Preston Lake
About Preston Lake
Preston Lake is a 655-acre lake near Buffalo Lake in Renville County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 7 feet, and has roughly 5.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, 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 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Preston Lake
- 655 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Buffalo Lake
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 655 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Average depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 655 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
- 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
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 Preston Lake
Compare Preston Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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Round Grove Lake
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Lake Marion
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Otter Lake
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Hoff Lake
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Stahl's Lake
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13.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Preston Lake?
Preston Lake is in Renville County, Minnesota, near Buffalo Lake. It covers 655 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Preston Lake?
Preston Lake covers 655 acres with about 5.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet and its average depth is about 7 feet.
What fish can you catch at Preston Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Preston Lake?
Yes. Preston Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Preston Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Preston 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 Preston Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Preston Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.