Buffalo Lake

How big is Buffalo Lake?

How deep is Buffalo Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Buffalo Lake?

What are the closest cities to Buffalo Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Buffalo Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Buffalo Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Buffalo Lake

Are there boat launches on Buffalo Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Buffalo Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Buffalo Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Buffalo Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Buffalo Lake has a diverse fish community that ranges from warmwater species like largemouth bass and bluegill to coolwater species like walleye and northern pike to coldwater species like tullibee (cisco). With increased shoreline development and angler mobility, fishing pressure has likely increased in Buffalo Lake as it has in most Minnesota lakes. The fishery remains strong with good numbers of northern pike, walleye, and bluegill, along with modest populations of largemouth bass and black crappie.

Northern pike are generally small, averaging just over 20 inches, but a good range of sizes up to 34 inches was found. Also, a larger portion of sampled pike over 24 inches in length was found in 2012 than in any prior assessment (18%). Good pike spawning habitat can be found in and near the lake via the Buffalo River.

Walleye spawning habitat is much less abundant in Buffalo Lake. Consequently, the walleye fishery is supplemented by fingerling stocking. Buffalo was identified as a lake that might benefit from increased walleye stocking based on several factors including poor natural reproduction, a previously strong yellow perch forage base, and increasing fishing pressure. The stocking rate was doubled to two pounds of fingerlings per littoral acre every other year beginning in 1998. The increased stocking strategy has not resulted in expanded fishing opportunities for walleye in Buffalo Lake. In fact, catch rates declined in 2002 and 2007. However, it should be noted that the northern pike (a predator and comptetitor of walleye) catch rate increased to its historical high for this lake in 2007 and it remains relatively high in 2012 at 9.8 pike per net. Walleyes sampled in test nets in 2012 averaged a respectable 1.6 pounds each. Net catches were somewhat higher than the lake's long term average at 5.4 walleyes per set.

Panfish populations were dominated by bluegill. Bluegill test net catches remained relatively high for this lake at 38 fish per net. These fish averaged 6.8 inches in length and approximately 16% of sampled bluegills were longer than eight inches.

Lakeshore and watershed property owners can help to slow the aging of the lake (eutrophication) by using the best management practices available. These practices include (1) exceeding setbacks for structures and septic systems, (2) leaving buffer strips of natural vegetation along the shoreline, (3) leaving vegetation stands (especially bulrush and cattail) intact, (4) and minimizing fertilizer and other chemical use in the watershed.

What is the average air temp for Buffalo Lake?