Minnesota · DNR survey data
French Lake
French Lake covers 149 acres in Aitkin County, running to 37 feet, last surveyed by the DNR in 2020. The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for this lake, so there is no depth map here, just the survey record: what the nets held and how big it ran.
DNR survey data
Fish species
Largemouth bassJust a few2.4per hr (electrofishing)13"Typical17"Biggest
Lengths measured · 15 fish
Recent · 2011 + 2020Lengths measured · 7 fish
2020Only 7 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 8 fish
2011Only 8 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 12 fish
1989Northern pikeJust a few2.9per gill net21"Typical32"Biggest
Lengths measured · 41 fish
Recent · 2011 + 2020Lengths measured · 16 fish
2020Lengths measured · 25 fish
2011Lengths measured · 15 fish
2004Lengths measured · 41 fish
1999BluegillPresent38.9per hr (electrofishing)7"Typical8"Biggest
Lengths measured · 40 fish
Recent · 2011 + 2020Lengths measured · 14 fish
2020Lengths measured · 26 fish
2011Lengths measured · 83 fish
2004Lengths measured · 59 fish
1999CrappiePresent0.1per seine haul7"Typical10"Biggest
Lengths measured · 55 fish
Recent · 2011 + 2020Lengths measured · 25 fish
2020Lengths measured · 30 fish
2011Lengths measured · 64 fish
2004Lengths measured · 142 fish
1999No recent survey rating.
Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear — which is why the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, the page shows presence and size only. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey. You can read every number on this page without an app or an account.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Walleye | 30,500 fry |
| 2022 | Walleye | 30,500 fry |
| 2018 | Walleye | 30,500 fry |
| 2017 | Walleye | 30,500 fry |
| 2016 | Walleye | 30,500 fry |
Recent reports
French Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on French Lake from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- French Lake (trailer launch)
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Gun Lake · 712 ac · 1.8 mi
- Fleming Lake · 319 ac · 2.3 mi
- Wilkins Lake · 349 ac · 2.5 mi
- Portage Lake · 372 ac · 6.5 mi
- Turner Lake · 63 ac · 6.8 mi
- Rock Lake · 342 ac · 7.7 mi
- Round Lake · 185 ac · 8.1 mi
- Bass Lake · 57 ac · 8.4 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Is there a depth map for French Lake?
The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for French Lake, so this page carries the survey record instead: species, catch rates and stocking history.
What fish are in French Lake?
The most recent DNR survey (2020) recorded walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, rock bass.
Does French Lake have a public access?
Yes. French Lake has one public access site: French Lake (trailer launch).
Is French Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked walleye in 2024; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2016.
When was French Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed French Lake in 2020, the most recent of 7 surveys on record. A survey that old is a starting point, not a current reading.
Survey numbers are the Minnesota DNR's. How this site reads them →
Page updated .