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Lake Benton

Boat Ramps
8
Access Points
10
Species
15

Lake Benton is a picturesque glacial lake located in Lincoln County, Minnesota. Once the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota, this beautiful body of water has naturally reduced in size over time due to evaporation and seepage, common to glacial lakes in the region. Despite this natural evolution, Lake Benton remains a significant fishing destination spanning approximately 2,659 acres with nearly 17 miles of shoreline. The lake is primarily managed for walleye fishing, though it offers diverse angling opportunities throughout the year for both casual and dedicated anglers.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Yellow Perch1,600 fish · Adults2025
  • Bluegill Sunfish4,000 fish · Adults2025
  • Black Crappie1,600 fish · Adults2025
  • Walleye1,428,500 fish · Fry2024
  • Walleye1,428,500 fish · Fry2022

Source

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Benton. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Lake Benton, Crows Nest Public Water Access Site

Lake Benton, Crows Nest Public Water Access Site

Access Point
Lake Benton, Showboat Public Water Access Site

Lake Benton, Showboat Public Water Access Site

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Benton

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Minnesota licenses and regulations

Minnesota Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Minnesota Fishing License

You need to buy a Minnesota fishing license if you're 16 or older. Annual licenses allow you to fish from March 1 to the last day of February the following year. Lower-cost licenses are available for shorter time periods. There is an added cost to fish for trout, salmon or sturgeon. All non-residents, regardless of age, must buy a fishing license.

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Minnesota Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Minnesota Stream Access Laws

A Minnesota waterway is navigable if it’s capable of travel, recreational or commercial. The state owns navigable streambeds, which are open to public recreation. All surface waters and groundwater, except for surface waters not confined, are waters of the state.

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Take Lake Benton with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Lake Benton to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Benton to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Benton and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.

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