Trestle Lake

How big is Trestle Lake?

How deep is Trestle Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Trestle Lake?

What are the closest cities to Trestle Lake?

Are there boat launches on Trestle Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Trestle Lake?

Trestle Lake (also known as Fox Lake) is located 8 miles northwest of Talmoon, MN in the Big Fork River watershed. The mostly undeveloped lake has a surface area of 96 acres and a maximum depth of 35 feet. Secchi disk transparency was 18 feet in the most recent survey. The lake has no inlets and an unnamed, intermittent outlet via wetland drainage.

The fisheries lake management plan was last revised in 2012. Black Crappie, Bluegill and Northern Pike were considered primary management species and Largemouth Bass were a secondary species. A standard lake survey was conducted in late July 2023 to update information on the fishery.

The Black Crappie population has generally had above average numbers and moderate size structure. The gill-net catch for crappie was above the expected range, with fish averaging 7.8 inches. The trap-net catch was average compared to similar lakes, with fish averaging 7.9 inches. Scale analysis identified ages one through six in the sample with no dominant year class, suggesting frequent recruitment. Growth was slower than average. Crappie averaged 7.6 inches after 4 years of growth.

The Bluegill population has generally had moderate to high numbers and poor size structure. The 2023 trap-net catch was typical for the lake. Size structure remained poor. Sampled Bluegill ranged from 3.2 to 7.6 inches with an average length of 4.0 inches. Ages 3 through 8 were represented in the sample with no dominant year class. Growth was slower than average for this type of lake. Bluegill averaged 5.3 inches after six years of growth.

The Northern Pike population has typically had above average numbers and poor size structure, though pike numbers moderated in 2023. The gill-net catch rate was average compared to similar lakes and the lowest on record for Trestle. Lower pike densities are desirable because they often result in faster growth rates and better size quality. Size structure in 2023 was improved over previous surveys. Sampled pike ranged from 18.6 to 31.3 inches with an average length of 24.3 inches. Ages 1, and 3 through 8 were identified in the sample. Growth was average with pike averaging 23.2 inches after five years of growth.

A limited number of Largemouth Bass were sampled in the gill nets and trap nets, with several individuals exceeding 17 inches. A night electrofishing component of the survey was also conducted in early June. This gear sampled a larger number of bass but the size structure was fairly modest. The catch rate (number/hour) was moderately high compared to other area lakes. Sampled bass ranged from 6.0 to 17.5 inches and averaged 12.3 inches and 1.2 pounds. Ages 2 through 11 were identified from scale analysis. Age 3 and 6 fish made up a majority of the electrofishing sample. Growth was average with bass averaging 13.1 inches after five years of growth.

Other species sampled in test nets included Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish and Yellow Perch.

Anglers and boaters are reminded to help slow the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers, and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed, and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

What is the average air temp for Trestle Lake?

Are there any state parks near Trestle Lake?