South Silver Lake
About South Silver Lake
South Silver Lake is a 252-acre lake near Fairmont in Martin County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 14 feet, and has roughly 4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.8 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. 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 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around March 25, based on 26 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to South Silver Lake
- 252 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Fairmont
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 2.8 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
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 252 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Average depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 4 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 142 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 25
- Years of record
- 26
- Earliest
- February 27, 2024
- Latest
- May 5, 2008
- 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 South Silver Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Iowa Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont705 acres
1.7 miles away
Willmert Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Fairmont335 acres
2.9 miles away
East Chain
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · East Chain481 acres
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Amber Lake
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6 miles away
Bright Lake
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Okamanpeedan Lake
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6.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Silver Lake?
South Silver Lake is in Martin County, Minnesota, near Fairmont. It covers 252 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Silver Lake?
South Silver Lake covers 252 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet and its average depth is about 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at South Silver Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, 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 South Silver Lake?
Yes. South Silver Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at South Silver Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South Silver 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 South Silver Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for South Silver Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on South Silver Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 25, from 26 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is February 27, 2024 and the latest is May 5, 2008.