Platte Lake

How big is Platte Lake?

How deep is Platte Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Platte Lake?

Are there boat launches on Platte Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Platte Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Platte Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Platte 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?

Platte Lake is a large, relatively shallow lake on the Morrison/Crow Wing County line. The lake supports extensive vegetation beds that provide habitat for a diverse fish community. A broad channel connects Platte Lake with Sullivan Lake and navigation was improved when a new highway bridge was raised to accommodate boat traffic. The new bridge was also designed to accommodate shore fishing. Platte Lake has experienced partial winterkills in recent years which affect some fish species more than others. Most species recover on their own after any winterkill, fish also migrate in from Sullivan Lake. The Platte Lake Association monitors oxygen levels and has a permit to operate a bubbler system which keeps an area ice free, allowing oxygen to enter the water column during harsh winters.
Platte Lake is best known for its year-round Bluegill fishery. Anglers report that six to seven inch Bluegill are common and sampling results from both spring and summer assessments documented the presence of fish nine inches and larger. Assessments also documented the presence of nicer Black Crappie up to 13 inches, but most anglers will have a tough time finding fish exceeding nine inches. Platte Lake is well suited to producing an abundance of small Northern Pike with its dense vegetation beds and periodic low oxygen levels. Most of the pike observed in the summer survey were from 18 to 23 inches in length. Walleye fry are stocked in odd-numbered years and Walleye numbers appear to have improved since the last survey in 2009. It was also reported that 2014 was a good year for catching the state fish. Another game fish anglers can find in Platte Lake is Largemouth Bass. Although not abundant, sampling has shown a decent population size structure where bass over 13 inches comprise a significant portion of the population and trophy size fish over 18 inches are present. Yellow Perch numbers continue to be low which could affect growth rates in game fish. While many anglers consider perch a nuisance while fishing, the species can be an important food fish for Northern Pike and Walleye. Perch can also be instrumental in helping maintain a well-balanced Bluegill population with fast growing, quality individuals. For any angler seeking bullheads, Platte Lake is a good lake to start. All three species, Black, Brown, and Yellow, are present. Brown Bullhead was the most abundant in the summer survey and Yellow Bullhead in the spring assessment. Quality size fish over 13 inches of all three species were observed. While Common Carp are present, abundance does not appear to be at a level detrimental to the lake. Bowfishing for carp has been an increasingly popular sport. White Sucker and Bowfin (Dogfish) were two additional fish species found in the lake.
While aquatic vegetation beds can be a nuisance for boaters, they provide important fish habitat, filter nutrients from the water, and help to protect the shorelines from erosion. Maintaining healthy vegetation stands of native species helps prevent the establishment and spread of less desirable species. The Platte Lake Association recognizes the value of the bulrush beds and has placed marker buoys around some of the stands to discourage boaters from degrading the stands.

What is the average air temp for Platte Lake?

Are there any state parks near Platte Lake?