Fish Trap Lake

How big is Fish Trap Lake?

How deep is Fish Trap Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Fish Trap Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Fish Trap 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 Fish Trap Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Fish Trap Lake

Are there boat launches on Fish Trap Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Fish Trap Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Fish Trap Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Fish Trap 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 Fish Trap Lake?

Fish Trap Lake is a popular recreational lake in northwest Morrison County. The numerous bays and islands offer scenic variety, some seclusion, and fishing hot spots. Water clarity is excellent with a secchi disk reading of 18 feet in mid-August. The lake supports a diverse fish community that attracts anglers with the management focus on Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. An experimental Northern Pike regulation was implemented in 2003 which put a protected slot on fish between 24 and 36 inches. The possession limit is still three, one of which can be over 36 inches. The objective of the regulation is to increase the quality of the Northern Pike population size structure.
Walleye abundance showed little change from the last survey. While the net catch rate was high when compared to similar type lakes it was slightly below the lake management goal. Anglers have a wide range of sizes available to them as fish from 10 to 26 inches were recorded in the survey. Over half of the fish caught were between 12 and 20 inches in length. Although there has been some natural reproduction documented, spring fry stocking is the most recent method used to sustain the population and fishery.
Northern Pike numbers showed a decrease since the last survey. Average size was about 2.4 pounds or 22 inches in length. There were a fair number of fish exceeding 24 inches and larger fish over 36 inches have been observed in other surveys indicating the lake has the potential to produce trophy size fish.
Fish Trap Lake has a good Largemouth Bass population in both size and abundance. The multitude of weedy shallow bays and irregular shoreline provides excellent habitat for the species. While most of the bass were in the 12 to 14 inch range, there were fair numbers between 14 to 17 inches.
One fish species which likely migrated in from Lake Alexander is Muskellunge. Although not common yet, more anglers report seeing them in Fish Trap Lake each year. Muskellunge natural reproduction has also been documented.
Panfish species in the lake include Bluegill, Black Crappie, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, and Rock Bass. While the Bluegill average size in the summer survey was about six inches, there were fish up to nearly nine inches measured. Crappie provide a popular ice fishing opportunity in the area. While crappie can sometimes be difficult to catch in summer surveys, results from the 2014 survey suggest normal abundance for this type of lake. Most of the crappie caught in the summer survey exceeded 10 inches in length. While hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Rock Bass are typically not as desirable to fishermen as Bluegill and crappie, some nicer Pumpkinseed and Rock Bass were observed.
Yellow Perch numbers showed an increase since the 2010 survey and are considered abundant when compared to similar type lakes. Although many anglers view them as pests, perch can be an important food species, promoting good growth rates in gamefish. Fish Trap Lake also has Tullibee or Cisco although the population appears to be low. Two species of bullhead, Brown and Yellow, were caught with the Yellow Bullhead being the most abundant. Quality size fish over 13 inches were measured in both species. White Sucker are also in the lake which should provide an additional food source for the larger Northern Pike, Walleye, and Muskellunge.
Protecting and preserving the shoreline as well as the near shore habitats should be a high priority of lakeshore owners and the county. Doing so will help protect the water quality and provide fish and wildlife habitat in and around the lake. Best shoreline and watershed management practices such as limiting vegetation removal are encouraged. Emergent vegetation provides wildlife and fish habitat as well as reduces shoreline erosion from high water and boat wakes. Buffer strips along inlets and lakeshore property are encouraged to reduce nutrients entering the water thus slowing algae and excess weed growth. Fishermen and recreational boaters are reminded to diligently clean their boats and trailers before moving between lakes to prevent the spread of exotic species.

What is the average air temp for Fish Trap Lake?

Are there any state parks near Fish Trap Lake?