Sauk Lake

How big is Sauk Lake?

How deep is Sauk Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Sauk Lake?

What are the closest cities to Sauk Lake?

Are there boat launches on Sauk Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Sauk Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Sauk Lake?

Big Sauk Lake is a very popular fishing lake on the Todd/Stearns County border by the town of Sauk Centre. The Sauk River flows through the lake and a dam located within city limits controls the water level in the lake. The lake has a heavily developed shoreline and lies within a predominantly agricultural watershed which, along with internal loading, negatively effects the lake's water quality. Big Sauk Lake has a history of summer water quality issues and the 4 foot secchi disk in late August was average for that time of year. The poor water clarity is likely a factor in the noticeable decline of shallow water vegetation which was plentiful less than a decade ago.
The lake was known for its bluegill fishery that drew anglers from long distances. Residents, along with survey results, indicate the fish community has shifted from bluegill and northern pike to black crappie and walleye, although crappie have typically been abundant throughout the lake's history. The lack of in-lake vegetated habitat and turbid water may be responsible for this community shift. Netting results indicate both fewer bluegill and northern pike while walleye abundance increased along with yellow perch, tullibee or cisco, and white sucker.
The increase in walleye numbers is attributed to several possible factors including low pike abundance, the recent success of fry stocking, and some natural reproduction. A wide range of sizes was observed in the summer survey with many 12 to 14 inch fish present and fishermen also report a recent improvement in walleye fishing. Anglers will likely have no problem catching black crappie but few of the fish are likely to be over nine inches. The lake typically has produced few large crappie over 10 inches. Quality size bluegill up to nine inches were caught in a spring assessment, but locating them could be a challenge. For anglers who hook up with a northern pike, the fish is likely to be a nice one, as the average size in the survey was 2.6 pounds. Big Sauk Lake supports a moderate number of largemouth bass that attract bass fishermen because of the chance to catch a trophy size fish over 20 inches.
The excellent prey base of perch, tullibee, and white sucker promotes good growth rates in the game fish. Although Big Sauk Lake is not the typical lake type to be associated with tullibee because of the poor water clarity, it is one of the few lakes open for fall tullibee netting in Central Minnesota. An occasional summer kill has been reported when water temperatures climb and the cool water, oxygen rich zone needed by tullibee shrinks. No triaenophorus or white grubs were found in the tullibee checked during the survey.
Common carp have also been an issue within the lake. The extensive river systems that empty into Big Sauk Lake make carp control extremely difficult. Fewer carp were observed in the summer survey; however, they were quite common in the spring electrofishing effort for largemouth bass. Bowfishing for carp has increased in popularity and Big Sauk Lake may be a good place to pursue this sport.
While poor water quality continues to be an issue for Big Sauk Lake, an active lake association, as well as the Sauk River Watershed District, has been promoting proper shoreline practices to improve water quality and benefit fish habitat.

What is the average air temp for Sauk Lake?

Are there any state parks near Sauk Lake?