Horseshoe Lake
About Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is a 417-acre lake near Waterville in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It reaches 26 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, 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 Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with flowering rush — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 6, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Horseshoe Lake
- 417 acres, up to 26 feet deep, near Waterville
- 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 yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with flowering rush — 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
- 417 acres
- Max depth
- 26 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 338 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
- 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
- 13
- 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 6
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 2, 2024
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- March 2, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Horseshoe Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lower Sakatah Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Morristown372 acres
2.1 miles away
Upper Sakatah Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville892 acres
2.6 miles away
Sunfish Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Kilkenny121 acres
3 miles away
Caron Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Kilkenny319 acres
4 miles away
Lake Tetonka
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville1,358 acres
4.7 miles away
Rice Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville331 acres
5.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake is in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, near Waterville. It covers 417 acres and reaches 26 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake covers 417 acres with about 5.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 26 feet.
What fish can you catch at Horseshoe Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Horseshoe Lake?
Yes. Horseshoe Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Horseshoe Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Horseshoe Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Horseshoe Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 6, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 2, 2024 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
Does Horseshoe Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Horseshoe Lake as infested with flowering rush. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.