French

Wright County, Minnesota — DOW #86027300

197 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.

346.37

Acres

50 ft

Max Depth

16.6 ft

Mean Depth

15

Fish Species

6

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.

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.7 – 25.7	0.97 lb	1
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	2.5 – 45.0	0.33 lb	4
1979-06-25	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	2.5 – 45.0	0.55 lb	2
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	6.3 (normal)	0.7 – 25.7	0.53 lb	19
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.7 – 25.7	0.51 lb	2
1996-07-15	Standard gill nets	1.3 (below normal)	2.5 – 45.0	0.51 lb	8
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	3.7 (normal)	0.7 – 25.7	0.36 lb	22
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	5.2 (normal)	2.5 – 45.0	0.35 lb	31
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.7 – 25.7	0.95 lb	1
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	2.5 – 45.0	0.67 lb	2
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.7 – 25.7	0.80 lb	1
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	4.5 (normal)	2.5 – 45.0	0.48 lb	27
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	26.3 (normal)	2.5 – 45.0	0.54 lb	158
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.7 – 25.7	0.57 lb	2

White Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	0.7 – 10.4	0.50 lb	4
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.5 – 6.6	0.26 lb	5
1979-06-25	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	0.7 – 10.4	0.37 lb	6
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	57.3 (above normal)	0.5 – 6.6	0.35 lb	172
1996-07-15	Standard gill nets	14.8 (above normal)	0.7 – 10.4	0.13 lb	89
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	9.2 (above normal)	0.5 – 6.6	0.26 lb	55
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	18.7 (above normal)	0.7 – 10.4	0.18 lb	112
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	25.7 (above normal)	0.5 – 6.6	0.17 lb	154
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	2.2 (normal)	0.7 – 10.4	0.19 lb	13
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.5 – 6.6	0.33 lb	7
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	0.3	—	—	2
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	20.5 (above normal)	0.7 – 10.4	0.17 lb	123
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	3.7 (normal)	0.5 – 6.6	0.29 lb	22
2004-07-12	Survey seining	1.0	—	0.10 lb	4
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	1.9 (normal)	0.5 – 6.6	0.46 lb	17
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	2.7 (normal)	0.7 – 10.4	0.20 lb	16

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.09 lb	1
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	2.0 – 27.9	0.08 lb	20
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.17 lb	2
1979-06-25	Standard gill nets	14.7 (normal)	2.0 – 27.9	0.08 lb	44
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.05 lb	3
1996-07-15	Standard gill nets	6.2 (normal)	2.0 – 27.9	0.09 lb	37
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.10 lb	1
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	18.5 (normal)	2.0 – 27.9	0.13 lb	111
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.08 lb	2
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	26.7 (normal)	2.0 – 27.9	0.10 lb	160
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	7.9	—	—	6
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	38.9	—	—	311
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	11.2 (normal)	2.0 – 27.9	0.19 lb	67
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	41.3 (above normal)	2.0 – 27.9	0.12 lb	248
2004-07-12	Survey seining	72.3	—	—	289
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.7	0.07 lb	1

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.5 – 7.5	1.08 lb	4
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	1.2 (normal)	0.9 – 5.7	1.00 lb	11
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	1.3 (normal)	0.9 – 5.7	0.68 lb	4
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.8 (below normal)	0.9 – 5.7	0.86 lb	5
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 7.5	0.80 lb	1
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	1.8 (normal)	0.9 – 5.7	0.73 lb	11
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 7.5	1.33 lb	3
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	1.6 (normal)	0.9 – 5.7	1.23 lb	14
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 7.5	0.75 lb	2
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	1.7 (normal)	0.9 – 5.7	0.75 lb	10
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.7 (below normal)	0.9 – 5.7	1.08 lb	6
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 7.5	0.76 lb	2

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	3.2 (normal)	1.5 – 7.3	3.33 lb	19
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	2.96 lb	3
1979-06-25	Standard gill nets	3.7 (normal)	1.5 – 7.3	2.54 lb	11
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	4.00 lb	1
1996-07-15	Standard gill nets	4.5 (normal)	1.5 – 7.3	2.36 lb	27
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	2.87 lb	1
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	2.2 (normal)	1.5 – 7.3	3.36 lb	13
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	6.00 lb	1
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	2.2 (normal)	1.5 – 7.3	4.24 lb	13
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	4.63 lb	1
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	4.5 (normal)	1.5 – 7.3	2.62 lb	27
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	10.00 lb	1
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	4.8 (normal)	1.5 – 7.3	4.33 lb	29
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	4.85 lb	3

Common Carp

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 3.0	6.39 lb	1
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.4 – 2.0	7.98 lb	4
1979-06-25	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	3.50 lb	1
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	3.7 (above normal)	0.4 – 2.0	2.82 lb	11
1996-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	6.06 lb	4
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	0.4 – 2.0	4.51 lb	6
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	5.43 lb	3
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.8 (normal)	0.4 – 2.0	5.10 lb	5
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 3.0	4.96 lb	1
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.4 – 2.0	5.79 lb	5
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	0.4	—	—	3
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	3.0 (normal)	0.3 – 3.0	3.91 lb	18
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	3.8 (above normal)	0.4 – 2.0	3.37 lb	23
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 3.0	1.19 lb	1
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	1.7 (normal)	0.4 – 2.0	3.29 lb	15

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.15 lb	1
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	0.25 lb	4
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.15 lb	2
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	—	1
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	0.40 lb	1
2004-07-12	Survey seining	0.3	—	0.01 lb	1
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	0.16 lb	3

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	2.8 (normal)	1.2 – 6.3	2.90 lb	17
1996-07-15	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	1.2 – 6.3	2.07 lb	4
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.2	0.77 lb	2
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	2.8 (normal)	1.2 – 6.3	1.55 lb	17
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.2	2.97 lb	3
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	2.8 (normal)	1.2 – 6.3	1.91 lb	17
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 1.2	5.07 lb	1
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	—	1
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	1.3 (normal)	1.2 – 6.3	3.60 lb	8
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.2	3.67 lb	3
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	1.2 – 6.3	2.38 lb	9
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.2	2.31 lb	3
2004-07-12	Standard electrofishing	2.5	—	0.63 lb	5

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	1.5 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.8	0.81 lb	9
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	2.15 lb	6
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	0.10 lb	1
2011-07-25	Standard electrofishing	80.5	—	1.07 lb	87
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	2.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 0.8	0.24 lb	17
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.2 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.96 lb	2
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	94.8	—	—	72
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	18.3	—	—	146
2004-07-12	Standard electrofishing	32.0	—	0.69 lb	64
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.3 – 0.8	1.58 lb	1
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.05 lb	1

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	3.3	—	0.16 lb	20
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	28.9 (normal)	7.5 – 62.5	0.13 lb	260
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	17.3 (normal)	7.5 – 62.5	0.20 lb	52
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	21.3 (normal)	7.5 – 62.5	0.08 lb	128
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	32.0 (normal)	7.5 – 62.5	0.31 lb	192
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	13.8	—	0.20 lb	83
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	19.4 (normal)	7.5 – 62.5	0.16 lb	175
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	61.9	—	—	47
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	41.6	—	—	333
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	4.3 (below normal)	7.5 – 62.5	0.26 lb	26
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	0.7	—	0.28 lb	4
2004-07-12	Survey seining	191.8	—	—	767
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	24.4 (normal)	7.5 – 62.5	0.23 lb	220

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.4 – 2.2	2.39 lb	7
1979-06-25	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.2	2.50 lb	1
1996-07-15	Standard gill nets	2.0 (normal)	0.4 – 2.2	1.44 lb	12
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.8 (normal)	0.4 – 2.2	2.12 lb	5
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.2 – 1.0	1.77 lb	3
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	0.4 – 2.2	1.95 lb	6
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	2.65 lb	1
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	2.7 (above normal)	0.4 – 2.2	2.26 lb	16
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 1.0	2.80 lb	1
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.4 – 2.2	2.30 lb	7

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard gill nets	2.3 (below normal)	2.5 – 16.5	0.16 lb	14
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	2.2 (normal)	1.8 – 21.2	0.27 lb	20
1979-06-25	Standard gill nets	2.7 (normal)	2.5 – 16.5	0.20 lb	8
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	35.0 (above normal)	1.8 – 21.2	0.26 lb	105
1996-07-15	Standard gill nets	12.0 (normal)	2.5 – 16.5	0.15 lb	72
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	30.8 (above normal)	1.8 – 21.2	0.14 lb	185
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	22.5 (above normal)	2.5 – 16.5	0.20 lb	135
1990-07-16	Standard trap nets	112.7 (above normal)	1.8 – 21.2	0.23 lb	676
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	10.7 (normal)	2.5 – 16.5	0.16 lb	64
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	7.2 (normal)	1.8 – 21.2	0.29 lb	65
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	—	1
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	37.3	—	—	298
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	10.8 (normal)	2.5 – 16.5	0.43 lb	65
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	9.7 (normal)	1.8 – 21.2	0.44 lb	58
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	2.2 (below normal)	2.5 – 16.5	0.20 lb	13
2004-07-12	Survey seining	33.5	—	—	134
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	15.3 (normal)	1.8 – 21.2	0.36 lb	138

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	0.7 – 4.2	0.18 lb	13
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	9.0 (above normal)	0.7 – 4.2	0.11 lb	27
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.7 – 4.2	0.02 lb	1
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.6 (below normal)	0.7 – 4.2	0.10 lb	5
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	1.3	—	—	1
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	0.9	—	—	7
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.7 – 4.2	0.20 lb	1
2004-07-12	Survey seining	1.0	—	0.03 lb	4
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.6 (below normal)	0.7 – 4.2	0.11 lb	5

Bowfin

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2013-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.3	2.87 lb	2
1979-06-25	Standard trap nets	1.7 (above normal)	0.4 – 1.3	3.60 lb	5
1996-07-15	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.3	3.60 lb	2
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.3	6.37 lb	2
1985-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.2 – 0.8	2.45 lb	2
1985-07-16	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 1.3	5.25 lb	2
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.8	4.18 lb	1
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.4 – 1.3	3.30 lb	8

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1990-07-16	Standard gill nets	0.3 (normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.15 lb	2
2011-07-25	Standard gill nets	0.5 (normal)	0.3 – 1.5	0.14 lb	3
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.2 – 0.8	0.04 lb	1

Brown Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2011-07-25	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.2 – 1.4	1.38 lb	4
2004-07-12	Standard gill nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.4 – 2.0	0.72 lb	2

Green Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	7.9	—	—	6
2004-07-12	Survey seining	0.5	—	0.05 lb	2

Bluntnose Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	9.1	—	73
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	11.8	—	9
2004-07-12	Survey seining	2.8	—	11

Spottail Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	2.4	—	19
2004-07-12	Survey seining	221.0	—	884

Fathead Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	3.3	—	26
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	9.2	—	7

Iowa Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	4.1	—	33
2016-07-27	Backpack electrofishing	2.6	—	2

BST

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	0.1	—	1

Johnny Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	2.6	—	21
2004-07-12	Survey seining	2.5	—	10

Tadpole Madtom

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2016-07-27	50-ft beach seine	1.6	—	13

CRP

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2004-07-12	Standard trap nets	0.4	—	0.55 lb	4

SHI

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
2004-07-12	Survey seining	48.8	—	195

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Nearby Marinas

A-1 Marine, Inc.

Annandale, MN

★ 4.4

An Extra Space, LLC

Buffalo, MN

★ 5

Anchor Dock & Lift

Annandale, MN

★ 4.9

Beebe Lake Public Launch

Buffalo, MN

★ 4.6

Boat Happy Rentals

Albertville, MN

Bremer Jet Ski & Watercraft Rental, Inc.

Maple Lake, MN

★ 4.8

Resorts & Lodges Near French

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near French.

Minnesota Lake Life Rentals

Fishing Resort Maple Lake

(612) 508-6536

The Bouncy House Guy

Fishing Resort Monticello

(763) 291-6952

Lake Augusta Cabins

Fishing Resort South Haven

(952) 406-0640

Cokato Lake RV Resort

Fishing Resort Cokato

(320) 552-6460

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit French. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Brown Bullhead Common Carp Green Sunfish Hybrid Sunfish Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Walleye White Crappie White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Yellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near French

Big Dog Fishing Guide Services

(612) 810-7330

Fishing Klinics For Kids Guide

(763) 972-3619

Headwaters Fly Fishing Company - John Edstrom

(651) 503-3919

Jiggin Jim's Fishing Guide Service & Taxidermy

(612) 644-7657

Maple Lake Ice Fishing Derby

(763) 443-7039

Wildwood Float Trips

(612) 801-2710

Other Lakes in Wright County

Albion

Ann

Augusta

Bass

Beebe

Bertram

Plan Your Trip to French

Weather forecast for French — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 45.2092°N, 94.1625°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.