Buffalo Lake
About Buffalo Lake
Buffalo Lake is a 1,552-acre lake near Buffalo in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 33 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 15 feet, and has roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 61 Wright County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.1 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 20 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 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR, city, and county. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 12, based on 59 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Buffalo Lake
- 1,552 acres, up to 33 feet deep, near Buffalo
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR, city, and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and white crappie
- Average water clarity around 3.1 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, city, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,552 acres
- Max depth
- 33 ft
- Average depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 760 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Picnic area
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 20
- Game fish
- 10
- 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 12
- Years of record
- 59
- Earliest
- March 7, 2017
- Latest
- May 7, 1950
- Most recent
- March 24, 2025
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Buffalo Lake
Compare Buffalo Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Buffalo Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Buffalo Lake ranks among swimming lakes nearby.
See how Buffalo Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Buffalo Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Buffalo Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Deer Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo171 acres
1.6 miles away
Lake Pulaski
72 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo813 acres
3.3 miles away
Dean Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo176 acres
4.1 miles away
Constance Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Buffalo175 acres
4.1 miles away
Crawford Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Montrose110 acres
4.5 miles away
Sullivan Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Maple Lake71 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Buffalo. It covers 1,552 acres and reaches 33 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake covers 1,552 acres with about 6.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 33 feet and its average depth is about 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Buffalo Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White 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 Buffalo Lake?
Yes. Buffalo Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR, city, and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Buffalo Lake?
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 Buffalo Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Buffalo Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Buffalo Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 12, from 59 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2017 and the latest is May 7, 1950.
Does Buffalo Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Buffalo Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, starry stonewort, and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.