Budd Lake
About Budd Lake
Budd Lake is a 228-acre lake near Fairmont in Martin County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.2 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 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to yellow bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. Ice typically goes out around March 27, based on 83 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Budd Lake
- 228 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Fairmont
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 2.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 228 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 111 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
- 19
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- yellow bass: daily limit 100, no possession limit, no closed season.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- March 27
- Years of record
- 83
- Earliest
- March 1, 1987
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- March 9, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Budd Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Sisseton Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont138 acres
0.8 miles away
Hall Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont548 acres
1.1 miles away
George Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont83 acres
1.6 miles away
Amber Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont182 acres
2.3 miles away
Imogene Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Imogene186 acres
5 miles away
Willmert Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont335 acres
5.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Budd Lake?
Budd Lake is in Martin County, Minnesota, near Fairmont. It covers 228 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Budd Lake?
Budd Lake covers 228 acres with about 2.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet.
What fish can you catch at Budd Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Budd Lake?
Yes. Budd Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Budd Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Budd 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 Budd Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Budd Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Budd Lake?
Yes. daily limit 100, no possession limit, no closed season.
When does the ice go out on Budd Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 27, from 83 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 1, 1987 and the latest is April 29, 2018.