Perch Lake
About Perch Lake
Perch Lake is a 174-acre lake near Truman in Martin County, Minnesota. It reaches 5 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.6 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here. 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 2014.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the township. Perch Lake Park Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Perch Lake
- 174 acres, up to 5 feet deep, near Truman
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the township
- Average water clarity around 1.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Perch Lake Park Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 174 acres
- Max depth
- 5 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 174 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 (gravel or earth)
- Camping: Perch Lake Park Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 3
- Game fish
- 0
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2014
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- No
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Perch Lake Park Campground is mapped on or near Perch Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Perch Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Perch Lake?
Perch Lake is in Martin County, Minnesota, near Truman. It covers 174 acres and reaches 5 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Perch Lake?
Perch Lake covers 174 acres with about 2.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 5 feet.
What fish can you catch at Perch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Black Bullhead, Common Carp, and Yellow Bullhead. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Perch Lake?
Yes. Perch Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Perch Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Perch 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 Perch Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Perch Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Perch Lake?
Yes. Perch Lake Park Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.