Trout Lake

How big is Trout Lake?

How deep is Trout Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Trout Lake?

Are there boat launches on Trout Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Trout Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Trout Lake?

Trout Lake a 259-acre lake located 13 miles north of Grand Marais with a carry-in public access on the northwest bay of the lake. Primary and secondary management species in Trout Lake are lake trout and rainbow trout. The 2023 standard lake survey was conducted to monitor the fish community in Trout Lake, record current limnological conditions, and evaluate management goals currently in place on the lake trout and rainbow trout populations.

Lake trout catch rates were above average for Trout Lake, and much higher than similar area lakes. Management goals for lake trout were met. Lake trout ranged from 4.1 to 35.8 inches, with many young fish found in the survey. Aging results indicated the presences of 9 naturally reproduced year classes with the oldest individual being 22 years old. Lake trout growth appeared to be slightly slower than similar area lakes with average age 6 annuli formation occurring at 14.4 inches compared to an area average of 15.9 inches. The 2023 survey results suggest that Trout Lake continues to support a healthy, naturally reproducing lake trout population with slower growth but higher density. Naturally reproducing lake trout populations are unique in Minnesota lakes, anglers targeting lake trout should consider catch and release practices with safe handling procedures. It appeared that cold-water habitat available for lake trout reached a minimum during August in 2023. Suitable conditions (water temperature < 55 F, dissolved oxygen > 5.0 ppm) existed from 24 ft to 54 ft.

Rainbow trout catch rates were high in 2023 and met the current management goal. Results from recent surveys show the increase in stocking quantity and size of fish (fingerling to yearling) was successful in increasing the rainbow trout population. Aging results found 3 stocked year classes in the survey with the oldest individual being 3 years old. Growth rates appear slightly slower compared to similar stocked rainbow trout populations and likely due to competition with other rainbow trout.

The rainbow smelt catch was slightly higher than the previous survey but is still below the normal range for similar area lakes. Although smelt can provide high-value forage for lake trout, analysis of smelt stomach contents from previous surveys have indicated they also competed with young lake trout for invertebrate forage, including Mysis and deepwater amphipods.

Yellow perch abundance was the highest since 1987 and much higher than other lakes in the area. Yellow perch ranged from 4.6 to 10.2 inches with a mean length around 6.8 inches. Aging results indicated the presence of 4 naturally reproduced year classes. Growth rates were slightly below average but that would be common when densities are high. Some yellow perch may be large enough for anglers to target them.

Three brook trout were found in the 2023 survey but are considered uncommon for the lake. Aging results found them to be 2 and 3 year old fish. Growth rates were comparable to brook trout from area streams, as these fish likely were migrants from Kadunce Creek, a designated trout stream that supported a resident brook trout population in the reach just below Trout Lake.

Trout Lake is infested with spiny waterflea, an invasive zooplankton species. Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.

Are there any state parks near Trout Lake?