Freeborn Lake
Douglas County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 7-8 AM and 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
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We want to see what you've caught on Freeborn Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Freeborn Lake, MN
- How big is Freeborn Lake?
- How deep is Freeborn Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Freeborn Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Freeborn Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Freeborn Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Freeborn Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Freeborn Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Freeborn Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Freeborn Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Freeborn Lake?
How big is Freeborn Lake?
How deep is Freeborn Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Freeborn Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Freeborn Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Freeborn Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Freeborn Lake?
Are there boat launches on Freeborn Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Freeborn Lake?
What aquatic invasive species are found in Freeborn 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
Freeborn Lake (247 acres) is a shallow, highly productive basin located north of Farwell. A concrete public access is found on the western shoreline off County Road 96. Average and maximum depths are 12 and 18 feet, respectively. Due to high productivity, water clarity was moderate (2.5 feet) at the time of the survey. High productivity allows for abundant, fast growing gamefish populations.
A standard fisheries survey was completed during summer 2020 to provide updated information on the fish community of Freeborn Lake. Standard survey components typically include spring electrofishing, gill nets, and trap nets. However, due to safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, gill nets were the only component used in 2020.
Walleye catch rates (10.5/gill net) are the second highest reported in the past three decades. Most Walleye (70%) are a desirable size (15-20 inches), with the largest individual approaching 25 inches. High catch rates are due to strong 2017 and 2015 year classes. Growth rates were good. On average, it takes Walleye four years to reach 16 inches. Walleye fry are stocked on alternate years to maintain fishing opportunities. Fry stocking efforts appear highly successful in Freeborn Lake. Fry-stocked year classes account for over 80% of the current Walleye population. In addition, Walleye fingerlings have been stocked under private permit.
Catch rates of Northern Pike (19.3/gill net) have doubled from the previous survey. Seventy percent of pike sampled ranged from 15 to 22 inches in length. Maximum length was 34.5 inches. Freeborn Lake falls in the North-central Zone where all pike 22-26 inches must be immediately released. Anglers can keep up to 10 pike but no more than two can be longer than 26 inches. Harvesting smaller pike will help shift the population back towards larger individuals and reduce the number of predators for young Walleye and other gamefish. Largemouth Bass are common. Fourteen bass, ranging in length from 7.8 to 15.7 inches, were sampled in gill nets. Gill net catch rates of Bluegill were high (14.0/gill net). Bluegill averaged 6.8 inches, but the largest individual measured 8.5 inches. Growth rates were rapid. Individuals approached 7.5 inches in length at age 5. Black Crappie were also abundant in 2020. Average and maximum lengths for crappie were 7.6 and 10.8 inches, respectively. Average length will likely increase in the near future as a strong 2018 year class continues to grow. Yellow Perch are abundant (18.5/gill net), but few perch exceed 7 inches.
Other species recorded in the 2020 lake survey included hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Black, Brown and Yellow Bullhead. The next lake survey is tentatively scheduled for 2026.
Freeborn Lake is not currently known to have any aquatic invasive species. Anglers are reminded to drain boats and equipment prior to moving between bodies of water to minimize the risk of transporting aquatic invasive species.
What is the average air temp for Freeborn Lake?
Are there any state parks near Freeborn 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 Freeborn Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Cricken Lake | 0.6 mi | 54 | |
| Solem Lake | 1.6 mi | 37 | |
| Mattson Lake | 2.2 mi | 230 | |
| Little Oscar Lake (Main) | 2.3 mi | 163 | |
| Mud Lake | 2.5 mi | 47 | |
| Lake Oscar | 2.5 mi | 1,231 | 25 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.7 mi | 15 | |
| Hegg Lake | 2.9 mi | 57 | |
| South Kron Lake | 2.9 mi | 47 | |
| Lake Rachel | 3.0 mi | 448 | 65 ft |
