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We want to see what you've caught on Shell Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Shell Lake, MN
- How big is Shell Lake?
- How deep is Shell Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Shell Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Shell Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Shell Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Shell Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Shell Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Shell Lake?
How big is Shell Lake?
How deep is Shell Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Shell Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Brook Stickleback, Central Mudminnow, Common Shiner, Creek Chub, Green Sunfish, Hornyhead Chub, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
Are there places to stay in the Shell Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Shell Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Shell Lake?
Explore the Shell Lake area in a RV
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Cozy Renovated Dutchmen Classic Camper Trailer : Kid & Pet Friendly
Frazee, MN
History & Status of the Fishery
Shell Lake is a large, shallow, fertile lake that is subject to occasional winterkills. Some winterkill was observed in 2014 that reduced populations of Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Walleye. As a result, 136 Black Crappie adults, 720 Bluegill adults, and approximately 3.4 million Walleye fry were stocked into Shell Lake in spring of 2014. Each of these species has now been reestablished, and the 2016 assessment catch rates confirmed the winterkill was not 100% and good recovery of most species has occurred. Natural immigration is also possible via the Shell River, Shell Lake's outlet stream. Extensive stands of wild rice are found in shoal waters throughout much of the lake, and waterfowl hunting is an important recreational use of the lake.
Walleyes sampled in the 2016 assessment averaged 19.4 inches in length and 3.0 pounds in weight. Catch rates were near the historical average for Shell Lake, at 2.9 per net. Walleyes from eight year classes were sampled, and the population appears to have rebounded following the winterkill of 2014.
Bluegill catch rates remained relatively high, well above the historical average for Shell Lake, at 36.1 per net. Young Bluegills were most abundant, but some over eight inches were also found. Bluegills reach 5.7 inches in four years, and eight to ten years to grow to a desirable size of eight inches.
The Black Crappie catch rate is above the historical average for Shell Lake, with the average size sampled of 8.0 inches. Crappies up to 12.1 inches were sampled.
A high population of young, relatively small Northern Pike was present. Catch rates for Northern Pike were well above the historical average for Shell Lake. The size range of Pike sampled was between 9.2 inches and 34.4 inches, with an average length of 20.1 inches, and an average weight of 2.0 pounds.
Carp, White Sucker, Bowfin, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow and Brown Bullheads were also found in standard gill nets and trap nets during the 2016 study. Carp are likely immigrants via the Shell River. No Black Bullheads were sampled during the 2016 assessment, following a steady decrease in catch rates since the 2000 assessment. Yellow and Brown Bullheads are present, with average lengths 9.5 inches and 11.6 inches, respectively.
Fish populations in any lake are reflections of their habitat and watershed. Shell Lake and its surrounding watershed are primarily forested, yet increased development may put the watershed at risk for increased surface runoff and increased nutrients coming into the lake. Following shoreland regulation established by the DNR, PCA, and Becker County can help ensure that the water quality and overall health of Shell Lake withstands the environmental pressure within the watershed.
What is the average air temp for Shell Lake?
Are there any state parks near Shell Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Shell Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Dumbell Lake | 1.3 mi | 120 | 15 ft |
Pihlajas Lake | 2.8 mi | 14 | 11 ft |
Bass Lake | 3.1 mi | 130 | 48 ft |
Green Water Lake | 3.5 mi | 74 | 57 ft |
Island Lake | 4.1 mi | 1,179 | 38 ft |
Big Rush Lake | 4.3 mi | 917 | 9 ft |
Pickerel Lake | 5.8 mi | 97 | 32 ft |
Sieverson Lake | 5.8 mi | 82 | 35 ft |
Toad Lake | 5.9 mi | 1,716 | 29 ft |
Pickerel Lake | 5.9 mi | 89 | 32 ft |