Melissa Lake
Becker County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be fairly active with peak fishing times around 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Melissa Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Melissa Lake, MN
- How big is Melissa Lake?
- How deep is Melissa Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Melissa Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Melissa Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Melissa Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Melissa Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Melissa Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Melissa Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Melissa Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Melissa Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Melissa Lake?
How big is Melissa Lake?
How deep is Melissa Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Melissa Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, Brook Stickleback, Cisco (Tullibee), Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Melissa Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Melissa Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Melissa Lake?
Are there boat launches on Melissa Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Melissa Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Melissa Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Melissa 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?
Explore the Melissa Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Melissa Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Lake Melissa is a 1,850-acre lake with a high level of fishing pressure and considerable shoreline development. The lake supports a diverse and abundant fishery including Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Juvenile Walleye are stocked into Lake Melissa annually and adults play a role in spring egg take operations on Lake Sallie. Zebra Mussels were discovered in the lake in 2014, prompting action by anglers to clean, drain, and dry equipment to stop further spread of the mussels into non-infested waters.
Northern Pike remain abundant in Lake Melissa, averaging 22 inches in length. Pike have been managed utilizing several special regulations dating back to 1986, with the intent to reduce the number of smaller pike and enhance size. Survey catch rates of pike over 24 inches have increased over the past several decades, suggesting improvements in size structure. However, 71% of sampled pike were less than 24 inches in 2019 indicating consistently high numbers of moderately sized fish. Pike caught in 2019 were most abundant between the lengths of 19 to 23 inches. Walleye catch rate remains stable in Lake Melissa, with the average Walleye caught measuring about 16 inches in length. Catch rates of Yellow Perch have declined considerably in the lake, which is not unexpected given the high density of predator species present.
Black Crappie numbers were up from the 2014 survey, with the average crappie caught measuring 10 inches. Historic survey records show that Lake Melissa has the potential to produce large Bluegills (over eight inches), however sunfish of that size have become rare in the lake over the past several decades. Bluegills sampled in 2019 ranged in size from 3 to 8.5 inches and averaged about 6 inches in length. This trend toward more abundant, smaller panfish has been observed in many lakes across the state. The shift has prompted discussions by agency staff with stakeholders about revised harvest regulations to enhance quality sized Bluegills in select Minnesota lakes.
Other fish species observed in the 2019 survey included bullheads, White Sucker, Cisco, and Largemouth Bass. Bass had an average length of 13.2 inches, but fish up to 18.5 inches were captured. Anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest while fishing on Lake Melissa in order to maintain quality fishing opportunities for the future.
What is the average air temp for Melissa Lake?
Are there any state parks near Melissa 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 Melissa Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Mud Lake | 1.1 mi | 79 | |
| Mill Lake | 1.3 mi | 155 | 10 ft |
| Lind Lake | 1.4 mi | 39 | 51 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.5 mi | 25 | |
| Meadow Lake | 1.5 mi | 71 | 72 ft |
| Buck Lake | 1.9 mi | 86 | 15 ft |
| Lake Sallie | 2.0 mi | 1,280 | 50 ft |
| Loon Lake | 2.0 mi | 193 | |
| Sauer Lake | 2.0 mi | 193 | 39 ft |
| Rider Lake | 2.0 mi | 15 |
