Lake Marquette

How big is Lake Marquette?

How deep is Lake Marquette?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Marquette?

What are the closest cities to Lake Marquette?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Marquette?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Marquette?

Lake Marquette is a 504-acre natural lake with a maximum depth of 51 feet located one mile south of Bemidji in southern Beltrami County. The lake is part of the Schoolcraft River system and has connectivity with Lake Plantagenet upstream and the Mississippi River and associated lakes downstream. Since there is no public water access on Lake Marquette, boaters must access the lake via Lake Irving in Bemidji, travel up the Mississippi River approximately one mile to Carr Lake, then up the Schoolcraft River a short distance to Marquette given adequate water levels. An undeveloped public access near the outlet of Lake Plantagenet offers a shorter alternative route downstream to Lake Marquette although this is more suited to non-motorized watercraft. Fish populations in Lake Marquette benefit from the connectivity of this open system, which allows considerable migration of fish to occur from both upstream and downstream. No stocking of fish has occurred in Lake Marquette since the 1940's.

Lake Marquette has a diverse fish community which supports populations of most major gamefish found in the area. A total of 16 species of fish were identified from the 2012 population assessment. The 2012 walleye catch rate of 8.33 fish/gill net is very similar to the upper end of the normal range for class 27 lakes. Walleye ranged in length up to 23.6 inches, with an average length and weight of 16.0 inches and 1.36 pounds.

Northern pike are abundant in Lake Marquette. The 2012 catch rate of 11.44 fish/gill net is greater than the statewide statewide normal range for lake class. The largest northern pike captured in 2012 was 34.8 inches in length. The northern pike population's size structure has remained stable over time with the exception of a decline in northern pike over 30 inches in length. Declines in the abundance of larger northern pike are often caused by excessive angler harvest. Anglers can help reverse this trend by voluntarily releasing northern pike greater than 24 inches in length and keeping smaller pike for table fare.

Panfish populations in Lake Marquette have never been particularly abundant but have produced quality-size fish. The 2012 black crappie catch rate of 0.67 fish/trap net is within the normal range for lake class, and is similar to catch rates from previous assessments. Consistent natural reproduction was evident with 4 consecutive year classes identified in the sample. Black crappie ranged in length up to 12.6 inches. Bluegill, which were absent from earlier assessments of Lake Marquette, appear to be expanding their population, with catch rates in 2012 (4.56 fish/trap net) that were similar to the lower-quartile value of 4.4 fish/trap net for lake class. Growth rates were good for this relatively sparse population, with individuals greater than 10 inches in length present in the sample. Muskellunge are also present in Lake Marquette. These fish likely originated from Lake Plantagenet and/or Lake Bemidji, which are both managed for muskellunge. Other species sampled in 2012 included pumpkinseed sunfish, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, largemouth bass (in low numbers), bullhead species, redhorse species, white sucker and tullibee (cisco).

What is the average air temp for Lake Marquette?

Are there any state parks near Lake Marquette?