---
type: lake
name: "Heron Lake (South Heron)"
county: "Jackson"
nearest_town: "Lakefield"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 2641
max_depth_ft: 5
latitude: 43.72034
longitude: -95.22947
lake_score: 52
dnr_lake_id: "32005707"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/jackson-county/heron-lake-south-heron
---

# Heron Lake (South Heron)

Lake in Jackson County, Minnesota, near Lakefield

- **Surface Area**: 2,641 acres
- **Max Depth**: 5 ft
- **Average Depth**: 3 ft
- **Shoreline**: 14.4 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 1.1 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 52/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR, county
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 10
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2023
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Sandy Point Park

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Orangespotted Sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead

## Nearby Lakes

- [Flahtery Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/jackson-county/flahtery-lake) - 2.3 miles, 457 acres
- [Timber Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/jackson-county/timber-lake) - 6.8 miles, 191 acres
- [Lake Independence](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/jackson-county/lake-independence) - 9.5 miles, 99 acres
- [Clear Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/jackson-county/clear-lake) - 9.7 miles, 434 acres
- [String Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cottonwood-county/string-lake) - 10.1 miles, 336 acres
- [Fish Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/jackson-county/fish-lake) - 12.6 miles, 297 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=43.72034,-95.22947)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=32005707)
- [All lakes in Jackson County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/jackson-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/jackson-county/heron-lake-south-heron)*