Schoolcraft Lake

How big is Schoolcraft Lake?

How deep is Schoolcraft Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Schoolcraft Lake?

What are the closest cities to Schoolcraft Lake?

Are there boat launches on Schoolcraft Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Schoolcraft Lake?

Schoolcraft Lake is located three miles southwest of Lake George in northern Hubbard County. Schoolcraft has a surface area of 170 acres and a maximum depth of 37 feet. A state-owned public access is located on the north shore of the lake next to the outlet culvert. The access is very shallow and narrow with a cattail channel out to the lake. Generally, only smaller sized boats are able to use the access.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Schoolcraft is in lake class 34. Class 34 lakes generally have a very high percentage of littoral area (water depths less than 15 feet), hard and turbid water, with a very regularly shaped shoreline. Other area lakes in this same classification include Alice, Stocking, and Big Stony.

Schoolcraft has an abundant Northern Pike population. Present and past surveys have shown Northern Pike abundance to fluctuate at very high numbers for this lake class. The Northern Pike population in Schoolcraft is known more for numbers than size, dominated by small, "hammer handle" Pike. Sampled Northern Pike had an average length and weight of 20.2 inches and 1.6 pounds with fish measured up to 29.5 inches.

Anglers will find a low to moderate Walleye population in Schoolcraft. Walleye abundance was at the low end of the range typical for this lake class, similar to past surveys. Sampled Walleye ranged in length from 16.2 to 25.6 inches. In addition to providing a forage base for the Walleye population, anglers will find some Yellow Perch to be an acceptable size for angling. Yellow Perch abundance was below the range typical for this lake class. Yellow Perch abundance has fluctuated from low to high numbers in past surveys. Sampled Yellow Perch had an average length to 7.6 inches with fish measured up to 11.2 inches.

Panfish abundance was up from past surveys with Black Crappie numbers above the range for this lake class and Bluegill numbers within the range for this lake class. Black Crappie and Bluegill abundance in past surveys have fluctuated from low to moderate numbers. Anglers will find Black Crappie in the 9 to 10 inch size range and Bluegill in the 6 to 8 inch size range.

Largemouth Bass are present in Schoolcraft but are found in low numbers when compared to area lakes.

Other species sampled included moderate numbers of Pumpkinseed, and low numbers of Rock Bass, Black Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, and White Sucker.

Currently no aquatic invasive species (AIS) have been identified in Schoolcraft. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access.

What is the average air temp for Schoolcraft Lake?

Are there any state parks near Schoolcraft Lake?