Freeborn Lake
About Freeborn Lake
Freeborn Lake is a 2,034-acre lake near Freeborn in Freeborn County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 2 feet, and has roughly 11.8 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 8 Freeborn County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 0.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including northern pike 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 is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county.
Plan Your Visit to Freeborn Lake
- 2,034 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near Freeborn
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 0.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,034 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Average depth
- 2 ft
- Shoreline
- 11.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 0.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,034 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)
- 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
- 4
- Game fish
- 2
- 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.
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.
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See how Freeborn Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Freeborn Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
White Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Albert Lea168 acres
9.6 miles away
Fountain Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Albert Lea522 acres
10.7 miles away
Rice Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreFaribault · Wells266 acres
11 miles away
Pickeral Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Albert Lea588 acres
11.2 miles away
St. Olaf Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Mankato91 acres
13.3 miles away
Bear Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreFreeborn · Emmons1,033 acres
14.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Freeborn Lake?
Freeborn Lake is in Freeborn County, Minnesota, near Freeborn. It covers 2,034 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Freeborn Lake?
Freeborn Lake covers 2,034 acres with about 11.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet and its average depth is about 2 feet.
What fish can you catch at Freeborn Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. 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 county. 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.