Medicine Lake
About Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake is a 924-acre lake near Plymouth in Hennepin County, Minnesota. It reaches 49 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.8 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 40 Hennepin County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the county. OpenStreetMap shows French Park Beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 8, based on 142 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Medicine Lake
- 924 acres, up to 49 feet deep, near Plymouth
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the county
- 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 7 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (French Park Beach)
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 924 acres
- Max depth
- 49 ft
- Shoreline
- 8.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 399 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
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Swim beach: French Park Beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 8
- Years of record
- 142
- Earliest
- March 7, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2018
- Most recent
- March 30, 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 Medicine Lake
Compare Medicine Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Medicine Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Medicine Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Medicine Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Medicine Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Medicine Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Parkers Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Plymouth100 acres
2.7 miles away
Bass Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove182 acres
3.2 miles away
Pike Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove57 acres
4 miles away
Gleason Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Wayzata135 acres
4 miles away
Eagle Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Maple Grove296 acres
4.5 miles away
Lake Crystal
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreHennepin · Robbinsdale79 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, near Plymouth. It covers 924 acres and reaches 49 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake covers 924 acres with about 8.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 49 feet.
What fish can you catch at Medicine Lake?
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 Medicine Lake?
Yes. Medicine Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Medicine Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (French Park Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Medicine Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Medicine Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Medicine Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Medicine Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 8, from 142 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2018.
Does Medicine Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Medicine Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.