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Frequently Asked Questions About French Lake, MN
- How big is French Lake?
- How deep is French Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in French Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the French Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on French Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near French Lake?
- What is the average air temp for French Lake?
How big is French Lake?
How deep is French Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in French Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Bluntnose Minnow, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the French Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on French Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near French Lake?
Explore the French Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in French 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
French Lake is a 332 acre lake located three miles southwest of the City of Annandale. The has a maximum depth of 50 feet and moderate water clarity. French lake has a 5,442 acre watershed primarily composed of cropland (47%), pasture (12.9%) and forest (12.8%). A public access is located on the NW side of the lake. The lake is primarily managed for Walleye and Northern Pike, but Bluegill, Black Crappie, White Crappie and Largemouth Bass are also present.
Historically, walleye have been managed by fingerling stocking. Since 2003, the lake has been part of a statewide walleye stocking study evaluating the effectiveness of stocking walleye fry, frylings and fingerlings. Surveys have been conducted in several years during the study, most recently in 2011. As part of the study, French Lake was stocked with frylings in four of the last ten years and Walleye fingerlings were stocked in 2007. The walleye catch on French Lake has consistently been low. The catch in 2013 (2.8/gill net) was identical to 2011. Walleye ranged in length from 18.0 to 27.5 inches with an average length and weight of 20.2 inches and 2.9 pounds.
Northern Pike numbers in 2013 (3.2/gill net) were higher than 2011 (2.2/gill net) and within the expected range for lakes similar to French Lake. Northern Pike ranged in length from 19.1 to 32.7 inches with an average length and weight of 24.5 inches and 3.3 pounds. Forty seven percent were longer than 24 inches.
The Yellow Perch catch rate (3.3/gill net) declined greatly from 2011 (26.7/gill net), but was still within the expected range of values for similar lakes. Yellow Perch ranged in length from 5.5 to 6.6 inches in length with an average length and weight of 6.0 inches and 0.1 pounds.
Black Crappie numbers have declined in recent surveys. The 2013 catch (2.2/trap net) declined from the 2011 catch (7.2/trap net), which was the lowest recorded catch at the time. Black Crappie ranged in length from 4.4 to 11.0 inches with an average length and weight of 7.4 inches and 0.22 pounds. The White Crappie catch (0.6/trap net) was similar to 2011 (0.8/trap net). White Crappie ranged in length from 4.6 to 12.5 inches with an average length and weight of 8.8 inches and 0.41 pounds.
The Bluegill catch rate (28.9/trap net) increased from 2011 (19.4/trap net), but remained within the range of expected values for similar lakes. Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.5 to 8.5 inches with an average length and weight of 6.0 inches and 0.2 lbs.
Largemouth Bass are usually surveyed by electrofishing, which was not done in 2013. However, Largemouth Bass were caught in both gill nets and trap nets. Largemouth Bass lengths ranged from 8.2 to 18.4 inches with an average length and weight of 12.6 inches and 1.3 pounds. Other species caught included: Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Common Carp, Hybrid and Pumpkinseed Sunfish, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.
What is the average air temp for French Lake?
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around French Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Dans Lake | 1.0 mi | 81 | 27 ft |
| Goose Lake | 2.2 mi | 42 | 14 ft |
| Granite Lake | 3.1 mi | 362 | 34 ft |
| East Lake Sylvia | 3.4 mi | 669 | 78 ft |
| Lake John | 3.6 mi | 397 | 28 ft |
| Moose Lake | 3.6 mi | 87 | 43 ft |
| Maxim Lake | 3.7 mi | 46 | 18 ft |
| West Lake Sylvia | 3.7 mi | 904 | 97 ft |
| Pickeral Lake | 3.8 mi | 20 | 37 ft |
| Mud Lake | 4.0 mi | 57 | 65 ft |
