French Lake
About French Lake
French Lake is a 346-acre lake near Annandale in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 50 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 3.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill. 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 is one public boat launch (concrete 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 2, based on 24 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to French Lake
- 346 acres, up to 50 feet deep, near Annandale
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 346 acres
- Max depth
- 50 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 156 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)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 15
- Game fish
- 8
- 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 2
- Years of record
- 24
- Earliest
- March 7, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2013
- 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 French Lake
Compare French Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how French Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Granite Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · West Albion362 acres
3.1 miles away
East Lake Sylvia
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · South Haven669 acres
3.4 miles away
John Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale397 acres
3.5 miles away
Moose Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · French Lake87 acres
3.6 miles away
West Lake Sylvia
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · South Haven904 acres
3.7 miles away
Mud Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Albright57 acres
4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is French Lake?
French Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Annandale. It covers 346 acres and reaches 50 feet deep.
How big and how deep is French Lake?
French Lake covers 346 acres with about 3.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 50 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at French Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth 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 French Lake?
Yes. French Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at French Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at French 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 French Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for French Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on French Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 2, from 24 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 7, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2013.
Does French Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists French 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.