Fish Lake

How big is Fish Lake?

How deep is Fish Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Fish Lake?

What are the closest cities to Fish Lake?

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

Fish Lake

Are there boat launches on Fish Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Fish Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Fish Lake?

Fish Lake is a 238-acre lake with a maximum depth of 49 feet. Fish is located in Maple Grove, in northern Hennepin County. Three Rivers Park District owns and maintains a public access ramp (subject to Three Rivers Park District rules and hours) located off of Bass Lake Road on the south shore of the lake. Fish is primarily managed for Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass, but includes catchable populations of Walleye, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Privately purchased Walleye fingerlings have been stocked in odd-numbered years since 2013.

A Standard Survey (gill nets, trap nets, and electrofishing) was conducted on Fish Lake during the week of 7/15/2019 to assess the fishery. Fish Lake had moderate water clarity, measured at 5 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was zero parts per million (ppm) below 14 feet during the survey period. Eurasian Watermilfoil was found in Fish Lake in 1995 and remains present.

High numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (9.5/net) -- above the expected cate rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 57 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 25.5 inches and the largest measured at 34.5 inches. Northern Pike are maintaining a balanced population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Growth was fast compared to the statewide average, indicated by an average length of 22.3 inches by age 4. Despite high numbers, Fish Lake is one of few lakes in the metro that has the potential to produce Northern Pike greater than 34"+ and should provide excellent angling opportunity.

Largemouth Bass were sampled during spring 2019 with nighttime boat electrofishing, the second time such a survey was conducted here. Catch rates were high, with 49.3 fish/hour. 82 total bass were sampled, with an average length of 11.4 inches and the largest measured at 19.7 inches. Despite a lack of the largest individuals (20"+), Fish Lake supports a healthy bass fishery with over 45% of the total catch greater than 12 inches. Results from the 2019 survey show significant increases in numbers and sizes from the previous nighttime electrofishing survey in 2003.

Walleye in Fish Lake were sampled with gill nets (2.0/net) near the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 12 Walleye sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 14.5 inches and a maximum length of 21.3 inches. Walleye growth in Fish was typical compared to the statewide average, indicated by an average length of 16.3 inches by age 4. Privately stocked Walleye have created a low-abundance fishery - a typical result for regional lakes with abundant Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass -- with all three of the previous stockings (2013, 2015, and 2017) present in age analysis.

High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (68.7/net), above the expected cate rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 618 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2019 survey, with an average length of 6.4 inches and the largest measured at 8.2 inches. High numbers of Bluegill likely limit growth potential, creating a population mainly composed of small individuals. Less than 15% of Bluegill sampled were greater than 7 inches.

Low numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (3.5/net) and trap nets (1.1/net). There were 31 Black Crappie sampled during the 2019 survey, with an average length of 7.0 inches and the largest measured at 10.2 inches. Despite low numbers, growth is likely above average based on the presence of 10"+ fish in the survey.

Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Pumpkinseed, White Crappie, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

What is the average air temp for Fish Lake?