East Side Lake
About East Side Lake
East Side Lake is a 40-acre lake near Austin in Mower County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the city.
Plan Your Visit to East Side Lake
- 40 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Austin
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 1.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 40 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 40 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)
- Picnic area
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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 East Side Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is East Side Lake?
East Side Lake is in Mower County, Minnesota, near Austin. It covers 40 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is East Side Lake?
East Side Lake covers 40 acres with about 1.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at East Side Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, and Bluegill. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on East Side Lake?
Yes. East Side Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at East Side Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at East Side 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 East Side Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for East Side Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.