French Lake
About French Lake
French Lake is an 876-acre lake near Faribault in Rice County, Minnesota. It reaches 56 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie. 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 31, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to French Lake
- 876 acres, up to 56 feet deep, near Faribault
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Average water clarity around 2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 876 acres
- Max depth
- 56 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 398 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- March 31
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- March 2, 2024
- Latest
- April 30, 2018
- Most recent
- March 26, 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 French Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Dudley Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Faribault128 acres
1.8 miles away
Mazaska Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville688 acres
2.3 miles away
Roberds Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville632 acres
2.5 miles away
Hunt Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville176 acres
2.7 miles away
Shields Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville940 acres
3.2 miles away
Cedar Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Warsaw902 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is French Lake?
French Lake is in Rice County, Minnesota, near Faribault. It covers 876 acres and reaches 56 feet deep.
How big and how deep is French Lake?
French Lake covers 876 acres with about 4.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 56 feet.
What fish can you catch at French Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on French Lake?
Yes. French Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at French Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at French 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 French Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for French Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on French Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 31, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 2, 2024 and the latest is April 30, 2018.
Does French Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists French Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.