Sturgeon Lake

How big is Sturgeon Lake?

How deep is Sturgeon Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Sturgeon Lake?

Are there boat launches on Sturgeon Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Sturgeon Lake?

Sturgeon Lake is a 1,664-acre lake located near Side Lake, MN. The lake is deep with a maximum depth of 80 ft and a littoral area of 667 acres. Side Lake is in Lake Class 7 and has a public access on the southeast shore within McCarthy Beach State Park. Side Lake is connected to the Sturgeon River on the south shore and is navigable by boat downstream to Little Sturgeon Lake. Water levels are controlled by a lowhead dam downstream where CR 5 crosses the Sturgeon River. The lake is moderately developed except for the State Park owned property and is one of the busiest lakes for recreation in the area. Anglers primarily target walleye, northern pike and black crappie.

Walleye gill-net catch was 1.3/net and was lower than expected range for similar lakes. Gill net catch rates have historically been low and have varied from 0.7 to 2.3/net in the last five assessments since 1979. Size structure was moderate with fish up to 28 inches sampled. Growth was similar to the statewide average with fish averaging 14.3 inches by age 4. From 2003 to 2009, walleye fingerlings, yearlings, or adults have been stocked in six out of the last seven years. Walleye were sampled from most year classes including both stocked and nonstocked years. Walleye catch rates remain low despite frequent stocking.

Northern pike gill net catch was high for this lake class at 4.3/gill net and was higher than the expected range. Catch rates in past assessments have varied from 3.7 to 8.7/gill net. Size structure was moderate with fish up to 35 inches sampled. Growth was similar to the statewide average with fish averaging 24.0 inches by age 5.

Black crappie catch rates are typically low for lakes in Lake Class 7. In the 2009 assessment, the gill net catch was 0.7/net and was within the expected range. The trap net catch rate was 1.5/net and was similar to the lower end of the expected range. Historic gill net catch rates have also been low varying from 0.1 to 0.6/gill net. Trap net catch rates have been as high as 7.0/net in 1984, but were <1/trap net in all other assessments. Size structure was moderate with most fish sampled between 7 to 9 inches with a few larger fish from 11 to 12 inches sampled. Growth was slower than the statewide average with fish averaging 8.8 inches at age 5.

The bluegill catch rate was 11.6/trap net and was higher than the expected range for this lake class. Trap net catch rates have been variable from 1.9 to 19.2/net. Size structure was poor with only two fish exceeding 8 inches sampled. Growth was slower than the lake class average and fish only averaged 6.2 inches by age 7.

Only two yellow perch were sampled in gill nets corresponding to a low catch rate of 0.1/net, and was lower than the expected range. Historical catch rates have also been low and varied from 0 to 9.0/gill net.

Tullibee catch rate was 1.2/gill net and was lower than the expected range. Catch rates in past assessments have varied from 0 to 9.0/gill.

Other fish sampled include, largemouth bass, rock bass, shorthead and silver redhorse, white sucker, and pumpkinseed sunfish.

Lakeshore owners may affect fish populations not only through harvesting fish, but also through land use practices. It is important to leave a 30 to 50 ft buffer strip of native vegetation along the shoreline to prevent erosion and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Nonfunctioning septic systems can also lead to water quality problems. Good water quality and fish populations are the direct result of good land use practices. Anglers can also help to improve the size structure of the fish community by releasing larger fish.

What is the average air temp for Sturgeon Lake?

Are there any state parks near Sturgeon Lake?