Fairy Lake
About Fairy Lake
Fairy Lake is a 307-acre lake near Sauk Centre in Todd County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 4.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 47 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Fairy Lake
- 307 acres, up to 37 feet deep, near Sauk Centre
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 11.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 307 acres
- Max depth
- 37 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 140 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- 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
- April 15
- Years of record
- 47
- Earliest
- March 17, 2016
- Latest
- May 9, 2013
- Most recent
- April 29, 2023
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Fairy Lake
Compare Fairy Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Nearby Lakes
Long Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Little Sauk107 acres
1.7 miles away
Sauk Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Sauk Centre2,126 acres
2.2 miles away
Guernsey Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · West Union121 acres
3.7 miles away
Little Sauk Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Little Sauk277 acres
4.7 miles away
Long Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Spaulding230 acres
4.7 miles away
Cedar Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Little Sauk139 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fairy Lake?
Fairy Lake is in Todd County, Minnesota, near Sauk Centre. It covers 307 acres and reaches 37 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fairy Lake?
Fairy Lake covers 307 acres with about 4.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 37 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fairy Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 Fairy Lake?
Yes. Fairy Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Fairy Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Fairy 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 Fairy Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Fairy Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Fairy Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 47 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2016 and the latest is May 9, 2013.