Fishing at Frances, Minnesota
927-acre lake · Le Sueur County · 1 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Frances is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Le Sueur County. At 927 acres, it offers small lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Frances:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 518 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 2,072 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 11,050 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 82 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 11,688 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Walleye | 453 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Walleye | 74 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 224 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 536 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 504,338 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Frances, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish Frances
For walleye, the best fishing on Frances is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Frances:
- Rays — 1.2 mi (169 ac)
- Lake Charles — 1.2 mi (141 ac)
- Elysian Lake — 2.8 mi (2,205 ac)
- Elysian (Main Lake) — 2.9 mi (2,215 ac)
- Lily — 3.3 mi (114 ac)
- German — 4.5 mi (889 ac)
- Reeds — 4.7 mi (195 ac)
- Reeds Lake — 4.7 mi (193 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Frances. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Frances?
Frances has been stocked with Walleye.
When was Frances last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 518 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Frances?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.