Minerva Lake

How big is Minerva Lake?

How deep is Minerva Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Minerva Lake?

Are there boat launches on Minerva Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Minerva Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Minerva Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Minerva 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?

Lake Minerva is a 230-acre lake with a maximum depth of 16 feet located 12 miles south of Bagley in Clearwater County. There is a DNR public water access located on the southeast shore of the lake with an earthen ramp and parking for about 8 trucks/trailers. Lake Minerva is managed for Walleye, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. Statewide fishing regulations apply to all species.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has classified Minnesota lakes based on similarities in lake basin (depth, size) water chemistry (alkalinity, water clarity) and geographic location. Lake class can affect the type of fish community present in the lake. Lake Minerva is in lake class 39. The following discussion makes comparisons between Lake Minerva and other class 39 lakes in the state. Other Bemidji area lakes in this class include Pine Lake, Rogstad Lake, and Lake Puposky.

A commonality between these class 39 lakes is they have all experienced winterkill periodically in their histories. Lake Minerva had a history of frequent winterkill events when it had direct connection and flow through from Upper Rice Lake. Water from shallow Upper Rice increased the oxygen depletion rate in Minerva resulting in winterkill in both basins. Since the Upper Rice outlet was diverted for rice and waterfowl management Lake Minerva's fish community has improved and diversified.

The 2016 Walleye catch rate was 4.33/gill net. Walleye had a good average size of 21.75 inches and 4.12 lbs/fish.

The 2016 Northern Pike catch rate was 10.83/gill net. Pike also had a good average size of 23.16 inches in length and 2.76 lbs/fish. The largest Northern Pike captured in the 2016 assessment measured 32.09 inches in length.

Crappie, Bluegill, and Bass, all species that are sensitive to winterkill. Since reintroduction these species have now established very good fisheries. The Black Crappie catch rate of 17.56/trap net was above the normal range found in similar lakes (0.80/trap net- 6.50/trap net). Black Crappie captured had an average size of 8.38 inches in length and 0.33 lbs/fish.

The 2016 Bluegill catch rate was 23/trap net. Bluegill captured had an average size of 7.16 inches in length and 0.33 lbs/fish, with good numbers of quality-size fish present.

An electrofishing assessment targeting Largemouth Bass was conducted as part of the 2016 assessment of Lake Minerva. The catch rate of 33.02 bass/hour indicates a healthy bass population. Largemouth Bass up to 19.29 inches in length were captured, with a good average size of 15.75 inches in length.

Other species of fish captured in the 2016 assessment were Yellow Perch, White Sucker, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid Sunfish, and Bullhead species.

Are there any state parks near Minerva Lake?