Yankton Lake
About Yankton Lake
Yankton Lake is a 403-acre lake near Balaton in Lyon County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.9 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Lyon County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, white 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county.
Plan Your Visit to Yankton Lake
- 403 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near Balaton
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 403 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 401 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)
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
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 Yankton Lake
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Nearby Lakes
McKay Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Balaton167 acres
2.6 miles away
Lake of the Hill
13 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Garvin147 acres
3.8 miles away
Rock Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Russell379 acres
4.1 miles away
Iron Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreMurray · Current Lake282 acres
5.8 miles away
Currant Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreMurray · Balaton406 acres
7 miles away
Clear Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Russell66 acres
7.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Yankton Lake?
Yankton Lake is in Lyon County, Minnesota, near Balaton. It covers 403 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Yankton Lake?
Yankton Lake covers 403 acres with about 4.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Yankton Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, White 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 Yankton Lake?
Yes. Yankton Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Yankton Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Yankton 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 Yankton Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Yankton Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.