Lake Sarah
About Lake Sarah
Lake Sarah is a 557-acre lake near Rockford in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 59 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.6 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
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. Special fishing regulations apply to crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the city. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 3, based on 11 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Sarah
- 557 acres, up to 59 feet deep, near Rockford
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 2.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 557 acres
- Max depth
- 59 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 373 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 (asphalt)
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
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Crappie, Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 3
- Years of record
- 11
- Earliest
- March 18, 2012
- Latest
- May 2, 2018
- Most recent
- April 14, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Sarah
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Independence
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Plain832 acres
2.6 miles away
Lake Rebecca
74 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Rockford263 acres
3.1 miles away
Spurzem Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Medina82 acres
3.5 miles away
Martha Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Hanover102 acres
6.2 miles away
Lake Charlotte
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Hanover253 acres
7 miles away
Long Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Long Lake285 acres
7.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Sarah?
Lake Sarah is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Rockford. It covers 557 acres and reaches 59 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Sarah?
Lake Sarah covers 557 acres with about 7.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 59 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Sarah?
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 Lake Sarah?
Yes. Lake Sarah has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Sarah?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Sarah. 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 Lake Sarah stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Sarah; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Lake Sarah?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Lake Sarah?
The median ice-out date is April 3, from 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 18, 2012 and the latest is May 2, 2018.
Does Lake Sarah have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Sarah as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.