Garfield Lake
About Garfield Lake
Garfield Lake is a 972-acre lake near Laporte in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 6.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. The lake is listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 27, based on 12 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Garfield Lake
- 972 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Laporte
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — 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 16 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with starry stonewort and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 972 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 16 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- 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 27
- Years of record
- 12
- Earliest
- April 4, 2021
- Latest
- May 8, 2022
- Most recent
- May 8, 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 Garfield Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Horseshoe Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Laporte264 acres
3.7 miles away
Kabekona Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Laporte2,433 acres
4 miles away
Hart Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Guthrie226 acres
4.5 miles away
Swamp Lake
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Wilkinson600 acres
4.9 miles away
Steamboat Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCass · Cass Lake1,756 acres
4.9 miles away
Benedict Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Benedict464 acres
6.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Garfield Lake?
Garfield Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Laporte. It covers 972 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Garfield Lake?
Garfield Lake covers 972 acres with about 6.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Garfield Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Garfield Lake?
Yes. Garfield Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Garfield Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Garfield 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 Garfield Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Garfield Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Garfield Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Garfield Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 27, from 12 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 4, 2021 and the latest is May 8, 2022.
Does Garfield Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Garfield Lake as infested with 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.