John Lake
About John Lake
John Lake is a 397-acre lake near Annandale in Wright County, Minnesota. It reaches 28 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 13 feet, and has roughly 5.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the township and Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 24 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to John Lake
- 397 acres, up to 28 feet deep, near Annandale
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the township and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 7.3 feet
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- township, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 397 acres
- Max depth
- 28 ft
- Average depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 5.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 353 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 7
- 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 13
- Years of record
- 24
- Earliest
- March 8, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2018
- Most recent
- March 25, 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 John Lake
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See how John Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
East Lake Sylvia
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · South Haven669 acres
1.5 miles away
Pleasant Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale597 acres
2.3 miles away
West Lake Sylvia
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · South Haven904 acres
2.4 miles away
Lake Augusta
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Fairhaven187 acres
2.9 miles away
French Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale346 acres
3.5 miles away
Clearwater Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreWright · Annandale3,187 acres
3.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is John Lake?
John Lake is in Wright County, Minnesota, near Annandale. It covers 397 acres and reaches 28 feet deep.
How big and how deep is John Lake?
John Lake covers 397 acres with about 5.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 28 feet and its average depth is about 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at John 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 John Lake?
Yes. John Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the township and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at John Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at John 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 John Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for John Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on John Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 24 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 8, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2018.
Does John Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists John Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.