Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Jessie Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Jessie Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Jessie Lake, MN
- How big is Jessie Lake?
- How deep is Jessie Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Jessie Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Jessie Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Jessie Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Jessie Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Jessie Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Jessie Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Jessie Lake?
How big is Jessie Lake?
How deep is Jessie Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Jessie Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Golden Redhorse, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Mimic Shiner, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Jessie Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Jessie Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Lake-Link Featured Lodging
Are there boat launches on Jessie Lake?
Jessie Lake area businesses:
Are there places to eat and drink near Jessie Lake?
Explore the Jessie 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.
History & Status of the Fishery
Jessie Lake is 1,753 acres, eutrophic lake in northern Itasca County. The Secchi disc transparency during the 2009 assessment was 9.0 feet, indicating moderate water clarity. The lake is fertile and is subject to seasonal algae blooms. The lake management plan lists walleye and northern pike as the primary management species.
Test netting was conducted from 8/31/2009 to 9/3/2009 and consisted of 12 gill net and 12 trap net sets. The lake survey manual recommended 15 gill net and 15 trap net sets, but a decision was made to reduce the number of sets, as the gill net catch of walleye was high and a sufficient sample size was acquired with fewer nets. Reducing the number of nets was also required to reduce gill net mortality. The number of gill net sets was reduced to 10 in 1999 when walleye catches were similarly high.
Yellow perch were the most common species captured in both the gill nets and trap nets. The gill net catch rate of 50.7/net was high compared to similar lakes but was near the mean for Jessie Lake (47.7/gill net), which has a history of high yellow perch catches. Most perch were small and only 18% exceeded 8 inches. Given the relatively poor size structure, angler interest in the perch fishery is likely limited, but some incidental harvest may occur while targeting other species.
Walleye were the second most common species captured in the gill nets. The catch rate of 19.3/gill net was high compared to similar lakes and well above the median of 9.2/gill net for Jessie Lake. Walleye catches from Jessie have fluctuated considerably from a low of 3.9/gill net in 1978 to a high of 22.0/gill net in 1999. The 2009 catch is the second highest on record. Relatively small fish dominated the sample, as most fish were 12 to 15 inches long and were from the strong 2006 year class. Some larger individuals were present, as walleye up to 27 inches were captured. The 2006 year classes comprised 79% of the aged individuals. Strong walleye year classes in Jessie Lake have historically corresponded to years in which walleye fry were stocked as is the case with the 2006 year class. Growth was near the statewide average, with individuals typically exceeded 14 inches by age-4. Jessie Lake has the potential to provide good walleye angling opportunities for several years given the current walleye abundance, walleye size structure, and prey base.
Northern pike were captured at a rate of 2.2/gill net, which is relatively low when compared to similar lakes and below the median of 3.2/gill net for Jessie Lake. Jessie Lake has a history of relatively low pike abundance as catches have only exceeded the median for similar lakes (5.1/gill net) once, in 1958 when a catch of 8.6/gill net was recorded. In 2009, size structure was relatively good as 58% exceeded a quality size of 21 inches, 12% exceeded the angler preferred size of 28 inches, and 8% exceeded 34 inches. Growth was average with individuals exceeding 22 inches by age-4. Given the current density and size structure, good angling opportunities may exist for large northern pike. Given the low density, however, anglers should be encouraged to practice catch and release.
Tullibee were captured at a rate of 4.9/gill net. This catch rate is average when compared to similar lakes. Tullibee catches have varied considerably in Jessie Lake as catches have ranged from 0.7/gill net in 2004 to 18.5/gill net in 1974. The tullibee is important as a prey specie and is often associated with the production of large northern pike and walleye.
Black crappie were captured at a rate of 0.1/gill net and 0.8/trap net, within the expected range when compared to similar lakes but below average for Jessie Lake. Size structure was moderate as most individuals range from 9 to 10 inches. Crappie are difficult to sample in test nets and the low catch may not be indicative of abundance, but given the high walleye abundance, it is likely the crappie population is somewhat suppressed.
Other species captured include bowfin, rock bass, white sucker, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, common shiner, and largemouth bass.
The protection of water quality and habitat is critical in maintaining or improving fish and wildlife populations. Unfortunately, human activities often negatively impact our lakes. Fertilized turf-grass lawns and failing septic systems along with the removal of shoreline and aquatic vegetation, mowing to the shore, and installing sand blanket beaches result in destabilized shorelines, uncontrolled erosion, and increased run-off, contributing excess nutrients and sediment to the lake and degrading water quality and habitat. By understanding the cumulative impacts of our actions and taking steps to avoid or minimize them, we can help insure our quality water resources can be enjoyed well into the future. Anglers can further help insure quality fishing by practicing selective harvest and catch and release.
What is the average air temp for Jessie Lake?
Are there any state parks near Jessie Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
Jessie Lake Reviews
Below is the word on street about Jessie Lake.Have you been to Jessie Lake? Why not share your personal reveiw with others?
Submit Review
eric c.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Jessie Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Little Jessie Lake | 2.0 mi | 628 | 50 ft |
L. Turtle Lake | 3.0 mi | 475 | 29 ft |
Little Turtle Lake | 3.0 mi | 492 | 29 ft |
Little Spring Lake | 3.0 mi | 136 | 10 ft |
Little Too Much Lake | 3.3 mi | 79 | 60 ft |
Peterson Lake | 4.0 mi | 163 | 55 ft |
South Ackerman Lake | 4.0 mi | 22 | 0 ft |
Big Too Much Lake | 4.3 mi | 292 | 95 ft |
Spring Lake | 5.0 mi | 132 | 36 ft |
La Croix Lake | 5.3 mi | 142 | 80 ft |