Freeborn
Douglas County, Minnesota — DOW #21016200
174 Surveys
Invasive Species Alert
Freeborn has confirmed populations of:
- zebra mussel
Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.
247.63
Acres
18 ft
Max Depth
12 ft
Mean Depth
11
Fish Species
5
Local Guides
DNR Fish Surveys
Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Freeborn. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.
Largemouth Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | Backpack electrofishing | 11.0 | — | — | 12 |
| 2016-08-31 | 15-ft beach seine | 0.5 | — | — | 1 |
| 2016-08-31 | 50-ft beach seine | 5.8 | — | — | 35 |
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 2.3 (above normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 1.09 lb | 14 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard electrofishing | 97.3 | — | 0.45 lb | 73 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 0.29 lb | 3 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.0 | 1.34 lb | 2 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.0 | 2.10 lb | 1 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard electrofishing | 97.5 | — | 2.06 lb | 50 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.0 | 0.19 lb | 3 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard electrofishing | 39.2 | — | 1.34 lb | 31 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 1.72 lb | 3 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard electrofishing | 46.0 | — | 2.21 lb | 46 |
| 1994-08-22 | Survey seining | 1.2 | — | — | 6 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 1.15 lb | 1 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard electrofishing | 157.2 | — | 0.97 lb | 141 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 1.24 lb | 8 |
Bluegill
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | Backpack electrofishing | 443.1 | — | — | 482 |
| 2016-08-31 | 15-ft beach seine | 18.5 | — | — | 37 |
| 2016-08-31 | 50-ft beach seine | 514.5 | — | — | 3087 |
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 14.0 | — | 0.22 lb | 84 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 | — | 0.22 lb | 8 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 14.8 (normal) | 5.9 – 43.3 | 0.15 lb | 133 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 4.0 | — | 0.23 lb | 12 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 3.5 (below normal) | 5.9 – 43.3 | 0.18 lb | 28 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 | — | 0.26 lb | 3 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 5.8 (below normal) | 5.9 – 43.3 | 0.14 lb | 52 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 | — | 0.24 lb | 3 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 3.9 (below normal) | 5.9 – 43.3 | 0.13 lb | 35 |
| 1994-08-22 | Survey seining | 80.8 | — | — | 404 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 11.3 | — | 0.17 lb | 68 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 28.2 (normal) | 5.9 – 43.3 | 0.17 lb | 254 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 4.7 | — | 0.21 lb | 28 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 22.0 (normal) | 5.9 – 43.3 | 0.19 lb | 198 |
Pumpkinseed
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | Backpack electrofishing | 34.9 | — | — | 38 |
| 2016-08-31 | 15-ft beach seine | 1.0 | — | — | 2 |
| 2016-08-31 | 50-ft beach seine | 18.5 | — | — | 111 |
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 | — | 0.12 lb | 1 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 1.0 | — | 0.13 lb | 6 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 3.8 (normal) | 1.5 – 9.1 | 0.13 lb | 34 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard gill nets | 22.0 | — | 0.16 lb | 66 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard trap nets | 14.8 (above normal) | 1.5 – 9.1 | 0.11 lb | 118 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 7.0 | — | 0.15 lb | 21 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 7.8 (normal) | 1.5 – 9.1 | 0.13 lb | 62 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 1.5 – 9.1 | 0.03 lb | 2 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 1.0 | — | 0.08 lb | 6 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 1.5 – 9.1 | 0.07 lb | 2 |
| 1994-08-22 | Survey seining | 1.6 | — | — | 8 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 0.7 | — | 0.26 lb | 4 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 2.1 (normal) | 1.5 – 9.1 | 0.16 lb | 19 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 4.5 | — | 0.19 lb | 27 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 1.4 (below normal) | 1.5 – 9.1 | 0.16 lb | 13 |
Black Crappie
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | Backpack electrofishing | 0.9 | — | — | 1 |
| 2016-08-31 | 50-ft beach seine | 2.0 | — | — | 12 |
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 14.3 (above normal) | 0.8 – 8.4 | 0.29 lb | 86 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.8 – 8.4 | 0.23 lb | 5 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 3.3 (normal) | 0.9 – 8.0 | 0.39 lb | 30 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard gill nets | 1.7 (normal) | 0.8 – 8.4 | 0.62 lb | 5 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard trap nets | 1.1 (normal) | 0.9 – 8.0 | 0.63 lb | 9 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 36.7 (above normal) | 0.8 – 8.4 | 0.35 lb | 110 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 2.9 (normal) | 0.9 – 8.0 | 0.35 lb | 23 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (normal) | 0.8 – 8.4 | 0.51 lb | 8 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.9 – 8.0 | 0.36 lb | 3 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.8 – 8.4 | 0.11 lb | 2 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.9 – 8.0 | 0.09 lb | 1 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 7.2 (normal) | 0.8 – 8.4 | 0.40 lb | 43 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 0.8 (below normal) | 0.9 – 8.0 | 0.40 lb | 7 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 1.2 (normal) | 0.8 – 8.4 | 0.33 lb | 7 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 4.2 (normal) | 0.9 – 8.0 | 0.32 lb | 38 |
Yellow Perch
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | Backpack electrofishing | 2.8 | — | — | 3 |
| 2016-08-31 | 50-ft beach seine | 23.7 | — | — | 142 |
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 18.3 (normal) | 3.7 – 28.4 | 0.08 lb | 110 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 (normal) | 0.5 – 3.7 | 0.16 lb | 5 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 4.8 (normal) | 3.7 – 28.4 | 0.11 lb | 29 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard trap nets | 6.8 (above normal) | 0.5 – 3.7 | 0.20 lb | 54 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard gill nets | 78.7 (above normal) | 3.7 – 28.4 | 0.23 lb | 236 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 6.3 (above normal) | 0.5 – 3.7 | 0.11 lb | 50 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 54.3 (above normal) | 3.7 – 28.4 | 0.12 lb | 163 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.5 – 3.7 | 0.09 lb | 2 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 12.0 (normal) | 3.7 – 28.4 | 0.07 lb | 72 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.5 – 3.7 | 0.15 lb | 1 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 17.3 (normal) | 3.7 – 28.4 | 0.15 lb | 104 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 3.7 (normal) | 0.5 – 3.7 | 0.14 lb | 33 |
| 1994-08-22 | Survey seining | 11.2 | — | — | 56 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 24.8 (normal) | 3.7 – 28.4 | 0.26 lb | 149 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.5 – 3.7 | 0.23 lb | 1 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 0.7 (below normal) | 3.7 – 28.4 | 0.14 lb | 4 |
Northern Pike
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | 50-ft beach seine | 1.0 | — | — | 6 |
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 19.3 (above normal) | 2.3 – 9.2 | 2.13 lb | 116 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 8.2 (normal) | 2.3 – 9.2 | 1.35 lb | 49 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 1.8 | — | 1.79 lb | 16 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard gill nets | 3.7 (normal) | 2.3 – 9.2 | 2.05 lb | 11 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard trap nets | 0.9 | — | 1.26 lb | 7 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 5.7 (normal) | 2.3 – 9.2 | 2.21 lb | 17 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 | — | 0.50 lb | 1 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 6.3 (normal) | 2.3 – 9.2 | 2.55 lb | 38 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 | — | 2.14 lb | 3 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 9.5 (above normal) | 2.3 – 9.2 | 1.96 lb | 57 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 | — | 3.05 lb | 3 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 4.2 (normal) | 2.3 – 9.2 | 1.85 lb | 25 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 0.9 | — | 2.16 lb | 8 |
| 1994-08-22 | Survey seining | 0.8 | — | — | 4 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 8.8 (normal) | 2.3 – 9.2 | 1.55 lb | 53 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 3.0 | — | 1.28 lb | 27 |
Golden Shiner
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | 50-ft beach seine | 97.5 | — | 585 |
| 2016-08-31 | Backpack electrofishing | 37.7 | — | 41 |
Fathead Minnow
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.8 | — | 5 |
| 2016-08-31 | Backpack electrofishing | 13.8 | — | 15 |
Yellow Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | Backpack electrofishing | 10.1 | — | — | 11 |
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 22.8 (above normal) | 1.0 – 8.0 | 1.13 lb | 137 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 6.2 (normal) | 1.0 – 8.0 | 0.99 lb | 37 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 5.7 (normal) | 2.4 – 9.1 | 0.84 lb | 51 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.8 (below normal) | 2.4 – 9.1 | 0.83 lb | 6 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 15.8 (above normal) | 1.0 – 8.0 | 0.90 lb | 95 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 13.0 (above normal) | 2.4 – 9.1 | 1.07 lb | 117 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 22.3 (above normal) | 1.0 – 8.0 | 0.98 lb | 134 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 1.1 (below normal) | 2.4 – 9.1 | 1.14 lb | 10 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 1.0 – 8.0 | 1.33 lb | 2 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 2.1 (below normal) | 2.4 – 9.1 | 1.08 lb | 19 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 22.0 (above normal) | 1.0 – 8.0 | 0.87 lb | 132 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 13.8 (above normal) | 2.4 – 9.1 | 0.96 lb | 124 |
Iowa Darter
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-08-31 | 50-ft beach seine | 11.7 | — | 70 |
| 2016-08-31 | Backpack electrofishing | 25.7 | — | 28 |
| 1994-08-22 | Survey seining | 0.6 | — | 3 |
Brown Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.5 – 5.5 | 0.96 lb | 3 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.5 – 5.5 | 0.74 lb | 3 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard trap nets | 11.0 (above normal) | 0.6 – 5.2 | 0.27 lb | 88 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 1.0 (normal) | 0.6 – 5.2 | 0.49 lb | 8 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 0.7 (normal) | 0.5 – 5.5 | 0.55 lb | 2 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 2.8 (normal) | 0.6 – 5.2 | 0.91 lb | 25 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.7 (normal) | 0.5 – 5.5 | 0.76 lb | 4 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 0.7 (normal) | 0.5 – 5.5 | 1.19 lb | 4 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 2.2 (normal) | 0.6 – 5.2 | 0.44 lb | 20 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 7.8 (above normal) | 0.5 – 5.5 | 0.76 lb | 47 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.6 – 5.2 | 1.23 lb | 3 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.5 – 5.5 | 1.59 lb | 2 |
Black Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 5.0 (normal) | 3.1 – 47.6 | 1.10 lb | 30 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 (below normal) | 1.0 – 29.9 | 0.65 lb | 4 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 2.8 (below normal) | 3.1 – 47.6 | 1.09 lb | 17 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard gill nets | 144.0 (above normal) | 3.1 – 47.6 | 0.52 lb | 432 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard trap nets | 15.5 (normal) | 1.0 – 29.9 | 0.55 lb | 124 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 2.5 (normal) | 1.0 – 29.9 | 0.49 lb | 20 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 154.0 (above normal) | 3.1 – 47.6 | 0.30 lb | 462 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.9 (below normal) | 1.0 – 29.9 | 0.87 lb | 8 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 6.7 (normal) | 3.1 – 47.6 | 0.71 lb | 40 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 6.0 (normal) | 3.1 – 47.6 | 1.42 lb | 36 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 3.8 (normal) | 1.0 – 29.9 | 0.69 lb | 34 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 19.5 (normal) | 3.1 – 47.6 | 0.86 lb | 117 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 3.3 (normal) | 3.1 – 47.6 | 1.11 lb | 20 |
Walleye
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 10.5 (above normal) | 1.2 – 5.3 | 1.80 lb | 63 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 13.8 (above normal) | 1.2 – 5.3 | 1.68 lb | 83 |
| 1999-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.7 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 4.00 lb | 6 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard gill nets | 9.7 (above normal) | 1.2 – 5.3 | 1.45 lb | 29 |
| 1980-08-26 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 1.57 lb | 3 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 11.3 (above normal) | 1.2 – 5.3 | 1.61 lb | 34 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 1.5 (above normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 3.51 lb | 12 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 4.2 (normal) | 1.2 – 5.3 | 3.06 lb | 25 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.7 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 3.21 lb | 6 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 7.7 (above normal) | 1.2 – 5.3 | 2.75 lb | 46 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 8.64 lb | 1 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (normal) | 1.2 – 5.3 | 2.14 lb | 8 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 3.01 lb | 1 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard gill nets | 6.7 (above normal) | 1.2 – 5.3 | 2.31 lb | 40 |
| 2014-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.8 | 1.31 lb | 2 |
Hybrid Sunfish
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-24 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 | — | 0.29 lb | 1 |
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 | — | 0.17 lb | 3 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 | — | 0.04 lb | 1 |
Common Carp
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 7.30 lb | 1 |
| 2009-08-25 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 11.78 lb | 2 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 2.5 | 1.05 lb | 1 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 1.44 lb | 1 |
White Sucker
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (normal) | 0.5 – 3.3 | 2.05 lb | 4 |
| 2004-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.5 – 3.3 | 2.41 lb | 1 |
| 1994-08-22 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.3 | 3.58 lb | 2 |
Depth Maps & Lake Info
Map & Directions
Get DirectionsShowing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.
Nearby Bait & Tackle
Bosek Fisheries and Wholesale Live Bait
Hoffman, MN
★ 5Brophy Bay Mart
Alexandria, MN
★ 4.5Christopherson Bait and Tackle
Alexandria, MN
★ 4.6Cowing Robards Sports
Alexandria, MN
★ 4.7Dunham's Sports
Alexandria, MN
★ 3.8Ip Lures
Osakis, MN
★ 5Joe’s Bait & Bullets
Brandon, MN
★ 4.7Lake's Area Bait Co
Lowry, MN
★ 4.7Nearby Marinas
Resorts & Lodges Near Freeborn
Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Freeborn.
Fish Species
Species known to inhabit Freeborn. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Fishing Guides Near Freeborn
Other Lakes in Douglas County
Plan Your Trip to Freeborn
- Weather forecast for Freeborn — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
- GPS: 45.7943°N, 95.6171°W — Get Directions
- View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
- Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us
Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.