Franklin Lake
About Franklin Lake
Franklin Lake is a 1,088-acre lake near Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 18 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to black and white crappie and sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 21, based on 13 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Franklin Lake
- 1,088 acres, up to 48 feet deep, near Pelican Rapids
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 8.3 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,088 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 749 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 18
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black and White Crappie: Minimum size limit 10". Daily limit five.
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 21
- Years of record
- 13
- Earliest
- March 29, 2016
- Latest
- May 6, 2022
- Most recent
- April 19, 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 Franklin Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Lake Lizzie (North Portion)
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,913 acres
1.8 miles away
Lake Crystal
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids1,413 acres
2.2 miles away
Fish Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids293 acres
2.9 miles away
Sand Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids152 acres
4 miles away
North Lida Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids5,523 acres
4.4 miles away
Pelican Lake
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreOtter Tail · Pelican Rapids3,962 acres
4.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Franklin Lake?
Franklin Lake is in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Pelican Rapids. It covers 1,088 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Franklin Lake?
Franklin Lake covers 1,088 acres with about 12.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet.
What fish can you catch at Franklin Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Franklin Lake?
Yes. Franklin Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Franklin Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Franklin 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 Franklin Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Franklin Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Franklin Lake?
Yes. Minimum size limit 10". Daily limit five. Daily limit five.
When does the ice go out on Franklin Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 21, from 13 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 29, 2016 and the latest is May 6, 2022.
Does Franklin Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Franklin Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.