East Chain
About East Chain
East Chain is a 481-acre lake near East Chain in Martin County, Minnesota. It reaches 6 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 5.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, white crappie, and yellow perch. 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 19, based on 9 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to East Chain
- 481 acres, up to 6 feet deep, near East Chain
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, white crappie, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 1.7 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
- 481 acres
- Max depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 481 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
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- March 19
- Years of record
- 9
- Earliest
- February 23, 2024
- 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 East Chain
Compare East Chain against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how East Chain ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
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5.3 miles away
Iowa Lake
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Willmert Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont335 acres
5.9 miles away
Imogene Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Imogene186 acres
6.9 miles away
Amber Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont182 acres
7 miles away
Hall Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont548 acres
7.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Chain?
East Chain is in Martin County, Minnesota, near East Chain. It covers 481 acres and reaches 6 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Chain?
East Chain covers 481 acres with about 5.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Chain?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, White Crappie, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on East Chain?
Yes. East Chain has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at East Chain?
There is no mapped public swim beach at East Chain. 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 East Chain stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for East Chain; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on East Chain?
The median ice-out date is March 19, from 9 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is February 23, 2024 and the latest is April 29, 2018.