Sunfish Lake
About Sunfish Lake
Sunfish Lake is a 121-acre lake near Kilkenny in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.9 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 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 county. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Sunfish Lake
- 121 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Kilkenny
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.9 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 121 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 77 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
- 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 Sunfish Lake
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Upper Sakatah Lake
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Lower Sakatah Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sunfish Lake?
Sunfish Lake is in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, near Kilkenny. It covers 121 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Sunfish Lake?
Sunfish Lake covers 121 acres with about 1.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Sunfish Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Sunfish Lake?
Yes. Sunfish Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Sunfish Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Sunfish 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 Sunfish Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Sunfish Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Sunfish Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Sunfish 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.