?
Albert Lea Lake covers 2,669 acres with about 23.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 6 feet and its average depth is about 4 feet.
What fish can you catch at Albert Lea Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Albert Lea Lake?
Yes. Albert Lea Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Albert Lea Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Albert Lea Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Albert Lea Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Albert Lea Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Albert Lea Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 31, from 35 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 5, 2000 and the latest is April 18, 2013.
Can you camp at Albert Lea Lake?
Yes. Backpack #5, Backpack #4, and Backpack #3 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.