Middle Jefferson Lake
About Middle Jefferson Lake
Middle Jefferson Lake is a 667-acre lake near Marysburg in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 2018.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 3, based on 37 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Middle Jefferson Lake
- 667 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near Marysburg
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 1.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 667 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 667 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
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
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
- 15
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 3
- Years of record
- 37
- Earliest
- March 7, 2000
- Latest
- April 18, 1979
- Most recent
- March 15, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Middle Jefferson Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Swede's Bay
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg507 acres
1.4 miles away
East Jefferson Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg685 acres
1.6 miles away
West Jefferson Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg439 acres
1.7 miles away
Scotch Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Cleveland598 acres
2.9 miles away
German Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Greenland889 acres
3.2 miles away
Roemhildts Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Mankato74 acres
3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Middle Jefferson Lake?
Middle Jefferson Lake is in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, near Marysburg. It covers 667 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Middle Jefferson Lake?
Middle Jefferson Lake covers 667 acres with about 5.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Middle Jefferson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black 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 Middle Jefferson Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Middle Jefferson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Middle 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 Middle Jefferson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Middle Jefferson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Middle Jefferson Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 3, from 37 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2000 and the latest is April 18, 1979.
Does Middle Jefferson Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Middle 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.