French Lake

Rice County, Minnesota

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French Lake in Rice County, Minnesota is a beautiful and serene lake located in the southeastern part of the state. It is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making it a great spot for outdoor recreation.

The lake is approximately 876 acres and has a max depth of 56 feet in size. The lake is fed by several small streams and is part of the Cannon River watershed. French Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with anglers frequently catching walleye, northern pike, bass, crappie, and sunfish. The lake also has a public access point, providing easy access for boaters and anglers.

In addition to fishing, popular activities on French Lake include boating, swimming, water skiing, and kayaking. The lake is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with bald eagles, ospreys, and loons frequently seen in the area.

There are several parks and campgrounds in the surrounding area, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The lake is located near the towns of Faribault and Northfield, which offer a range of amenities and attractions for visitors.

Overall, French Lake is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Minnesota.

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Share Your Catch & Win!

Each week we're giving away a $25 Kiwk Trip gift card to one lucky angler. All you need to do is upload a pic of your catch for a chance to win! Click here to see last week's winner.

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Frequently Asked Questions About French Lake, MN

How big is French Lake?

French Lake is approximately 876 sq acres (3.5 sq km) in size with 5 miles (8.0 km) of shoreline.

How deep is French Lake?

French Lake is approximately 56 feet (17.1 m) at its deepest point.

What kind of fish can you catch in French 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, Carp, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Walleye, White Bass, White Crappie, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch in French Lake.

Other fish species in the lake include Emerald Shiner, Freshwater Drum, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.

What are the closest cities to French Lake?

Nearby cities and towns include Warsaw, MN, Faribault, MN and Morristown, MN.

Are there places to stay in the French 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! French 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 French 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 French Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

French Lake

Are there boat launches on French Lake?

We know of 1 public boat launch on French 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 French Lake?

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

Explore the French Lake area in a RV

Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.

Coleman Sun Valley Pop up - Where Comfort Meets Nature

25 ftSleeps 6
Apple Valley, MN

$95/nightMORE

Forest River Salem FSX

17 ftSleeps 6
Faribault, MN

$130/nightMORE

Macias Camper

36 ftSleeps 8
Rosemount, MN

$120/nightMORE

2021 Keystone RV Cougar Fifth Wheel

39 ftSleeps 8
Faribault, MN

$174/nightMORE

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What aquatic invasive species are found in French Lake?

There are some aquatic invasive species found in French Lake including Eurasian watermilfoil.

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

Minnesota DNR Fisheries IBI program staff delineated the floating leaf and emergent aquatic vegetation of French lake 09/18/2023, following the protocols listed in the MN DNR Lake Plant Mapping Manual. Emergent and floating-leaf vegetation was extremely limited with only 0.3 acres mapped. This consisted of 0.2 acres of emergent dominated plant communities and 0.1 acres of floating leaf plant communities. The following taxa were noted during the survey: bulrush (round-stem group) (Schoenoplectus spp.), cattail (Typha spp.), and white waterlily (Nymphaea odorata). For more information see map and summary table below.

What is the average air temp for French Lake?

Looking forward to your next adventure at French 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 French Lake?

Enjoy more of the outdoors with a visit to an area state park. There are 3 state parks in the vacinity of French 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 French Lake...

	DISTANCE	ACRES	MAX DEPTH
Dudley Lake	1.8 mi	128	60 ft
Mud Lake	2.1 mi	166
Willing Lake	2.3 mi	27
Mazaska Lake	2.3 mi	673	50 ft
Roberds Lake	2.5 mi	632	43 ft
Hunt Lake	2.7 mi	176	27 ft
Shields Lake	3.2 mi	940	42 ft
Cedar Lake	3.6 mi	902	42 ft
Rice Lake	4.6 mi	331	7 ft
Caron Lake	4.6 mi	319	4 ft

DISCLAIMER: Lake-Link Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information for French 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.

MINNESOTA

MINNESOTA

French Lake