French Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. DNR lake ID 01010400.
French Lake is a 149.3-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. Its deepest point reaches 37 ft, and about 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on French Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01010400 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Palisade |
| Surface area | 149.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 37 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 41% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.3 ft through 2017 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 17.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 7.7 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2017: clarity 8.3 ft, phosphorus 17.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 7.7 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, French Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing on French Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 0.17 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.67 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 4.17 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.33 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.17 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 17.0 in (2020), Northern pike 32.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2019).
Public boat access
- French Lake: 1 natural launch ramp, 3 trailer spaces. 11 mi W of McGregor. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Gun Lake 1.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Fleming Lake 2.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Wilkins Lake 2.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Jenkins Lake 3.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Long Lake 4.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Townline Lake 5.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Portage Lake 6.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Turner Lake 6.7 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about French Lake
How deep is French Lake?
French Lake reaches a maximum depth of 37 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 41% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is French Lake?
French Lake covers about 149.3 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is French Lake?
Summer water clarity on French Lake averages 8.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2017. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does French Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes French Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil.
What fish are in French Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, bowfin, white sucker, yellow bullhead in French Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on French Lake?
French Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: French Lake.
How is the walleye population on French Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1999 to 2020, walleye numbers on French Lake ran mostly below the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on French Lake?
Homes on French Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on French Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on French Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 41% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on French Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for French Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about French Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Aitkin County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2020), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.