East Jefferson Lake
About East Jefferson Lake
East Jefferson Lake is a 685-acre lake near Marysburg in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. 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 Minnesota DNR. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to East Jefferson Lake
- 685 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Marysburg
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water
- 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
- 685 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 343 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)
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 18
- Game fish
- 9
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near East Jefferson Lake. 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 East Jefferson Lake
Compare East Jefferson Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how East Jefferson Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how East Jefferson Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how East Jefferson Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how East Jefferson Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how East Jefferson Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Swede's Bay
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg507 acres
1.1 miles away
German Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Greenland889 acres
1.6 miles away
Middle Jefferson Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg667 acres
1.6 miles away
Roemhildts Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Mankato74 acres
2.3 miles away
West Jefferson Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg439 acres
3.3 miles away
Scotch Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Cleveland598 acres
3.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Jefferson Lake?
East Jefferson Lake is in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, near Marysburg. It covers 685 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Jefferson Lake?
East Jefferson Lake covers 685 acres with about 5.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Jefferson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and White Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on East Jefferson Lake?
Yes. East Jefferson Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at East Jefferson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at East Jefferson 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 East Jefferson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for East Jefferson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at East Jefferson Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does East Jefferson Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists East Jefferson Lake 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.