Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Pepin Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
The lake covers an area of approximately 25,000 acres (101 km²) and has a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 m). It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water-based recreational activities, and is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, and bass.
There are several access points around the lake, including boat ramps, fishing piers, and several parks and public beaches. The area around Lake Pepin is known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, bluffs, and scenic views.
In addition to its recreational opportunities, Lake Pepin has historical significance, as it was an important waterway for Native American tribes and early European explorers. The lake was named after Jean Pepin, a French trader who explored the area in the 17th century.
Visitors to Lake Pepin can enjoy scenic drives along the Great River Road, which runs along the Mississippi River and passes through numerous historic towns and sites. The surrounding countryside is also popular for hiking and biking, with many trails winding through the rolling hills and forests of the region.
Overall, Lake Pepin is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and historical significance in southeastern Minnesota.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pepin Lake, MN
- How big is Pepin Lake?
- How deep is Pepin Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Pepin Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Pepin Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Pepin Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Pepin Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Pepin Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Pepin Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Pepin Lake?
How big is Pepin Lake?
How deep is Pepin Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Pepin Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Bigmouth Shiner, Blue Sucker, Bluntnose Minnow, Brassy Minnow, Brook Silverside, Brook Stickleback, Bullhead Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Chestnut Lamprey, Emerald Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Freshwater Drum, Gizzard Shad, Golden Redhorse, Golden Shiner, Goldeye, Goldfish, Greater Redhorse, Green Sunfish, Highfin Carpsucker, Hornyhead Chub, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Mimic Shiner, Mud Darter, Northern Hog Sucker, Orangespotted Sunfish, Paddlefish, Quillback, River Carpsucker, River Darter, River Redhorse, River Shiner, Sand Shiner, Shorthead Redhorse, Shovelnose Sturgeon, Silver Lamprey, Silver Redhorse, Smallmouth Buffalo, Spotted Sucker and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Pepin Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Pepin Lake?
Are there boat launches on Pepin Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Pepin Lake?
Explore the Pepin Lake area in a RV
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2020 Lightning Aluminum Enclosed 5-place Snowmobile Trailer
Lakeville, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Pepin Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Towards the end of 2013 anglers began reporting better catches of Sauger. This is likely due to the growth of age-2 Sauger to acceptable size (13"-14"). Angling for Walleye and Sauger improved over the course of 2014 as smaller individuals of both species grew to sizes acceptable to anglers. Though angling improved during 2014, the numbers of larger Sauger and Walleye anglers had become accustomed to seeing in the 2008-2010 period remained relatively rare. A combination of several poor year classes in the early 2010s, the disappearance of several strong year classes from the early 2000s due to natural mortality, and record catches of YOY Gizzard Shad providing abundant forage likely have contributed to this lower success. Angling for Walleye and Sauger should continue to improve in 2015 and into the next several years as the predicted strong 2013 year class recruits to the fishery.
Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill should continue to provide excellent angling opportunities during 2015 based on the numbers of adult and juvenile fish sampled. A recent tagging study involving White Bass from Pool 4 has shown that the White Bass population in Pool 4/Lake Pepin is very mobile with individuals tagged in Pool 4 moving as far upstream as the Apple River in Wisconsin and as far downstream as Pool 6. This movement likely has contributed to the rapid swings in gill net catch rates from year to year and indicates that care must be taken when evaluating White Bass populations using Lake Pepin gill net catch rates.
The consistent Bluegill and Yellow Perch reproduction observed since 2004 should continue to provide good angling opportunities with quality sized fish available in 2014. Three apparent strong year classes (2012-2014) of Black Crappies will enhance an already productive crappie fishery with individuals recruiting to the creel for the next four years.
The start of the 2015 angling season on March 1st, 2015 represents the first time since the early 1990's that anglers will be allowed to legally target Lake Sturgeon in Pool 4. As the statewide catch and release season opens for Lake Sturgeon in 2015 it will be interesting to see how much angling effort is focused on this species that had enjoyed huge growth in popularity on the Minnesota/Canada border waters in the past few decades.
What is the average air temp for Pepin Lake?
Are there any state parks near Pepin Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Pepin Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Lake Pepin | 1.8 mi | 24,550 | |
| Frontenac Lake | 3.7 mi | 79 | 8 ft |
| Goose Pond | 9.7 mi | 32 | |
| Chimney Lake | 10.0 mi | 33 | |
| Fortyacre Lake | 10.1 mi | 139 | 9 ft |
| The Bay | 10.2 mi | 102 | |
| Lily Pond | 10.4 mi | 49 | |
| Duck Lake | 11.5 mi | 53 | 3 ft |
| Dead Slough Lake | 12.3 mi | 458 | |
| Goose Lake | 12.6 mi | 117 |
