Lake Pepin
About Lake Pepin
Lake Pepin is a 53-acre river lake near Swanville in Todd County, Minnesota. It reaches 34 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the city. Lake Pepin Public Access is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Pepin
- 53 acres, up to 34 feet deep, near Swanville
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the city
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 9.5 feet
- Camping close to the water at Lake Pepin Public Access
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 53 acres
- Max depth
- 34 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 9.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 18 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)
- Camping: Lake Pepin Public Access
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Current, barge traffic and changing water levels make this different from a still lake
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- No
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Lake Pepin Public Access is mapped on or near Lake Pepin. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Pepin
Compare Lake Pepin against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Moose Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Burtrum131 acres
2.5 miles away
Little Swan Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Pillsbury164 acres
2.6 miles away
Mons Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Swanville95 acres
3.1 miles away
Bass Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Pillsbury123 acres
3.5 miles away
Buck Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Burtrum61 acres
3.8 miles away
Long Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Burtrum399 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Pepin?
Lake Pepin is in Todd County, Minnesota, near Swanville. It covers 53 acres and reaches 34 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Pepin?
Lake Pepin covers 53 acres with about 1.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 34 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Pepin?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Pepin?
Yes. Lake Pepin has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the city. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Pepin?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Pepin. 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 Lake Pepin stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Pepin; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Lake Pepin?
Yes. Lake Pepin Public Access is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.