Lake Franklin

How big is Lake Franklin?

How deep is Lake Franklin?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Franklin?

What are the closest cities to 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. Historical secchi disk readings have ranged from 5.1 to 14.5 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.
A reduced daily bag limit regulation for sunfish (5 per day) was implemented in 2021. The objective of the regulation is to improve and maintain the quality of the Bluegill size structure. A special spring trapnetting survey was conducted to collect baseline data on the Bluegill population, which will be used for regulation evaluation purposes in future surveys. The Bluegill population is abundant with a moderate quality size structure. Sixty-three percent of the Bluegill sample was 7.0 inches or greater in length, while 20% was 8.0 inches or greater in length. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.9 inches at six years of age.
Anglers can also 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.
Franklin Lake was listed as infested with zebra mussels in 2016. Aquatic invasive species are threatening Minnesota waters. Aquatic invasive species can potentially harm water quality, water recreation, aquatic habitat, native species, and fish populations. Anglers can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by following watercraft transportation laws.

What is the average air temp for Lake Franklin?

Are there any state parks near Lake Franklin?