Buffalo Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. DNR lake ID 03035000.
Buffalo Lake is a 417.6-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. Its deepest point reaches 38 ft, and about 46% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03035000 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Richwood |
| Surface area | 417.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 38 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 46% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.7 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2020 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 10.7 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Buffalo Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2020 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Buffalo Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 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 | 6.78 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 8.0 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.78 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 26.0 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.33 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.11 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.11 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 23.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 37.44 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.11 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.11 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.56 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.44 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 3.67 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.67 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 2.11 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 26.0 in (2017), Northern pike 28.0 in (2017), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2024).
Public boat access
- Buffalo Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 5 trailer spaces. 1.5 mi S of Richwood on Cnty Rd 21, then E 2 mi on Cnty Rd 26, then .4 mi N on Twp Rd, then W .1 mi on Twp Rd, then S along the E shore of lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Eagen Lake 1.5 mi, Becker County
- Rice Lake 1.9 mi, Becker County
- Island Lake 2.2 mi, Becker County
- Little Sugar Bush Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- Rock Lake 3.5 mi, Becker County
- St. Clair Lake 4.0 mi, Becker County
- Campbell Lake 4.1 mi, Becker County
- Fairbank's Lake 4.9 mi, Becker County
Questions about Buffalo Lake
How deep is Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake reaches a maximum depth of 38 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 46% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake covers about 417.6 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Buffalo Lake?
Summer water clarity on Buffalo Lake averages 10.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Buffalo Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Buffalo Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Buffalo Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Buffalo Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
Where is the public boat access on Buffalo Lake?
Buffalo Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Buffalo Lake.
How is the walleye population on Buffalo Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1997 to 2017, walleye numbers on Buffalo Lake ran mostly within 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 Buffalo Lake?
Homes on Buffalo 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 Buffalo Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Buffalo Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 46% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Buffalo Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Buffalo Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Becker County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2017), 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.