Lake Francis
About Lake Francis
Lake Francis is a 269-acre lake near Isanti in Isanti County, Minnesota. It reaches 7 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 4 feet, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.9 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the township. Ice typically goes out around April 11, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Francis
- 269 acres, up to 7 feet deep, near Isanti
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.9 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
- township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 269 acres
- Max depth
- 7 ft
- Average depth
- 4 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 269 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
- Northern Pike 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 11
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- March 3, 2024
- Latest
- May 5, 2013
- Most recent
- March 31, 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 Lake Francis
Compare Lake Francis against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Lake Francis ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Isanti387 acres
2.3 miles away
Florence Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Edgewood135 acres
5.7 miles away
Spectacle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Cambridge246 acres
5.9 miles away
Green Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Princeton833 acres
7.1 miles away
Fannie Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Cambridge360 acres
7.8 miles away
Blue Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreIsanti · Princeton296 acres
8.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Francis?
Lake Francis is in Isanti County, Minnesota, near Isanti. It covers 269 acres and reaches 7 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Francis?
Lake Francis covers 269 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 7 feet and its average depth is about 4 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Francis?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Francis?
Yes. Lake Francis has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Francis?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Francis. 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 Francis stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Francis; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Francis?
The median ice-out date is April 11, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 3, 2024 and the latest is May 5, 2013.