Villard Lake
About Villard Lake
Villard Lake is a 544-acre lake near Villard in Pope County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Villard Lake
- 544 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Villard
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 5.1 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 544 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 541 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)
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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit 10.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Villard Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Leven Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Villard282 acres
1.3 miles away
Amelia Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Villard934 acres
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Westport Lake
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Maple Lake
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Lake Reno
58 out of 100 Lake ScorePope · Forada3,809 acres
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Turtle Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Villard Lake?
Villard Lake is in Pope County, Minnesota, near Villard. It covers 544 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Villard Lake?
Villard Lake covers 544 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Villard Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Villard Lake?
Yes. Villard Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Villard Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Villard 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 Villard Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Villard Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Villard Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
Does Villard Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Villard 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.