Badger Lake
About Badger Lake
Badger Lake is a 256-acre lake near Erskine in Polk County, Minnesota. It reaches 19 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, 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 2016.
There are 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth surface) managed by the county and Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Badger Lake
- 256 acres, up to 19 feet deep, near Erskine
- 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth) — managed by the county and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 8.2 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 256 acres
- Max depth
- 19 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 255 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 9
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2016
- 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 Badger Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Cameron Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Erskine225 acres
1.1 miles away
Lake Sarah
70 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Erskine366 acres
4.8 miles away
Lake Crystal
33 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Erskine118 acres
5.5 miles away
Cable Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Mentor194 acres
7.5 miles away
Union Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Erskine887 acres
7.5 miles away
Maple Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScorePolk · Mentor1,641 acres
7.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Badger Lake?
Badger Lake is in Polk County, Minnesota, near Erskine. It covers 256 acres and reaches 19 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Badger Lake?
Badger Lake covers 256 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 19 feet.
What fish can you catch at Badger Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Badger Lake?
Yes. Badger Lake has 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth), managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Badger Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Badger 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 Badger Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Badger Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.