Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Horseshoe Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Horseshoe Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Horseshoe Lake, MN
- How big is Horseshoe Lake?
- How deep is Horseshoe Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Horseshoe Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Horseshoe Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Horseshoe Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Horseshoe Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Horseshoe Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Horseshoe Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Horseshoe Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Horseshoe Lake?
How big is Horseshoe Lake?
How deep is Horseshoe Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Horseshoe Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Bigmouth Shiner, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Golden Redhorse, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Mimic Shiner, Spotfin Shiner, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Horseshoe Lake?
What are the closest cities to Horseshoe Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Horseshoe Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Horseshoe Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Horseshoe Lake?
Explore the Horseshoe Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
Outbound Xtreme x58 off-road capable teardrop camper with rooftop Tent
Crosby, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Horseshoe Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
We continue to attempt to improve the Horseshoe Lake (aka Sandbar) fishery. Northern pike and yellow bullhead numbers remained high, while yellow perch and walleye numbers remained low. Crappie and largemouth bass are themost attractive fishery species according to our sampling.
Walleye were last stocked in 2010, and most, if not all of the fish caught in 2016 appear to be from that stocking. While it appears that walleye numbers were low at 1.3/gill net, it is actually average for this type of lake. Possible solutions to improving the walleye situation could be reducing the northern pike population and increasing the yellow perch population as mentioned above. Average size of the fish caught in 2016 was 22.5" and all of the fish were over 19".
Northern pike numbers were above average (9.4/gill net) for the third survey in a row. Average size was 20.5" and 13% were 24" or larger. Statewide zone pike regulations to be implemented in 2018 are designed to gradually improve over-abundant pike populations.
Yellow perch have been caught in low numbers since 1989. This trend continued in 2016 with only 0.2/gill net (2 fish total). Fish stocked in 2009, 2010, and 2013 haven't seemed to help the situation for this important forage fish.
Largemouth bass were sampled by night electrofishing, yielding a catch of 41.9/hr. run-time. While numbers may not have been as high as other lakes, size was good, with an average of 13.8" and 77% measuring 12" or larger. Fish up to 20.2" were captured.
Panfish size may be an attractive feature for Horseshoe anglers. Black crappie numbers were average (1.9/gill net), with 48% of the fish measuring 8" or larger. Fish up to 10.8" were sampled. Bluegill numbers, while the lowest to date (14.7/trap net), were still average for this type of lake. Average size was 6.5" and 37% of the fish were 7" or larger.
One trend we have seen over the years is the increasing number of yellow bullheads. After six straight surveys with increasing numbers and as many as 103.3/gill net in 2013, numbers finally went down this year to 61.6/gill net. Fish ranged from 5.9" to 13.5" with an average size of 10.9".
What is the average air temp for Horseshoe Lake?
Are there any state parks near Horseshoe Lake?
Crow Wing State Forest
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Pillsbury State Forest
Crow Wing State Park
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Horseshoe Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Young Lake | 1.1 mi | 67 | 21 ft |
Little Bass Lake | 1.4 mi | 95 | 49 ft |
East Twin Lake | 1.6 mi | 28 | 28 ft |
Flanders Lake | 1.7 mi | 60 | 16 ft |
Bass Lake | 1.7 mi | 294 | 24 ft |
Bonnie Lake | 2.1 mi | 76 | 42 ft |
Upper Mission Lake | 2.8 mi | 874 | 36 ft |
Pelican Lake | 2.9 mi | 8,367 | 104 ft |
Lougee Lake | 3.0 mi | 212 | 53 ft |
Lower Mission Lake | 3.6 mi | 725 | 27 ft |