School Section Lake
About School Section Lake
School Section Lake is a 211-acre lake near Kimball in Stearns County, Minnesota. It reaches 14 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 2.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, 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 2018.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt 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 April 5, based on 6 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to School Section Lake
- 211 acres, up to 14 feet deep, near Kimball
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 9 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 211 acres
- Max depth
- 14 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 201 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 (asphalt)
Best For
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- 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
- April 5
- Years of record
- 6
- Earliest
- March 9, 2017
- Latest
- May 1, 2018
- Most recent
- April 7, 2020
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to School Section Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Louisa Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Kimball193 acres
2.1 miles away
Carnelian Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Kimball180 acres
2.6 miles away
Marie Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Fairhaven146 acres
2.6 miles away
Betty Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreMeeker · Kimball154 acres
3.8 miles away
Caroline Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Fairhaven137 acres
3.8 miles away
Willow Lake
8 out of 100 Lake ScoreStearns · Kimball156 acres
4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is School Section Lake?
School Section Lake is in Stearns County, Minnesota, near Kimball. It covers 211 acres and reaches 14 feet deep.
How big and how deep is School Section Lake?
School Section Lake covers 211 acres with about 2.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 14 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at School Section Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on School Section Lake?
Yes. School Section Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at School Section Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at School Section 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 School Section Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for School Section Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on School Section Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 5, from 6 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 9, 2017 and the latest is May 1, 2018.
Does School Section Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists School Section 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.