Pepin Lake

Goodhue County, Minnesota

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Lake Pepin, also known as Mississipi Pool 4, is a naturally occurring widening of the Mississippi River located in southeastern Minnesota. The lake is part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and is situated between the towns of Red Wing and Wabasha.

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?

Pepin Lake is approximately 25,216 sq acres (102.0 sq km) in size with 117 miles (188.3 km) of shoreline.

How deep is Pepin Lake?

Pepin Lake is approximately 60 feet (18.3 m) at its deepest point with an average depth of 21 feet (6.4 m).

What kind of fish can you catch in Pepin Lake?

Although thery may be others but anglers can expect to find a variety of fish including Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Brown Trout, Burbot, Carp, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Lake Sturgeon, Largemouth Bass, Longnose Gar, Mooneye, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Sauger, Shortnose Gar, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass, White Crappie, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch 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.

What are the closest cities to Pepin Lake?

Nearby cities and towns include Frontenac, MN, Lake City, MN and Pepin, WI.

Are there places to stay in the Pepin Lake area?

Are you craving a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or maybe you're an avid angler in search of the perfect fishing spot? Look no further! Pepin Lake and its surrounding area offer an abundance of options to suit your needs. If you're in need of accommodation, check out our area map which highlights some of the best places to stay. And if you're looking for even more options, head on over to our Travel section. But why settle for a traditional hotel or resort when you can take your adventure to the next level by renting a RV? The open road awaits you!
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Are there topographical lake maps available Pepin Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Pepin Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

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Lake Pepin Southeast

Are there boat launches on Pepin Lake?

We know of 5 public boat launches on Pepin Lake. Please observe any specific lake regulations posted by the boat launch and please help keep the launch area free of litter.

Are there places to eat and drink near Pepin Lake?

Yes, you can find numerous options in the area. Click the button below to see what's nearby.

What aquatic invasive species are found in Pepin Lake?

There are some aquatic invasive species found in Pepin Lake including bighead carp, Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel and silver carp.

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

Anglers in 2021-2023 experienced "low" summer and fall water levels not seen since the late 1980s. These levels presented challenges to anglers whose experience on Pool 4 only took place during the last decade or so when "high water" has been the norm, but strong populations of multiple gamefish species particularly Walleye, Sauger, Yellow Perch, and Black Crappie were enjoyed by many.

The 2024 outlook for Walleye and Sauger anglers is very positive. Six year classes from age-4 through age-10 contributed Sauger >20-inches in the 2023 gill nets. During the 2024 angling season these fish and fast-growing individuals from the large 2020 year class should provide opportunities for Sauger >20-inches. Strong reproduction of Walleye from 2018-2021 and Sauger in 2018 and 2020 will provide ample fish for anglers in 2024.

Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Black Crappie, and Bluegill should continue to provide excellent angling opportunities during 2024 based on the numbers of adult and juvenile fish sampled. The consistent Bluegill and Yellow Perch reproduction observed for the last several decades should continue to provide good angling opportunities with quality sized fish available in 2024. The likely strong 2018 year class of Black Crappie will enhance an already productive crappie fishery by providing larger individuals to the population for the next several years. For the last several years, these fish were available in large numbers from 10-13 inches in length, so in 2024 anglers should find plenty of harvestable fish, but smaller sizes will also be present and as always sorting will likely be required. Northern Pike numbers are coming down from recent highs, but anglers should have ample opportunities to target Northern Pike throughout Pool 4 as abundant food sources rapidly grow pike to preferred and even trophy size when favorable conditions occur.

The start of the 2015 angling season on March 1, 2015 represented the first time since the early 1990's that anglers were allowed to legally target Lake Sturgeon in Pool 4. Wisconsin opened a season matching Minnesota's on their shared border waters in 2016. After eight open water seasons of catch and release angling for Lake Sturgeon on Pool 4, local interest in the species continues to increase. Anglers have, on several occasions, assisted DNR staff in their tagging efforts by providing hook and line caught individuals for tagging. This method should be used to continue expanding the tagged population of Lake Sturgeon in the system.

What is the average air temp for Pepin Lake?

Looking forward to your next adventure at Pepin Lake? Don't forget to plan ahead! Weather can be unpredictable, but we've got you covered. On average, air temperatures during this time of year range from a high around 79°F (26°C) to a low around 60°F (16°C). Of course, these are just historical averages, so be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. For the most up-to-date weather information, be sure to check out our Weather Bar located at the top of this page.

Are there any state parks near Pepin Lake?

Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 1 state park in the vacinity of Pepin Lake.

Frontenac State Park

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	1.3 mi	24,550
Frontenac Lake	3.3 mi	79	8 ft
Wacouta Pond	6.8 mi	15
Grotes Pond	7.8 mi	20
Lily Pond	9.9 mi	49
Goose Pond	10.2 mi	32
Chimney Lake	10.5 mi	33
Fortyacre Lake	10.6 mi	139	9 ft
The Bay	10.7 mi	102
Duck Lake	11.7 mi	53	3 ft

DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for Pepin Lake. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.

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