Horseshoe Lake
About Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake is a 629-acre lake near Richmond in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 57 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 14 feet, and has roughly 13.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.9 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 24 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. 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 (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Horseshoe Lake
- 629 acres, up to 57 feet deep, near Richmond
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 3.9 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 629 acres
- Max depth
- 57 ft
- Average depth
- 14 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 275 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 (gravel or earth)
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
- 24
- Game fish
- 11
- 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 Horseshoe Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Becker Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond221 acres
1.2 miles away
Cedar Island Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond986 acres
1.6 miles away
Long Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond487 acres
2 miles away
Big Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond458 acres
2.2 miles away
Zumwalde Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Richmond128 acres
2.4 miles away
North Brown's Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Eden Valley312 acres
2.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Richmond. It covers 629 acres and reaches 57 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Horseshoe Lake?
Horseshoe Lake covers 629 acres with about 13.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 57 feet and its average depth is about 14 feet.
What fish can you catch at Horseshoe Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black 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 Horseshoe Lake?
Yes. Horseshoe Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Horseshoe Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Horseshoe Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Horseshoe Lake?
Yes. Daily limit 10.
Does Horseshoe Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Horseshoe Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.