Today's Best Fishing Times
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Traverse Lake is a popular destination for fishing, with several species of fish inhabiting the lake, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Anglers can fish from shore or by boat, with several boat ramps and fishing piers located around the lake.
The lake is also popular for boating, water sports, and swimming. There are several public beaches located around the lake, as well as several resorts and campgrounds offering accommodations for visitors.
In addition to outdoor activities, the area around Traverse Lake is home to several small towns and attractions. The town of Wheaton, located near the lake, offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as several museums and historic sites.
Overall, Traverse Lake is a beautiful natural resource and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Traverse Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Traverse Lake, MN
- How big is Traverse Lake?
- How deep is Traverse Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Traverse Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Traverse Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Traverse Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Traverse Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Traverse Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Traverse Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Traverse Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Traverse Lake?
How big is Traverse Lake?
How deep is Traverse Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Traverse Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Bigmouth Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Common Shiner, Emerald Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Freshwater Drum, Golden Redhorse, Green Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Orangespotted Sunfish, Quillback, Sand Shiner, Shorthead Redhorse and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Traverse Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Traverse Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Traverse Lake?
Are there boat launches on Traverse Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Traverse Lake?
Explore the Traverse Lake area in a RV
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2021 Fleetwood Flair - "Frankie the Flair" - Family Friendly - 29 Feet
FARGO, ND
History & Status of the Fishery
Traverse Lake is located in western Minnesota just north of Browns Valley. It is a narrow lake that measures 16 miles long and up to two miles wide. Traverse has a surface area of 11,528 acres and a maximum depth of 12 feet. It is a highly productive lake and a popular recreational destination in west-central Minnesota. Anglers should study the lake's contour map before boating as shallow reef areas exist, especially near the islands and in the northwest portion of the lake. Traverse is a Minnesota-South Dakota border water and is subject to border water fishing regulations. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks cooperatively manage the fishery.
Traverse Lake has typically provided a high quality walleye fishery. Walleye from a wide range of sizes were abundant during 2014, especially from 12-18 inches. Good numbers of trophy-sized walleye have frequently been reported by anglers for many years. The walleye population has been maintained by natural reproduction and supplemental fry stocking. Walleye fry are normally stocked during alternate years, but the schedule is adjusted as needed based on walleye abundance, condition, and available forage. Fry stocking maintained the walleye population from 2003-05, whereas natural reproduction has produced the vast majority of the walleye since 2006.
Pike were moderately abundant in 2014. The majority of them were 18-22 inches, but fish up to 35 inches were present. Pike growth has been fast, but they die young and fish older than age four have rarely been sampled. Pike naturally reproduce in Traverse Lake and its tributaries. They can also migrate into Traverse from Mud Lake during high flows.
A moderate bluegill population was present. Anglers have reported catching bluegills in excess of 10 inches during recent years. The mid-lake rock piles are good fishing locations for them.
Yellow bullheads can commonly be caught at the Mustinka Bridge near the northeast corner of Traverse. Yellow bullheads have a round tail and white barbells on their lower jaw. Bullheads measuring up to 14 inches were present. Channel catfish have been abundant during recent years, including fish up to 30 inches. Smaller channel catfish and larger bullheads can be very good to eat when filleted and deep fried.
Traverse Lake often provides good fishing for white bass and freshwater drum. These species are well suited to the habitat conditions and they frequently experience good natural reproduction. Both species have a delicate white flesh and can be an excellent food fish. Their flavor can be further improved by trimming the reddish "mud line" meat from the fillets when cleaning. Anglers are encouraged to harvest and consume them. Very simple and delicious recipes for preparing drum can be located on the internet by searching "drum recipes". Of course, the recipes can be used for any kind of fish.
What is the average air temp for Traverse Lake?
Are there any state parks near Traverse Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Traverse Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Mud Lake | 10.9 mi | 2,449 | 6.5 ft |
Barry Lake | 11.0 mi | 398 | 8.8 ft |
East Toqua Lake | 16.8 mi | 437 | 9 ft |
Mud Lake | 17.0 mi | 1,724 | |
Lannon Lake | 17.7 mi | 197 | 4 ft |
Unnamed Lake | 18.4 mi | 44 | 18.5 ft |
North Rothwell Lake | 18.8 mi | 297 | 13 ft |
Big Stone Lake | 19.9 mi | 11,984 | 16 ft |