Heron Lake (South Heron)
About Heron Lake (South Heron)
Heron Lake (South Heron) is a 2,641-acre lake near Lakefield in Jackson County, Minnesota. It reaches 5 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 3 feet, and has roughly 14.4 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Jackson County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, 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 2023.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. Sandy Point Park is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Heron Lake (South Heron)
- 2,641 acres, up to 5 feet deep, near Lakefield
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 1.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Sandy Point Park
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 2,641 acres
- Max depth
- 5 ft
- Average depth
- 3 ft
- Shoreline
- 14.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 2,641 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Sandy Point Park
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Sandy Point Park is mapped on or near Heron Lake (South Heron). 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 Heron Lake (South Heron)
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Nearby Lakes
Flahtery Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Lakefield457 acres
2.3 miles away
Timber Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Windom191 acres
6.8 miles away
Lake Independence
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson99 acres
9.5 miles away
Clear Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Jackson434 acres
9.7 miles away
String Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCottonwood · Wilder336 acres
10.1 miles away
Fish Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreJackson · Windom297 acres
12.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Heron Lake (South Heron)?
Heron Lake (South Heron) is in Jackson County, Minnesota, near Lakefield. It covers 2,641 acres and reaches 5 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Heron Lake (South Heron)?
Heron Lake (South Heron) covers 2,641 acres with about 14.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 5 feet and its average depth is about 3 feet.
What fish can you catch at Heron Lake (South Heron)?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Heron Lake (South Heron)?
Yes. Heron Lake (South Heron) has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Heron Lake (South Heron)?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Heron Lake (South Heron). 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 Heron Lake (South Heron) stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Heron Lake (South Heron); species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Heron Lake (South Heron)?
Yes. Sandy Point Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.