Silver Lake
About Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a 50-acre lake near Rochester in Olmsted County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 2 feet, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. Special fishing regulations apply to largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and sunfish, black and white crappie, yellow perch, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2007.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.
Plan Your Visit to Silver Lake
- 50 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Rochester
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 1.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 50 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Average depth
- 2 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 50 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
- Marina: Marina
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2007
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Special regulations on this lake
- Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Combined possession limit one. The daily and possession limits for these species apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes
- Northern Pike: Possession limit one. The daily and possession limit of one for northern pike apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes
- Sunfish, Black and White Crappie, Yellow Perch: Combined possession limit ten, of which only five may be black or white crappie. The daily and possession limit for these species apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Silver Lake
Compare Silver Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Silver Creek Reservoir
22 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Chester107 acres
4.9 miles away
Bear Creek Reservoir
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Chester104 acres
7.8 miles away
Shady Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Oronoco144 acres
10.1 miles away
Lake Zumbro
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreOlmsted · Oronoco715 acres
10.2 miles away
Lake Pepin
76 out of 100 Lake ScoreGoodhue · Lake City12,299 acres
33.4 miles away
East Side Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreMower · Austin40 acres
35.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Silver Lake?
Silver Lake is in Olmsted County, Minnesota, near Rochester. It covers 50 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Silver Lake?
Silver Lake covers 50 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet and its average depth is about 2 feet.
What fish can you catch at Silver Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Silver Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Silver Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at 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 Silver Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Silver Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Silver Lake?
Yes. Combined possession limit one. The daily and possession limits for these species apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes Possession limit one. The daily and possession limit of one for northern pike apply to the waters listed as a whole, that is, only one daily and possession limit may be taken from the group of waters that comprise the Rochester-Olmsted County Area Lakes Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.