Grindstone Lake

How big is Grindstone Lake?

How deep is Grindstone Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Grindstone Lake?

What are the closest cities to Grindstone Lake?

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

Grindstone Lake

Are there boat launches on Grindstone Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Grindstone Lake?

Grindstone Lake, with a maximum depth of 150 feet, is unique among lakes in east central Minnesota. The long, narrow 528 acre lake has enough oxygen in its deep cold waters to support coldwater species such as trout as well as cool and warmwater species such as bass, panfish, and northern pike. Brown trout and rainbow trout are stocked annually in the spring, and additional rainbow trout are stocked in the fall. Lake trout are stocked every other year to provide one of two southern most lake trout fisheries. Rainbow smelt, which were not introduced by the DNR, provide an additional angling opportunity in winter and spring. The public access is located on an inlet on the north side of the lake. During periods of low water, boat launching can be difficult for medium to large boats.

Although Grindstone Lake is managed for trout, it is not a designated trout lake, so rules which apply to designated lakes are not in effect on Grindstone. However, a trout stamp is required to keep and transport any rainbow, brown, or lake trout. Due to Grindstone Lake's depth and steep contours, rainbow, brown, and lake trout may be difficult to locate. Winter angling is very popular and can be very productive. Open water anglers have the most success right after the May trout season opener before the surface water has warmed up and trout can still inhabit the shallower water.

Test netting in 2012 showed lower abundance of all three trout species than the 2007 netting. All brown trout netted were from the May yearling stocking, and the one rainbow trout appeared to be from the 2011 stocking. Lake trout mean size improved from the previous survey, with an average of 15.4 inches and trout up to 24 inches seen in nets. Stocked lake trout are marked by clipping one of the lower fins; only two unclipped lake trout were seen in this survey, indicating little natural reproduction.

Northern pike have consistently maintained normal population levels with above average size in Grindstone Lake. Northerns netted in 2012 had an average weight of 4.4 pounds and ranged from 18.5 to 32.6 inches. In recent years anglers have caught or speared northern pike over 40 inches.

Smallmouth bass up to 17.6 inches were captured by electrofishing, and large numbers of smaller smallmouth bass indicate good natural reproduction. Largemouth bass were sampled for the first time in 2012; the six largemouth sampled ranged from 8.5 to 20.6 inches in length. Both bass species will likely increase in abundance if the trend towards warmer summer surface water temperatures continues.

Black crappie remained above normal levels in 2012 while bluegill abundance was typical for the lake type. Most crappies exceeded 8 inches and a larger portion of the bluegill catch exceeded 7 inches than in the previous assessment.

What is the average air temp for Grindstone Lake?

Are there any state parks near Grindstone Lake?