Minnesota · DNR survey data
Independence Lake
Independence Lake covers 99 acres in Jackson County, running to 10 feet, last surveyed by the DNR in 2023. 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
Northern pikeStocked · 2025Just a few5per gill net21"Typical22"Biggest
Lengths measured · 13 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 13 fish
2023Lengths measured · 1 fish
2007Only 1 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 6 fish
2003Only 6 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
BluegillFair numbers28.2per trap net6"Typical7"Biggest
Lengths measured · 261 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 261 fish
2023Lengths measured · 1 fish
2019Only 1 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 5 fish
2011Only 5 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 17 fish
2007CrappieJust a few1per trap net11"Typical11"Biggest
Lengths measured · 10 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 10 fish
2023Lengths measured · 68 fish
2019Lengths measured · 2 fish
2015Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 3 fish
2011Only 3 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Yellow perchExcellent numbers13per gill net9"Typical12"Biggest
Lengths measured · 46 fish
Recent · 2023Lengths measured · 46 fish
2023Lengths measured · 525 fish
2019Lengths measured · 565 fish
2015Lengths measured · 209 fish
2011Rates 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Northern Pike | 228 fingerlings |
| 2025 | Walleye | 341 adults |
| 2024 | Walleye | 570 yearlings |
| 2023 | Walleye | 438 fingerlings |
| 2021 | Walleye | 120 fingerlings |
| 2020 | Walleye | 231 yearlings · 276 adults |
| 2018 | Walleye | 80 yearlings |
| 2017 | Walleye | 130 fingerlings · 257 yearlings · 206 adults |
| 2016 | Walleye | 117 fingerlings · 1,332 yearlings · 53 adults |
Recent reports
Independence Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Independence 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
- Independence Lake (trailer launch)
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Fish Lake · 297 ac · 5.7 mi
- Flahtery Lake · 457 ac · 7.7 mi
- Cottonwood Lake · 155 ac · 8.5 mi
- Timber Lake · 191 ac · 9.1 mi
- Heron (South Heron) Lake · 2,641 ac · 9.6 mi
- Clear Lake · 434 ac · 9.7 mi
- String Lake · 336 ac · 9.8 mi
- Bingham Lake · 270 ac · 10.8 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Is there a depth map for Independence Lake?
The Minnesota DNR has not published bathymetry for Independence Lake, so this page carries the survey record instead: species, catch rates and stocking history.
What fish are in Independence Lake?
The most recent DNR survey (2023) recorded walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch.
Does Independence Lake have a public access?
Yes. Independence Lake has one public access site: Independence Lake (trailer launch).
Is Independence Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked northern pike and walleye in 2025; the stocking table on this page lists every year back to 2016.
When was Independence Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Independence Lake in 2023, the most recent of 9 surveys on record.
Survey numbers are the Minnesota DNR's. How this site reads them →
Page updated .