Knife Lake

How big is Knife Lake?

How deep is Knife Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Knife Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Knife Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Knife Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Knife Lake

Are there boat launches on Knife Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Knife Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Knife Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Knife 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?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Knife Lake?

Knife Lake is a 1,266 acre impoundment on the Knife River with an average depth of 9.1 feet. Water clarity is generally low and the lake is susceptible to algae blooms in the summer. The lake is managed primarily for Walleye and Northern Pike, with Largemouth Bass and panfish as secondary species. An 18 to 24 inch protected slot regulation is in effect for Walleye, as well as a 24 to 36 inch protected slot for Northern Pike.

Walleye in Knife Lake were sustained by natural reproduction from 1995 to 2006. However, test netting in 2006 indicated that the Walleye population had fallen below target levels and fall electrofishing from 2007 to 2009 indicated poor or no natural reproduction. Stocking efforts began in 2008 and fingerlings and/or fry were stocked through 2012. Fall electrofishing since 2013 has found enough naturally-produced Walleye to forego fingerling stocking. Despite the contribution of natural reproduction, the Walleye net catch, which remains below both the normal range for this lake class and the management goal for Knife Lake, has shown only a moderate increase since 2011. However, it's worth noting that between spring trap netting and electrofishing efforts an additional 788 Walleyes were sampled. Measured Walleye ranged from 5.6 to 28.8 inches. The catch was fairly evenly split between males, which averaged 14 inches, and females, which averaged 23 inches. Annual Walleye natural reproduction monitoring will dictate future fingerling stocking needs.

Northern Pike have shown some increase in size structure since the 24 to 36 inch protected slot regulation began in 2003. Netted northerns ranged from 8 to 40 inches with a fairly even distribution among lengths. The spring trap netting effort found both harvestable size fish below 24 inches and trophy sized fish greater than 36 inches available. The Northern Pike fishery in Knife Lake appears to be sustaining its quality and maintaining adequate abundance.

Bluegill and Black Crappie are both present in normal abundance. In the spring of 2015, 44% of the Bluegill catch exceeded 7 inches while 24% of the Black Crappie catch exceeded 8 inches. By 2016 they should provide good angling opportunities for quality panfish.

Spring electrofishing found a Largemouth Bass catch rate of 95 fish per hour, up from 73 per hour in 2011 and the second highest catch rate reported for the lake. Bass averaged 14.1 inches and 1.6 pounds. High numbers of adult Largemouth Bass, up to 19 inches, should provide good angling action. Smallmouth Bass are also present in Knife Lake and the Knife River, but numbers in the lake are low.

Historically Knife Lake has supported high Yellow Perch populations. Recent catches have been lower than the levels present during the 1990's, but are at normal levels for the lake type. Although perch serve primarily as a prey base for Walleye and Northern Pike, harvestable size fish are present.

What is the average air temp for Knife Lake?

Are there any state parks near Knife Lake?