Dragon Lake

How big is Dragon Lake?

How deep is Dragon Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Dragon Lake?

Are there boat launches on Dragon Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Dragon Lake?

Dragon Lake is located 10 miles northwest of Isabella off USFS Road 383 (Bandana Lake Road) in the Superior National Forest. Public access is a 30 yard carry in after 0.4 miles down USFS 383H (Dragon Lake Access Road) with a small parking lot suitable for 2 or 3 vehicles. There are 2 USFS backcountry campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and outdoor latrines near the access. The lake is 79 acres with a maximum depth of 15 feet. A standard survey was conducted the week of July 15, 2019 to evaluate current management goals and provide data to base future management. Dragon Lake is primarily managed for Walleye and Black Crappie. This survey sampled Walleye, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. No stocking occurs in Dragon Lake as all the fish populations are maintained through natural reproduction.

Walleye gill net catch of 3.3/net was average compared to similar lakes. The average weight and length of 1 pound and 12.7 inches are also considered average. Trap net catch of 1.9/net is slightly above average while the average weight of 1.5 pounds would be considered normal. The largest fish sampled was 25 inches, 6 pounds, and was aged at 15 years old. Ten different year classes were sampled. Growth rate is average for the area.

Black Crappie gill net catch of 1/net was normal but the average weight of just under a half pound is considered on the large side compared to similar lakes. Trap net catch of 3.3/net with average weight of just under a half pound was normal for similar lakes. While the catch was average compared to similar lakes it was by far the highest trap net catch rate ever on Dragon Lake. The largest fish sampled was 12.9 inches long and weighed 1.1 pounds. Seven year classes were sampled with the 2015 year class by far the strongest representing 78% of the catch; the average size of these age-4 fish was 9.4 inches. Growth rate is average for the area.

Northern Pike gill net catch of 5/net and average weight of 1.3 pounds are both in the normal range for similar lakes. The largest fish sampled in all gear types was 25.3 inches long and weighed 3.8 pounds. Growth rate is average for the area.

Two Largemouth Bass were sampled in gill nets. Both were about 14 inches long and 1.6 pounds. Bass do not sample well in standard netting gear, and only a few fish have been sampled in past assessments. Night electroshocking in a boat is the standard for assessing Bass populations but is not possible because of the lack of boat access. Young-of-the-year largemouth bass are sometimes sampled in Dragon Lake and also in other lakes in the Little Isabella River system. Area consensus is that all of the lakes on the Little Isabella River chain have Largemouth Bass present.

Two Bluegill were sampled in trap nets, both about 8 inches long and a little under half a pound.

Yellow Perch were caught in average numbers but size was rather small. White Sucker were caught in average numbers and size. Other fish sampled were Blacknose Shiner, Common Shiner and Fathead Minnow.

Dragon Lake provides decent opportunities for Walleye and Black Crappie angling. Northern Pike are generally small with an occasional nice fish. In the Finland Area, Bluegill and Black Crappie fisheries tend to have low density populations with good growth rates and sporadic reproduction that can produce good angling when strong year classes mature. Considering the current Crappie population is being sustained mainly by one year class. Therefore, it is particularly important to consider some catch and release to help maintain the spawning stock needed to sustain the population.

What is the average air temp for Dragon Lake?

Are there any state parks near Dragon Lake?