Pokegama Lake

How big is Pokegama Lake?

How deep is Pokegama Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Pokegama Lake?

What are the closest cities to Pokegama Lake?

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

Pokegama Lake

Are there boat launches on Pokegama Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Pokegama Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Pokegama Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Pokegama 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 Pokegama Lake?

Pokegama Lake is a very fertile, highly developed 1,474 acre basin located near Pine City. Despite having an abundance of shallow water acreage (61% at 15 feet or less), the lake has not experienced a major summer or winter fish kill in many years. Nuisance algae blooms are common in summer due to phosphorus loading from the watershed, the lake margin, lake sediments and direct precipitation. This nutrient load can cause dense algae blooms which limit aquatic plant abundance. The shoreline is predominately sand with public access available on both the north and south shore. Management is primarily for Walleye and Northern Pike. Walleye stocking ceased from 1991 until 2000, when annual fry stocking was initiated. Fry stocking was discontinued in 2004 when fall fingerling stocking resumed. Walleye fingerlings (903 pounds) are now stocked annually.

A lake population assessment was conducted during July of 2014 to evaluate the current status of the fish population and lake management goals. Based on the gillnet catch, Walleye were below normal for lakes of this type in both their number and average size. Trapnets are not usually the gear of choice for assessing Walleye, however they captured notably larger Walleye during the 2014 assessment of Pokegama Lake. Lengths of captured Walleye from the two gear types combined ranged from 7.3 to 25.3 inches. Of the Walleye aged, most were 3 year olds from the 2011 year-class. The Northern Pike numbers have decreased each assessment since 2000 and were below the normal range for the lake class. Northern Pike from gillnets and trapnets combined averaged 4.4 pounds and ranged from 9.8 to 37.2 inches. Black Crappie numbers remain good with most larger than 9 inches. White Crappie were far less abundant but can still add to the crappie catch. Channel Catfish were less numerous than in the previous assessment but slightly larger averaging just over 22 inches and 4 pounds. Channel Catfish provide a different opportunity that some anglers may enjoy. Compared to similar lakes, Bluegill Sunfish were typical in abundance but larger in size. Most Bluegills sampled exceeded 7.5 inches in length with 30% of the catch 8 inches or better. Yellow Perch, an important food source for Walleye and Northern Pike, were again low in number. Half the perch catch exceeded 8 inches, providing at least a bonus to panfish anglers. The fish community also included Yellow Bullhead, Bowfin (Dogfish), Chestnut Lamprey, Common Carp, Freshwater Drum (Sheephead), Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, White Sucker, Lake Sturgeon, Bigmouth Buffalo, Quillback, and White Bass.

Fishing pressure is generally moderate but, along with pleasure boaters, lake use can be high. Anglers are likely to encounter a few quality sized Walleye, Northern Pike, or Channel Catfish. Black Crappie and Bluegill should provide good fishing for panfish enthusiasts with an occasional White Crappie or Yellow Perch. The current management goals set for Pokegama Lake are to maintain a Walleye population between 1.5 and 4.0 per gill net lift with an average weight ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 pounds, a Northern Pike catch rate somewhere between 2.0 and 3.0 per gill net lift, and to control the Freshwater Drum population to less than 15.0 per gill net lift through commercial removal. The 2014 assessment found Walleye and Northern Pike abundance below the desired range while the management goal was met for Freshwater Drum.

What is the average air temp for Pokegama Lake?

Are there any state parks near Pokegama Lake?