West Jefferson Lake
About West Jefferson Lake
West Jefferson Lake is a 439-acre lake near Marysburg in Le Sueur County, Minnesota. It reaches 24 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3 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. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 24, based on 18 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to West Jefferson Lake
- 439 acres, up to 24 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 3 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 439 acres
- Max depth
- 24 ft
- Shoreline
- 8 mi
- Water clarity
- 3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 348 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
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- March 24
- Years of record
- 18
- Earliest
- March 1, 2024
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- 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 West Jefferson Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Middle Jefferson Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg667 acres
1.7 miles away
Lake Washington
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Madison Lake1,516 acres
2.7 miles away
Swede's Bay
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg507 acres
2.8 miles away
Scotch Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Cleveland598 acres
3.2 miles away
East Jefferson Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreLe Sueur · Marysburg685 acres
3.3 miles away
George Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreBlue Earth · Marysburg88 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West Jefferson Lake?
West Jefferson Lake is in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, near Marysburg. It covers 439 acres and reaches 24 feet deep.
How big and how deep is West Jefferson Lake?
West Jefferson Lake covers 439 acres with about 8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 24 feet.
What fish can you catch at West 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 West Jefferson Lake?
Yes. West 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 West Jefferson Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at West 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 West Jefferson Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for West Jefferson Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on West Jefferson Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 24, from 18 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 1, 2024 and the latest is April 29, 2018.
Does West Jefferson Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists West 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.