Fran

Lake County

Near Happy Wanderer

DOW: 38077100

Northern PikeGood · 62Yellow PerchGood · 54

A 21-acre lake near Happy Wanderer in Lake County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 1985.

Fish Species (3)

Northern Pike

Good · 62

Above-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1985

Last surveyed 1985 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.75 lbs

Catch rate: 6.0 per gill net · typical 1.1–5.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 26, 1985	6.00	-	1.75 lbs	Standard gill nets

Yellow Perch

Good · 54

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1985

Last surveyed 1985 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.17 lbs

Catch rate: 3.0 per gill net · typical 1.1–12.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 26, 1985	0.20	-	0.10 lbs	Standard trap nets
Aug 26, 1985	3.00	-	0.17 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Good · 71

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1985

Last surveyed 1985 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

3.00 lbs

Catch rate: 5.0 per gill net · typical 1–8.9 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 26, 1985	0.60	-	2.67 lbs	Standard trap nets
Aug 26, 1985	5.00	-	3.00 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Northern Pike

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).

Perch

20 daily and 40 in possession

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").

Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers

no limit

Biologist Notes

August 26, 1985Northern Pike catch in gillnets was 1.5 times the area average. Yellow Perch and White Sucker catches in gillnets were well below the area averages.

Northern Pike catch in gillnets was 1.5 times the area average. Yellow Perch and White Sucker catches in gillnets were well below the area averages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Fran?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike and Yellow Perch in Fran. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Fran?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Fran. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Fran?

Fran has a maximum depth of 19 feet and a mean depth of 11 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Fran last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Fran is from 1985. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Fran have any invasive species?

No invasive species are on record for Fran in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

Are there special fishing regulations on Fran?

No — Fran has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.