French
Rice County, Minnesota — DOW #66003800
159 Surveys
Invasive Species Alert
French has confirmed populations of:
- Eurasian watermilfoil
Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.
875.81
Acres
56 ft
Max Depth
16
Fish Species
1
Local Guides
DNR Fish Surveys
Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on French. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.
White Crappie
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.7 – 10.4 | 0.11 lb | 6 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 0.7 (below normal) | 0.7 – 10.4 | 0.44 lb | 6 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.5 – 6.6 | 0.23 lb | 3 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 1.4 (normal) | 0.7 – 10.4 | 0.65 lb | 7 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 3.6 (normal) | 0.7 – 10.4 | 0.08 lb | 36 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.7 – 10.4 | 0.26 lb | 1 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.5 – 6.6 | 0.31 lb | 1 |
Northern Pike
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 1.5 – 7.3 | 5.35 lb | 2 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 1.5 – 7.3 | 5.61 lb | 1 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.8 | — | 5.11 lb | 9 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 1.9 (normal) | 1.5 – 7.3 | 4.20 lb | 17 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 | — | 5.09 lb | 7 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.7 (normal) | 1.5 – 7.3 | 3.31 lb | 12 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 | — | 2.21 lb | 5 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 3.4 (normal) | 1.5 – 7.3 | 1.53 lb | 17 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 3.0 (normal) | 1.5 – 7.3 | 3.30 lb | 30 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 | — | 2.58 lb | 2 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 1.5 – 7.3 | 1.54 lb | 2 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 | — | 8.76 lb | 4 |
Black Crappie
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 28.0 (above normal) | 2.5 – 16.5 | 0.13 lb | 224 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 17.8 (above normal) | 2.5 – 16.5 | 0.12 lb | 142 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 2.6 (normal) | 1.8 – 21.2 | 0.30 lb | 31 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 57.6 (above normal) | 2.5 – 16.5 | 0.12 lb | 518 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 29.0 (above normal) | 1.8 – 21.2 | 0.09 lb | 348 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 67.1 (above normal) | 2.5 – 16.5 | 0.12 lb | 470 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 36.3 (above normal) | 1.8 – 21.2 | 0.25 lb | 290 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 18.6 (above normal) | 2.5 – 16.5 | 0.09 lb | 93 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 6.7 (normal) | 1.8 – 21.2 | 0.31 lb | 40 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 89.5 (above normal) | 2.5 – 16.5 | 0.07 lb | 895 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 20.9 (normal) | 1.8 – 21.2 | 0.32 lb | 230 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 25.0 (above normal) | 2.5 – 16.5 | 0.18 lb | 150 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 31.4 (above normal) | 1.8 – 21.2 | 0.17 lb | 345 |
White Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.3 – 3.8 | 1.83 lb | 2 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.4 (normal) | 0.3 – 3.8 | 2.13 lb | 3 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 3.8 | 1.40 lb | 3 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 0.6 (normal) | 0.3 – 3.8 | 0.07 lb | 3 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.9 | 0.88 lb | 5 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 3.1 (normal) | 0.3 – 3.8 | 1.25 lb | 31 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 3.8 | 0.71 lb | 1 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.9 | 1.66 lb | 5 |
Muskellunge
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.2 – 1.0 | — | 1 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.4 – 0.5 | 14.50 lb | 4 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.2 – 1.0 | 15.38 lb | 2 |
| 2024-04-15 | Musky trap nets | 1.7 | — | 11.02 lb | 58 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 1.1 (above normal) | 0.4 – 0.5 | 16.51 lb | 13 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.2 – 1.0 | 22.21 lb | 3 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.2 – 1.0 | 12.46 lb | 1 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.4 – 0.5 | 24.04 lb | 1 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 2.0 (above normal) | 0.4 – 0.5 | 0.17 lb | 12 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.4 – 0.5 | 2.25 lb | 3 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 1.1 (above normal) | 0.2 – 1.0 | 3.11 lb | 11 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.4 – 0.5 | 14.99 lb | 2 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 1.0 (normal) | 0.2 – 1.0 | 4.97 lb | 6 |
| 2022-04-18 | Musky trap nets | 0.9 | — | 14.90 lb | 60 |
Walleye
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 1.2 – 6.3 | 5.05 lb | 2 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.6 (below normal) | 1.2 – 6.3 | 3.40 lb | 5 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 4.9 (normal) | 1.2 – 6.3 | 1.39 lb | 44 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.2 | 2.12 lb | 1 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.9 (normal) | 1.2 – 6.3 | 1.72 lb | 13 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.2 | 0.84 lb | 5 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 2.4 (normal) | 1.2 – 6.3 | 2.96 lb | 12 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.2 | 3.05 lb | 2 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 3.8 (normal) | 1.2 – 6.3 | 3.10 lb | 38 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.2 | 3.47 lb | 3 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (normal) | 1.2 – 6.3 | 1.95 lb | 8 |
Golden Shiner
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 3.0 (above normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 0.10 lb | 24 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.4 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 0.11 lb | 11 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.06 lb | 3 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 3.9 (above normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 0.05 lb | 35 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.08 lb | 1 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 6.6 (above normal) | 0.3 – 1.5 | 0.12 lb | 46 |
Common Carp
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 0.4 (normal) | 0.3 – 3.0 | 0.09 lb | 3 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 3.0 | 4.51 lb | 1 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.3 – 3.0 | 0.09 lb | 7 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 2.0 (normal) | 0.3 – 3.0 | 0.27 lb | 10 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.4 – 2.0 | 2.89 lb | 3 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 1.7 (normal) | 0.3 – 3.0 | 1.35 lb | 17 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 1.0 (normal) | 0.4 – 2.0 | 3.64 lb | 11 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 3.0 | 2.20 lb | 1 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 1.4 (normal) | 0.4 – 2.0 | 11.14 lb | 16 |
Freshwater Drum
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 7.8 (normal) | 4.0 – 32.3 | 1.14 lb | 62 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 15.0 (above normal) | 0.5 – 4.2 | 3.88 lb | 180 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 16.4 (normal) | 4.0 – 32.3 | 1.79 lb | 131 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 5.0 (above normal) | 0.5 – 4.2 | 3.94 lb | 60 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 2.7 (below normal) | 4.0 – 32.3 | 1.50 lb | 24 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 4.8 (above normal) | 0.5 – 4.2 | 3.15 lb | 38 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 3.0 (below normal) | 4.0 – 32.3 | 1.41 lb | 21 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 1.5 (normal) | 0.5 – 4.2 | 1.21 lb | 9 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 2.2 (below normal) | 4.0 – 32.3 | 0.78 lb | 11 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 14.3 (above normal) | 0.5 – 4.2 | 0.79 lb | 157 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 7.1 (normal) | 4.0 – 32.3 | 0.70 lb | 71 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 7.7 (above normal) | 0.5 – 4.2 | 2.80 lb | 85 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 2.5 (below normal) | 4.0 – 32.3 | 1.89 lb | 15 |
Bluegill
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 | — | 0.38 lb | 2 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 1.4 | — | 0.14 lb | 11 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 16.8 (normal) | 7.5 – 62.5 | 0.15 lb | 201 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 5.0 | — | 0.16 lb | 45 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 45.4 (normal) | 7.5 – 62.5 | 0.03 lb | 545 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 22.4 (normal) | 7.5 – 62.5 | 0.17 lb | 179 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 | — | 0.38 lb | 2 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 6.0 | — | 0.18 lb | 30 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 10.0 (normal) | 7.5 – 62.5 | 0.29 lb | 60 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 10.8 | — | 0.23 lb | 108 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 53.5 (normal) | 7.5 – 62.5 | 0.07 lb | 589 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 10.5 | — | 0.16 lb | 63 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 16.2 (normal) | 7.5 – 62.5 | 0.16 lb | 178 |
Yellow Perch
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-08-10 | Standard gill nets | 35.5 (above normal) | 2.0 – 27.9 | 0.14 lb | 284 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 1.7 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.7 | 0.17 lb | 20 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 12.9 (normal) | 2.0 – 27.9 | 0.12 lb | 103 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 2.9 (above normal) | 0.3 – 1.7 | 0.11 lb | 35 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard gill nets | 30.6 (above normal) | 2.0 – 27.9 | 0.07 lb | 275 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 1.4 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.7 | 0.23 lb | 11 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard gill nets | 19.9 (normal) | 2.0 – 27.9 | 0.19 lb | 139 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.7 | 0.09 lb | 1 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 45.0 (above normal) | 2.0 – 27.9 | 0.13 lb | 225 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 2.3 (above normal) | 0.3 – 1.7 | 0.10 lb | 25 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 17.1 (normal) | 2.0 – 27.9 | 0.08 lb | 171 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 1.6 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.7 | 0.15 lb | 18 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 149.7 (above normal) | 2.0 – 27.9 | 0.03 lb | 898 |
Largemouth Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-07 | Standard electrofishing | 10.1 | — | 1.38 lb | 10 |
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.7 | 1.07 lb | 3 |
| 2007-08-13 | Special electrofishing | 4.3 | — | 1.69 lb | 7 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.7 | 1.88 lb | 3 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard electrofishing | 38.5 | — | 0.49 lb | 50 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.7 | 0.50 lb | 2 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.2 – 0.7 | 0.49 lb | 1 |
Yellow Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.9 – 5.7 | 2.38 lb | 1 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 1.0 (normal) | 0.9 – 5.7 | 0.71 lb | 6 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 0.6 (normal) | 0.5 – 7.5 | 1.11 lb | 6 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 1.7 (normal) | 0.9 – 5.7 | 0.78 lb | 19 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.5 – 7.5 | 1.43 lb | 1 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 1.3 (normal) | 0.9 – 5.7 | 2.71 lb | 14 |
Hybrid Sunfish
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 | — | 0.09 lb | 1 |
Pumpkinseed
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.7 – 4.2 | 0.17 lb | 2 |
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (below normal) | 0.7 – 4.2 | 0.16 lb | 6 |
| 2017-08-07 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.7 – 4.2 | 0.23 lb | 2 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 | — | 0.22 lb | 1 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 1.8 (normal) | 0.7 – 4.2 | 0.13 lb | 11 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 | — | 0.25 lb | 1 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 2.4 (normal) | 0.7 – 4.2 | 0.14 lb | 26 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 1.4 (normal) | 0.7 – 4.2 | 0.11 lb | 16 |
Bowfin
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-08-13 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.4 – 1.3 | 5.98 lb | 1 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 2.37 lb | 1 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.4 – 1.3 | 0.50 lb | 1 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 0.4 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 3.55 lb | 4 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 (below normal) | 0.4 – 1.3 | 4.33 lb | 4 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 8.32 lb | 1 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 (below normal) | 0.4 – 1.3 | 4.98 lb | 4 |
Black Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 1.0 (normal) | 0.7 – 25.7 | 0.69 lb | 6 |
| 1987-09-02 | Standard gill nets | 13.8 (normal) | 2.5 – 45.0 | 0.83 lb | 69 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 11.3 (normal) | 0.7 – 25.7 | 0.81 lb | 124 |
| 1989-07-24 | Standard gill nets | 18.2 (normal) | 2.5 – 45.0 | 0.59 lb | 182 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 (below normal) | 0.7 – 25.7 | 2.09 lb | 7 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 1.3 (below normal) | 2.5 – 45.0 | 1.76 lb | 8 |
BIB
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987-09-02 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 5.65 lb | 2 |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard gill nets | 0.0 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.7 | — | — |
| 1993-08-23 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 (normal) | 0.2 – 0.8 | 5.34 lb | 4 |
Green Sunfish
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.2 – 1.3 | 0.12 lb | 2 |
White Sucker
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-07-24 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.2 – 1.0 | 3.19 lb | 1 |
Depth Maps & Lake Info
Map & Directions
Get DirectionsShowing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.
Nearby Bait & Tackle
John's Bait & Tackle
Faribault, MN
★ 4.6Lake Country Convenience & Bait
Faribault, MN
★ 4.9Ziggy’s Live Bait & Tackle
Northfield, MN
★ 3.7AI Fish Report
Shakopee, MN
Bass Pro Shops
Owatonna, MN
★ 4.4Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Boating Center
Owatonna, MN
★ 3.8Bomgaars
Waseca, MN
★ 4.2Buckmeister Bait and Butcher
Madison Lake, MN
★ 5Nearby Marinas
Resorts & Lodges Near French
Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near French.
Fish Species
Species known to inhabit French. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Fishing Guides Near French
Other Lakes in Rice County
Plan Your Trip to French
- Weather forecast for French — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
- GPS: 44.3391°N, 93.3918°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.