Lake Pepin
About Lake Pepin
Lake Pepin is a 12,299-acre river lake near Lake City in Goodhue County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 21 feet, and has roughly 54.9 miles of shoreline. The lake is a border water shared with Wisconsin, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 43 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There are 4 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city and township. OpenStreetMap shows Florence Township Beach on or beside the lake. Frontenac State Park Cart-in and G4 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, bighead carp, silver carp, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 29, based on 110 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Pepin
- 12,299 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Lake City
- 4 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city and township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Florence Township Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Frontenac State Park Cart-in and G4
- Border water with Wisconsin — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, bighead carp, silver carp, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 12,299 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Average depth
- 21 ft
- Shoreline
- 54.9 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 8,060 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Wisconsin differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 4 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Florence Township Beach
- Camping: Frontenac State Park Cart-in, G4, and G5
- Marina: Hansen's Harbor and Lake City Marina
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Current, barge traffic and changing water levels make this different from a still lake
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 43
- Game fish
- 16
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- No
- 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 29
- Years of record
- 110
- Earliest
- February 29, 2000
- Latest
- May 20, 1843
- Most recent
- March 29, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Frontenac State Park Cart-in, G4, G5, and G3 are mapped on or near Lake Pepin. 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 Lake Pepin
Compare Lake Pepin against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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20.1 miles away
Clear Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreGoodhue · Etter226 acres
23.6 miles away
Lake Zumbro
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Oronoco715 acres
24.2 miles away
Shady Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Oronoco144 acres
26.7 miles away
Silver Creek Reservoir
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Chester107 acres
31.8 miles away
Silver Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Rochester50 acres
33.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Pepin?
Lake Pepin is in Goodhue County, Minnesota, near Lake City. It covers 12,299 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Pepin?
Lake Pepin covers 12,299 acres with about 54.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet and its average depth is about 21 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Pepin?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Pepin?
Yes. Lake Pepin has 4 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Pepin?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Florence Township Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Pepin stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lake Pepin; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Lake Pepin?
The median ice-out date is March 29, from 110 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is February 29, 2000 and the latest is May 20, 1843.
Can you camp at Lake Pepin?
Yes. Frontenac State Park Cart-in, G4, and G5 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Lake Pepin have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Pepin as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, bighead carp, silver carp, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.