Lake Maud

How big is Lake Maud?

How deep is Lake Maud?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Maud?

What are the closest cities to Lake Maud?

Are there boat launches on Lake Maud?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Maud?

What are the fishing regulations for Lake Maud?

There are specific fishing regulations Lake Maud 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?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Maud?

Maud Lake is known primarily as a Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish lake, while also containing a small number of Walleyes. Suitable spawning habitat is present for all fish species except Walleye in Maud Lake and the Walleye fishery is maintained by stocking. Special regulations have existed for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie since 2008.

Attempts to improve Walleye fishing by manipulating stocking rates have not resulted in increased Walleye abundance and the number of Walleye captured in 2016 was similar to past surveys. Walleye captured averaged 2.6 pounds each and 19 inches long.

Catch rates of Northern Pike in 2016 was at the lake's historical average around 8 per gill net, and much lower than the lake's historical high catch rate in 1985 of 16 per net. Pike had an average size of 17 inches long. A special regulation for Northern Pike requires anglers to release all pike from 24 to 36 inches, with the overall goal of the regulation to increase the size of Northern Pike in the population. Although this is only the second survey since this regulation went into effect, the number of pike over 24 inches was not found to have increased in 2016 compared to previous surveys.

Bluegill abundance was found to be similar to past surveys. The mean length of sampled Bluegills was 6.8 inches and lengths ranged from 3.7 to 8.5 inches. Bluegill larger than 8.0 inches were sampled in Maud Lake in 2016, the first time since 1981. Bluegill required 9 years to reach a length of 8 inches. Historical evidence and information from anecdotal fishing pressure suggests the Bluegill population in Maud Lake was relatively unexploited in the 1950's. The potential for Maud Lake to produce quality-sized Bluegills led to a special regulation that limited the bag limit to five Bluegills. Theoretically, this should increase Bluegill size by allowing harvestable size Bluegills to remain in the population for continued growth. Preliminary evidence suggests this regulation is having some success at increasing the overall size of Bluegill in Maud Lake.

Black Crappie have never been sampled well in Maud Lake by trap net, but night electrofishing in the spring did produce a catch rate of 35.3 fish per hour. Black crappie sampled by electrofishing had a mean length of 9.4 inches, with lengths ranging from 7.8 to 11.5 inches. Black Crappie required just over 6 years to reach 10 inches long. The special regulation for Black Crappie consists of a bag limit of 5 fish and a minimum length limit of 10 inches. Goals of this regulation are to increase the abundance of Black Crappie and their size. Black Crappie abundance continues to be evaluated after implementation of the regulation, but fish over 11 inches were sampled by electrofishing in 2016.

The Largemouth Bass catch rate in trap nets in 2016 set a historical high at 3.6 fish per net. Average size for Largemouth Bass was found to be around 12 inches. Largemouth Bass up to age 16 were sampled, with a 14 inch Largemouth Bass being seven years old. A special regulation exists for Largemouth Bass on Maud Lake since 2008. It consists of a protected slot of 12-20 inches with only one over 20 inches allowed in possession. The goal of this regulation is to increase the size of bass in the population. The survey in 2016 found that the regulation was achieving this goal.

Historically, tullibee (cisco) were found in Maud Lake and are likely still present although none were captured in 2004, 2010, or 2016. These fish are an indicator of relatively good water quality. They require areas of cool, well-oxygenated water during the heat of summer to survive. They are also an indicator of the potential for the lake to grow large pike, but only if pike can escape harvest long enough to grow to trophy size. In general, anglers are encouraged to release medium to large fish (especially pike and bluegills) while keeping smaller fish for eating to balance the populations, sustain spawning age fish, and provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish. Lakeshore owners are encouraged to practice good shoreline and land management stewardship. Aquatic vegetation (especially bulrushes) provides spawning, rearing, and feeding cover for many fish species and is important for maintaining good water quality and protecting shorelines from erosion.

What is the average air temp for Lake Maud?

Are there any state parks near Lake Maud?