Grouse Lake

How big is Grouse Lake?

How deep is Grouse Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Grouse Lake?

Are there boat launches on Grouse Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Grouse Lake?

Grouse Lake is located 7.5 miles northwest of Isabella and is 119 acres in size with a maximum depth of 11 feet. There is a carry-in access with a 100 foot trail suitable for small boats and canoes on Grouse Lake Road a short distance west of USFS Road 177 (Mitawan Lake Road). The water has a brown, bog-stained color that limits visibility to about 3 feet in summer. Much of the shoreline is Forest Service land although a small number of cabins on private land are scattered along the north side of the lake. The aquatic plant community has several submerged plant species with emergent and floating leaf plant beds distributed around the lake. Bluegill, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, and Walleye are the most common game fish species sampled in survey gear.

A standard fisheries survey was conducted in July 2017 to monitor the status of the fish community and associated aquatic habitat. Walleye catch was below average relative to similar lakes in northeastern Minnesota. The average size was 15.6 inches and 1.5 pounds with 58% of the catch over 15 inches long. The largest Walleye sampled was 19.7 inches long and weighed 2.4 pounds. Analysis indicated consistent recruitment to the population with eight year classes identified in the catch. Walleye growth was average compared to other lakes in the area.

Bluegill and Black Crappie lakes in the Finland Area tend to have small populations of fast growing fish that occasionally produce a strong year class. Spawning habitat in Grouse Lake is good, but the cool climate of northeastern Minnesota may limit their production. Both species were captured within the normal range for similar lakes and exhibited average growth for the area. Bluegill size was decent with 14% of the catch greater than 8 inches and the largest fish measuring 9.5 inches and 0.8 pounds. While not particularly abundant, Black Crappie size was favorable with 35% of fish captured greater than 10 inches and the largest fish measuring 12.8 inches and 1.2 pounds.

Northern Pike catch was below average for similar lakes and one of the lowest in the lakes history. The average size was 19 inches and 2 pounds with the largest Northern Pike measuring 34.3 inches long and 11.6 pounds. Analysis of scale samples determined year classes are produced regularly and growth is about average for Finland Area lakes.

Yellow Perch catch was below average for similar lakes and size structure was poor. Although not likely to be targeted by anglers, perch are an important forage species for the lake.

White Sucker were sampled in average numbers relative to similar lakes and size averaged about 17 inches and 2pounds.

A single adult Largemouth Bass and handful of young of the year bass were captured during the survey. Rock Bass and Pumpkinseed Sunfish were also sampled in standard trap nets at low numbers. Small mesh trap nets designed to capture small bodied, non-game fish also sampled Blacknose Shiner, Common Shiner, Emerald Shiner, Sand Shiner, and Tadpole Madtom.

Grouse Lake has a decent Walleye population with a fair number of eater size fish. The lake also has Bluegill and Black Crappie populations that may be targeted at times by anglers. Northern Pike have been sampled at lengths close to 40 inches which may be of interest to anglers looking to catch a trophy pike. Grouse Lake offers a scenic setting even with the small number of cabins located along the northern shore of the lake.

What is the average air temp for Grouse Lake?

Are there any state parks near Grouse Lake?