Temperance Lake
About Temperance Lake
Temperance Lake is a 166-acre lake near Sherburn in Martin County, Minnesota. It reaches 5 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 0.4 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city.
Plan Your Visit to Temperance Lake
- 166 acres, up to 5 feet deep, near Sherburn
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 0.4 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
- 166 acres
- Max depth
- 5 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 0.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 166 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)
- 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
- 10
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Temperance Lake
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Nearby Lakes
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57 out of 100 Lake ScoreMartin · Sherburn951 acres
1.5 miles away
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Cedar Lake
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Clear Lake
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Bright Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Temperance Lake?
Temperance Lake is in Martin County, Minnesota, near Sherburn. It covers 166 acres and reaches 5 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Temperance Lake?
Temperance Lake covers 166 acres with about 2.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 5 feet.
What fish can you catch at Temperance Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Temperance Lake?
Yes. Temperance Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Temperance Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Temperance 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 Temperance Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Temperance Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.