Minnow Lake

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What kind of fish can you catch in Minnow Lake?

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Minnow Lake is located just north of State Highway 2 and just west of the city of Bagley in Clearwater County. It is an occasional winter kill lake, with a shallow basin, small surface area and lots of aquatic vegetation. The size and numbers of fish found in Minnow Lake are determined by the frequency and severity of winter kill events. The fish community of Minnow Lake can also be dominated by species that are more tolerant of low oxygen conditions and that can recolonize the lake through its connection to the Clearwater River. These include Northern pike, Yellow perch, and Bullhead species. The management plan for Minnow Lake includes re-stocking the lake with adult Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Largemouth Bass after confirmed winter kill events. When winter kill events occur less frequently, these species can become established, grow fairly quickly and provide good fishing opportunities until the next winter kill occurs. The last stocking of these species occurred in 2007.

The 2014 fish population assessment of Minnow Lake found Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Northern Pike in good numbers, but Largemouth Bass, which have been present in past assessments, were not captured in 2014. Walleye have been nearly absent in the past two assessments despite regular fry stocking. The catch rates for both Black Crappie and Bluegill were similar to average catch rates in other similar lakes. Black Crappie up to 12.05 inches in length were captured, with an average size of 10.34 inches. A total of 7 year classes of Black Crappie were identified, which indicates that the fish are reproducing successfully. Black Crappie currently provide the most notable fishing opportunity in Minnow Lake. Bluegill captured in the 2014 assessment had an average length of just 5.12 inches with some fish up to 7.7 inches in length present. Northern pike catch rates were much higher than average for similar lakes but fish captured had a small average size (20.39 inches in length and 1.9 lbs/fish). The largest Northern Pike captured in the 2014 assessment was 35.98 inches in length. Other species captured in the 2014 assessment were Yellow Perch and Yellow Bullhead.