Sauk Lake
Todd County, Minnesota, near Sauk Centre. DNR lake ID 77015000.
Sauk Lake is a 2,126-acre lake in Todd County, Minnesota, near Sauk Centre. Its deepest point reaches 61 ft, and about 65% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.8 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for flowering rush, zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 77015000 |
|---|---|
| County | Todd County, near Sauk Centre |
| Surface area | 2,126 acres |
| Maximum depth | 61 ft |
| Mean depth | 17.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 65% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.8 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 178.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 24.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | flowering rush, zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 3 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 7.8 ft, phosphorus 178.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 24.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Sauk Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Sauk Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 14.47 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 1.4 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 1.87 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.47 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 232.73 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 18.2 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 8.33 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 4.8 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | trap | 6.07 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.13 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.67 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.07 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Northern pike 34.0 in (2019), Largemouth bass 20.0 in (2019), Walleye 17.0 in (2022), Smallmouth bass 16.0 in (2021).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Green sunfish, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, Common carp, Shorthead redhorse, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black 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: flowering rush (listed 2009), zebra mussel (listed 2018).
Public boat access
- Sauk Lake, Diamond Point: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 6 trailer spaces. From US 71 follow CR 2 east for 1.3 miles to County 15. Take County 15 south for 0.3 miles to Bayview Dr. Follow Bayview Dr for 0.1 miles to the access. Directions
- Sauk Lake, Hwy 71: 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 35 trailer spaces. 1 mile north of Sauk Centre, on US Highway #71, on the west shore of Sauk Lake. Directions
- Sauk Lake (S): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 20 trailer spaces. In Sauk Centre, in the Sinclair Lewis Municipal Park on the southwestshore of Sauk Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Fairy Lake 2.2 mi, Todd County
- Lily Lake 2.4 mi, Todd County
- Long Lake 2.7 mi, Todd County
- Long Lake 2.9 mi, Todd County
- Mud Lake 3.7 mi, Todd County
- William Lake 4.4 mi, Todd County
- Cedar Lake 4.4 mi, Todd County
- Little Sauk Lake 5.5 mi, Todd County
Questions about Sauk Lake
How deep is Sauk Lake?
Sauk Lake reaches a maximum depth of 61 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 65% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sauk Lake?
Sauk Lake covers about 2,126 acres in Todd County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sauk Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sauk Lake averages 7.8 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Sauk Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Sauk Lake for flowering rush, zebra mussel.
What fish are in Sauk Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish in Sauk Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Sauk Lake?
Sauk Lake has 3 public water access sites on DNR record: Sauk Lake, Diamond Point; Sauk Lake, Hwy 71; Sauk Lake (S).
How is the walleye population on Sauk Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1991 to 2019, walleye numbers on Sauk Lake ran mostly above 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 Sauk Lake?
Homes on Sauk 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 Sauk Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Sauk Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 65% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.8 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sauk Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Sauk Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Sauk Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Todd County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2019), 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.