Wells Lake
About Wells Lake
Wells Lake is a 677-acre lake near Faribault in Rice County, Minnesota. It reaches 4 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 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 2020.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with flowering rush — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around March 29, based on 28 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Wells Lake
- 677 acres, up to 4 feet deep, near Faribault
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the county and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 1.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with flowering rush — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 677 acres
- Max depth
- 4 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 677 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
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- 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 29
- Years of record
- 28
- Earliest
- February 28, 2024
- Latest
- April 27, 2018
- Most recent
- March 22, 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 Wells Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Cannon Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Faribault1,593 acres
2.7 miles away
Roberds Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville632 acres
2.8 miles away
French Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Faribault876 acres
4.6 miles away
Dudley Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Faribault128 acres
4.8 miles away
Cedar Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Warsaw902 acres
5 miles away
Hunt Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreRice · Shieldsville176 acres
6.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wells Lake?
Wells Lake is in Rice County, Minnesota, near Faribault. It covers 677 acres and reaches 4 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Wells Lake?
Wells Lake covers 677 acres with about 12.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 4 feet.
What fish can you catch at Wells Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, and White Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Wells Lake?
Yes. Wells Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the county and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Wells Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Wells 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 Wells Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Wells Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Wells Lake?
The median ice-out date is March 29, from 28 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is February 28, 2024 and the latest is April 27, 2018.
Does Wells Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Wells Lake as infested with flowering rush. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.