Lake Franklin

How big is Lake Franklin?

How deep is Lake Franklin?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Franklin?

Are there boat launches on Lake Franklin?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Franklin?

What are the fishing regulations for Lake Franklin?

There are specific fishing regulations Lake Franklin that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Franklin?

Franklin Lake is a 1,336-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in northwestern Otter Tail County approximately ten miles northeast of Pelican Rapids, MN. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 48 feet; however, 56% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. There is a shallow, un-navigable outlet along the south shoreline that flows into Crystal Lake. The secchi disk reading was 5.7 feet. Previous secchi disk readings ranged from 5.1 to 13.0 feet.
Residential development is scattered around the entire shoreline of the lake. The development consists primarily of homes and cottages. DNR owned public water accesses are located on the east and north shorelines. There are stands of hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and other emergent plants scattered around the lake. Emergent aquatic plants such as bulrush and cattail provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent water quality and angling that this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat.
Franklin Lake can be ecologically classified as a Walleye-Centrarchid type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern Pike, Walleye, Black Crappie, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species present in the fish community. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that is available.
Walleye abundance is moderately high. Walleyes ranged in length from 7.8 to 18.9 inches with an average length of 13.2 inches. Walleyes attain an average length of 16.4 inches at five years of age.
A high-density Northern Pike population exists. Age data indicate that pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern Pike size structure remains poor with only 3% of the pike measuring 24.0 inches or greater in length. Pike ranged in length from 11.9 to 27.2 inches with an average length and weight of 18.8 inches and 1.3 pounds. Northern Pike attain an average length of 22.4 inches at five years of age.
Data from a spring trapnetting assessment indicate that Black Crappies are abundant and that the size structure is good. Ninety-seven percent of the Black Crappies were 10.0 inches or greater in length. The 2011 year class is strong and should provide good crappie angling for several years. Black Crappies attain an average length of 11.0 inches at five years of age. A special regulation for Black Crappie was implemented in 2006. It is a 10-inch minimum length limit with a reduced possession limit of five. The intent of the regulation is to maintain or improve the size structure of the Black Crappie population.
Bluegill abundance is high and size structure is also good. Thirty-nine percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.7 inches at six years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

What is the average air temp for Lake Franklin?

Are there any state parks near Lake Franklin?