Iowa Lake
About Iowa Lake
Iowa Lake is a 705-acre lake near Fairmont in Martin County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 0.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer. The lake is a border water shared with Iowa, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, largemouth bass, black crappie, white 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around March 23, based on 26 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Iowa Lake
- 705 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Fairmont
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 0.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Border water with Iowa — know which side of the line you are fishing on
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 705 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 0.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 478 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Iowa differ from Minnesota inland rules
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
- 15
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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 23
- Years of record
- 26
- Earliest
- February 23, 2024
- Latest
- April 29, 2018
- Most recent
- March 10, 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 Iowa Lake
Compare Iowa Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Iowa Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
South Silver Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont252 acres
1.7 miles away
Willmert Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont335 acres
4.6 miles away
East Chain
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · East Chain481 acres
5.7 miles away
Okamanpeedan Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Ceylon2,268 acres
6.7 miles away
Bright Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Ceylon639 acres
7.4 miles away
Amber Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont182 acres
7.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Iowa Lake?
Iowa Lake is in Martin County, Minnesota, near Fairmont. It covers 705 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Iowa Lake?
Iowa Lake covers 705 acres with about 12.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Iowa Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Iowa Lake?
Yes. Iowa Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Iowa Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Iowa 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 Iowa Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Iowa Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Iowa Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 23, from 26 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is February 23, 2024 and the latest is April 29, 2018.