Fountain Lake
About Fountain Lake
Fountain Lake is a 522-acre lake near Albert Lea in Freeborn County, Minnesota. It reaches 14 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 14.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 17 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white 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 city. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 111 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Fountain Lake
- 522 acres, up to 14 feet deep, near Albert Lea
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 1.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 522 acres
- Max depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 521 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)
- Picnic area
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
- 17
- Game fish
- 8
- 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 6
- Years of record
- 111
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 1953
- Most recent
- March 22, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Fountain Lake
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Nearby Lakes
White Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Albert Lea168 acres
1.6 miles away
Pickeral Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Albert Lea588 acres
2.8 miles away
Albert Lea Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Albert Lea2,669 acres
3.8 miles away
Bear Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Emmons1,033 acres
10.3 miles away
Lake Geneva
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Geneva1,884 acres
10.3 miles away
Freeborn Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Freeborn2,034 acres
10.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake is in Freeborn County, Minnesota, near Albert Lea. It covers 522 acres and reaches 14 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake covers 522 acres with about 14.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fountain Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, 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 Fountain Lake?
Yes. Fountain Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Fountain Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Fountain 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 Fountain Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Fountain Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Fountain Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 111 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 1953.