Pearl Lake

How big is Pearl Lake?

How deep is Pearl Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Pearl Lake?

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

Pearl Lake

Are there boat launches on Pearl Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Pearl Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Pearl Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Pearl 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?

Pearl Lake is a 733 acre lake located one mile east of the City of Marty in southeastern Stearns County. It has a maximum depth of 17 feet and 70% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. A public access is located on the north side of the lake. Pearl Lake is primarily managed for Walleye and Northern Pike and special fishing regulations for these species began in 2009. Regulations include a 17 inch minimum size limit and 3 fish daily bag limit for Walleye, and a 24 36 inch protected slot for Northern Pike (daily bag of 3, only one over 36 inches allowed). In addition to Walleye and Northern Pike, Pearl Lake provides anglers with the opportunity to catch Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie.

Walleye fingerlings are stocked every other year and Walleye catches have been near or above the range of expected values for lakes like Pearl. The Walleye catch in 2015 was below the recent average, but still above average for similar lakes. Walleye ranged in length from 9 to 26 inches and averaged 15 inches and 1.4 pounds. Walleye reached 12 inches in length at age 2 and 17 inches at age 5; 32 percent of Walleye were 17 inches or longer.

The Northern Pike catch in 2015 was above the expected range of values and similar to the average from 1998 to 2013. Catches prior to 1998 were lower. Northern Pike ranged in length from 11 to 37 inches and averaged 20 inches and 2 pounds. Despite high numbers, Northern Pike size was good; 22 percent were longer than 24 inches and 9% were longer than 30 inches.

The Largemouth Bass catch from nighttime electrofishing in May was 26.6/hour (on time). Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 4.1 to 17.3 inches with a mean length of 13.4 inches. PSD was 97 and RSD 15 was 40. A new method was used in 2014 and 2015, so these catch numbers are not comparable to past surveys. However, past numbers for Pearl Lake have been above the Sauk Rapids Area average.

Black Crappie numbers were similar to other lakes like Pearl. Black Crappie ranged in length from 5 to 12 inches and averaged 9 inches. The Bluegill catch was also within the expected range for lakes similar to Pearl. Bluegill ranged in length from 3.6 to 8.6 inches with a mean length of 6.3 inches. Growth was average; Bluegill reached 7 inches in 4 years. Surveys in late summer likely underrepresent panfish abundance and size; nearshore surveys around spawning time would be more effective at representing the abundance and size structure of the Bluegill and Black Crappie populations.

Yellow Perch abundance has historically been low, less than one fish per gill net or trap net since 1992. In 2014 and 2015, no Yellow Perch were sampled in either gill nets or trap nets. Yellow Perch numbers are likely limited by abundant Northern Pike. Other species sampled included: Black Bullhead, Bowfin (Dogfish), Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.

A nearshore survey targeting smaller fish species was conducted in August using seining and backpack electrofishing. A total of 12 non game species were captured, including: Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Common Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Spottail Shiner, and Tadpole Madtom. Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter are considered sensitive species and their presence indicates good water quality.

What is the average air temp for Pearl Lake?