Lake Traverse
About Lake Traverse
Lake Traverse is a 10,849-acre lake near Browns Valley in Traverse County, Minnesota. It reaches 12 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 78.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.3 feet. The lake is a border water shared with South Dakota, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 25 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie. 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 2025.
There are 8 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota DNR, and county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Browns Valley City Park and Traverse County. Park Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 8, based on 31 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Traverse
- 10,849 acres, up to 12 feet deep, near Browns Valley
- 8 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota DNR, and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Average water clarity around 4.3 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Browns Valley City Park and Traverse County. Park Campground
- Border water with South Dakota — know which side of the line you are fishing on
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 8 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 10,849 acres
- Max depth
- 12 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 78.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 10,849 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with South Dakota differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 8 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Browns Valley City Park, Traverse County. Park Campground, and Rosebud RV Park
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 25
- Game fish
- 11
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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 8
- Years of record
- 31
- Earliest
- March 15, 2024
- Latest
- May 7, 2013
- Most recent
- March 15, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Browns Valley City Park, Traverse County. Park Campground, and Rosebud RV Park are mapped on or near Lake Traverse. 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 Traverse
Compare Lake Traverse against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Barry Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Barry398 acres
11.4 miles away
Mud Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreTraverse · Wheaton2,449 acres
11.5 miles away
East Toqua Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Graceville437 acres
17.1 miles away
Lannon Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Graceville197 acres
18 miles away
Big Stone Lake
77 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Ortonville11,984 acres
18.9 miles away
North Rothwell Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreBig Stone · Clinton297 acres
19.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Traverse?
Lake Traverse is in Traverse County, Minnesota, near Browns Valley. It covers 10,849 acres and reaches 12 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Traverse?
Lake Traverse covers 10,849 acres with about 78.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 12 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Traverse?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Traverse?
Yes. Lake Traverse has 8 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Minnesota DNR, and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Traverse?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Lake Traverse stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Traverse; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Traverse?
The median ice-out date is April 8, from 31 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 15, 2024 and the latest is May 7, 2013.
Can you camp at Lake Traverse?
Yes. Browns Valley City Park, Traverse County. Park Campground, and Rosebud RV Park are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.