Lake Independence
About Lake Independence
Lake Independence is a 99-acre lake near Jackson in Jackson County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Independence
- 99 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Jackson
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 4.5 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 99 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 97 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
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Independence
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Independence?
Lake Independence is in Jackson County, Minnesota, near Jackson. It covers 99 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Independence?
Lake Independence covers 99 acres with about 1.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Independence?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Independence?
Yes. Lake Independence has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Independence?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Independence. 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 Independence stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Independence; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Lake Independence have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Independence as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.