Upper Sakatah Lake
About Upper Sakatah Lake
Upper Sakatah Lake is an 892-acre lake near Waterville in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.5 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 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 2020.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground and Scotts Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and flowering rush — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 28, based on 26 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Upper Sakatah Lake
- 892 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Waterville
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Sakatah Lake State Park Campground and Scotts Campground
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and flowering rush — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 892 acres
- Max depth
- 12 ft
- Shoreline
- 8 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 892 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, Scotts Campground, and Cannon Gate Park
- Picnic area
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
- 15
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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
- March 28
- Years of record
- 26
- Earliest
- February 27, 2024
- Latest
- April 21, 2013
- Most recent
- March 15, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, Scotts Campground, Cannon Gate Park, and Kamp Dels are mapped on or near Upper Sakatah 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
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Nearby Lakes
Lower Sakatah Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Morristown372 acres
2 miles away
Horseshoe Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville417 acres
2.6 miles away
Lake Tetonka
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Waterville1,358 acres
3.4 miles away
Sunfish Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Kilkenny121 acres
4.4 miles away
Reeds Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Elysian195 acres
4.5 miles away
Toner's Lake
14 out of 100 Lake ScoreWaseca · Palmer130 acres
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Upper Sakatah Lake?
Upper Sakatah Lake is in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, near Waterville. It covers 892 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Upper Sakatah Lake?
Upper Sakatah Lake covers 892 acres with about 8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet.
What fish can you catch at Upper Sakatah Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, and White Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Upper Sakatah Lake?
Yes. Upper Sakatah Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Upper Sakatah Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Upper Sakatah 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 Upper Sakatah Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Upper Sakatah Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Upper Sakatah Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 28, from 26 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is February 27, 2024 and the latest is April 21, 2013.
Can you camp at Upper Sakatah Lake?
Yes. Sakatah Lake State Park Campground, Scotts Campground, and Cannon Gate Park are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Upper Sakatah Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Upper Sakatah Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and flowering rush. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.