Buffalo Lake

How big is Buffalo Lake?

How deep is Buffalo Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Buffalo Lake?

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

Buffalo Lake

Are there boat launches on Buffalo Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Buffalo Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Buffalo Lake?

Buffalo Lake is located in Wright County, within the city limits of Buffalo. It has a surface area of 1,552 acres and a maximum depth of 33 feet. The watershed is large and dominated by agriculture and development. The lake is a popular destination for angling and other recreation. Mill Creek runs through Buffalo Lake and connects to the North Fork Crow River. There are three public accesses: in the northwest corner, Sturgis Park in the northeast, and in the southeast near the Mink Lake inlet. Invasive plants include curly leaf pondweed (typically a nuisance in the spring and early summer) and widespread Eurasian watermilfoil. Water quality is poor, few plant species were found and plant growth is limited to shallow water. The previous lake survey was in 2003.

The Walleye gillnet catch in 2013 was within the expected range of values for lakes similar to Buffalo, but down from the previous two surveys. Walleye were relatively large, ranging in length from 15.1 to 27.1 inches with an average length and weight of 20.3 inches and 3.0 lbs. Forty three percent of Walleye were longer than 21 inches. Growth was fast; Walleye average over 20 inches at age five. Natural reproduction is limited and Walleye fry are stocked every other year.

Northern Pike catch rates have declined since 1999, but are still in the expected range for similar lakes. Northern pike lengths ranged from 17.9 to 40.0 inches with an average length and weight of 24.0 inches and 3.1 pounds. Forty five percent of Northern Pike were longer than 24 inches. Growth was fast; Northern Pike averaged between 24 and 26 inches at age five.

Buffalo Lake is located in Wright County, within the city limits of Buffalo. It has a surface area of 1,552 acres and a maximum depth of 33 feet. The watershed is large and dominated by agriculture and development. The lake is a popular destination for angling and other recreation. Mill Creek runs through Buffalo Lake and connects to the North Fork Crow River. There are three public accesses: in the northwest corner, Sturgis Park in the northeast, and in the southeast near the Mink Lake inlet. Invasive plants include curly leaf pondweed (typically a nuisance in the spring and early summer) and widespread Eurasian watermilfoil. Water quality is poor, few plant species were found and plant growth is limited to shallow water. The previous lake survey was in 2003.

The Walleye gillnet catch in 2013 was within the expected range of values for lakes similar to Buffalo, but down from the previous two surveys. Walleye were relatively large, ranging in length from 15.1 to 27.1 inches with an average length and weight of 20.3 inches and 3.0 lbs. Forty three percent of Walleye were longer than 21 inches. Growth was fast; Walleye average over 20 inches at age five. Natural reproduction is limited and Walleye fry are stocked every other year.

Northern Pike catch rates have declined since 1999, but are still in the expected range for similar lakes. Northern pike lengths ranged from 17.9 to 40.0 inches with an average length and weight of 24.0 inches and 3.1 pounds. Forty five percent of Northern Pike were longer than 24 inches. Growth was fast; Northern Pike averaged between 24 and 26 inches at age five.

Black Crappie numbers were above the expected range for similar lakes. Black Crappie lengths ranged from 3.9 to 11.0 inches with an average length and weight of 7.5 inches and 0.26 pounds. Black Crappie grew quickly and reached 8 inches at age three. Bluegill numbers have decreased since the 1990s, but the average size (6.7 inches, 0.25 lbs) was favorable. Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.9 to 8.4 inches. Yellow perch have also declined since the 1990s, but their numbers were within the expected range. Yellow perch lengths ranged from 5.4 to 8.3 inches with an average length of 6.5 inches.

Largemouth bass were sampled by boat electrofishing in the spring and the catch rate was near the Montrose area average. Largemouth Bass lengths ranged from 6.7 inches to 21.1 inches with an average length and weight of 11.5 inches and 1.0 pounds. Sixteen percent of Largemouth Bass caught were over 15 inches. Growth was fast; average length at age three was 12.5 inches. Smallmouth bass were also caught, but in lower numbers. Smallmouth Bass ranged in length from 7.0 to 15.5 inches with an average length and weight of 11.5 inches and 0.9 pounds.

Channel Catfish in 2013 had the highest catch rate recorded, well above previous surveys. Channel Catfish lengths ranged from 11.9 to 30.3 inches with a mean length and weight of 20.0 inches and 3.2 pounds. Channel Catfish growth was good, averaging 19.0 inches at age five. The first Channel Catfish in Buffalo Lake were caught in 1993. The population seems to be increasing in Buffalo Lake, likely due to the removal of a rough fish trap downstream, resulting in unhindered access to an abundant Channel Catfish population in the North Fork Crow River. Other species included: Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, White Crappie, White Sucker,and Yellow Bullhead. Previous catches of Black Bullhead were very high in the 1980s. Recent low Black Bullhead catches may be due to improved water quality and predation by an increasing Channel Catfish population.

What is the average air temp for Buffalo Lake?