Lac Qui Parle Lake
Lac Qui Par County, Minnesota
The lake has a maximum depth of 15 feet. It is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, which provide a picturesque backdrop for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, which are popular targets for anglers.
Lac qui Parle Lake is also an important ecological resource, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The lake is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to protect and conserve the area's natural resources.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Lac qui Parle Lake is surrounded by several parks, campgrounds, and resorts, making it a popular vacation destination. The area also offers hiking and biking trails, hunting opportunities, and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
The lake is also known for its historical significance, as it is the location of the Lac qui Parle Mission, which was established in the early 19th century as one of the first missions in the area.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Lac Qui Parle Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Lac Qui Parle Lake, MN
- How big is Lac Qui Parle Lake?
- How deep is Lac Qui Parle Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Lac Qui Parle Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Lac Qui Parle Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Lac Qui Parle Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Lac Qui Parle Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Lac Qui Parle Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Lac Qui Parle Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Lac Qui Parle Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Lac Qui Parle Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Lac Qui Parle Lake?
How big is Lac Qui Parle Lake?
How deep is Lac Qui Parle Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Lac Qui Parle Lake?
What are the closest cities to Lac Qui Parle Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Lac Qui Parle Lake area?
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Are there topographical lake maps available Lac Qui Parle Lake?
Are there boat launches on Lac Qui Parle Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Lac Qui Parle Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Lac Qui Parle Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Lac Qui Parle 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?
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Lac Qui Parle 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
Lac qui Parle (LQP) Lake is located three miles southwest of Milan in western Minnesota. It is a 5,589 acre impoundment of the Minnesota River with a maximum depth of 15 feet. LQP Lake's water level is controlled by Churchill Dam, which is located one-half mile downstream on the Minnesota River. Watersheds that drain into LQP Lake include the Upper Minnesota, Yellow Bank, Lac qui Parle, Pomme de Terre and a portion of the Chippewa.
LQP Lake is managed as a flood control reservoir and some years water levels will fluctuate by more than five feet. LQP Lake can become extremely turbid during strong winds due to sediment suspension. The lake can also experience dense blooms of blue-green algae. These factors all negatively impact the food web and desirable fish species. Even though challenging habitat conditions have been common at LQP Lake, several game fish species continue to maintain decent populations.
This 2023 Targeted Survey was conducted to collect routine fish population data using gill nets, shoreline seining and fall night electrofishing. This data can be compared to historical Standard and Targeted Survey data from LQP Lake.
LQP Lake has frequently provided good walleye fishing. The walleye population has resulted from stocking, natural reproduction, and migration from upstream water bodies. Walleye numbers in 2023 were moderate and similar to recent years. Walleye were present from a wide range of sizes, with those from 13-15 inches most abundant. Decent numbers of young walleyes were also found in 2023 which should contribute to the fishery within a year or two. However, this depends on whether adequate forage is present to provide good survival and growth.
Crappie fishing has been very good for many years. The crappie population has typically been higher when the walleye population has been lower. Crappies were moderately abundant, with the 2023 catch similar to that from the 2022 survey. Many crappies were 10-12 inches and good numbers of smaller fish were also present which should help maintain the population into the future.
Low numbers of northern pike were present, but some fish were over 40 inches. Anglers and spearers have reported good pike fishing during recent years. Pike have experienced relatively consistent natural reproduction regardless of spring water levels. They probably find suitable spawning habitat in wetlands adjacent to the lake created by beaver dams, or along the edges of emergent vegetation in bay areas. LQP Lake is in the southern northern pike management zone and the possession limit is two pike with a minimum size limit of 24 inches. See the Minnesota Fishing Regulations for more details.
High numbers of freshwater drum were present. Small drum are an important food for many species of fish, however large drum compete with game fish for resources. Anglers are encouraged to harvest drum. They are good to eat, especially if the small amounts of red meat are trimmed from the fillets. Drum are an excellent choice for a fish fry since they can be easy to catch in high numbers.
Channel catfish were abundant from a wide range of sizes. Very little angling for catfish has been known to occur. Considering their high numbers and large sizes, catfish enthusiasts should consider a trip to LQP Lake.
Future management activities for LQP Lake include annual fish surveys, walleye stocking and winter dissolved oxygen monitoring. Zebra mussels exist in the lake. Please remember to drain all water from boats, motors, compartments, and containers before leaving the lake, and to keep drain plugs out while transporting watercraft.
What is the average air temp for Lac Qui Parle Lake?
Are there any state parks near Lac Qui Parle Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Lac Qui Parle Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Lac qui Parle Lake | 0.9 mi | 5,741 | 15 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 5.7 mi | 10 | |
| Lac qui Parle Lake (NW Bay) | 6.4 mi | 96 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 8.6 mi | 19 | 13 ft |
| Spring Lake | 10.6 mi | 57 | |
| Lake | 11.0 mi | 4,462 | 5 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 11.1 mi | 12 | |
| Shible Lake | 11.4 mi | 340 | 8.5 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 12.4 mi | 133 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 12.7 mi | 10 |
