Lake Erie
Meeker County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be moderately active with peak fishing times around 3-5 PM. SEE MORE
Share Your Catch & Win!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Erie, MN
- How big is Lake Erie?
- How deep is Lake Erie?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Erie?
- What are the closest cities to Lake Erie?
- Are there places to stay in the Lake Erie area?
- Are there boat launches on Lake Erie?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Erie?
- What is the average air temp for Lake Erie?
How big is Lake Erie?
How deep is Lake Erie?
What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Erie?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Bluntnose Minnow, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Lake Erie?
Are there places to stay in the Lake Erie area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Lake Erie?
Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Erie?
Explore the Lake Erie area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Erie?
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
A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Erie Lake was conducted on July 17th-19th 2023, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine. Backpack electrofishing was completed at ten sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample seven stations and a 15-foot seine was used at three stations. Nearshore sampling captured fourteen species of fish including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter) and one that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish).
A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by IBI Program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured eight species of fish, including one that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish). Bluegill comprised a majority of the catch by number and by biomass.
The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a June 2023 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead and Green Sunfish). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.
Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Erie Lake is Lake is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score that exceeds the general use threshold determined for similar lakes. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the South Fork Crow River Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.
What is the average air temp for Lake Erie?
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Lake Erie...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Long Lake | 0.9 mi | 67 | |
| Fallon Lake | 1.7 mi | 257 | |
| Mud Lake | 1.9 mi | 72 | |
| Birch Lake | 2.1 mi | 84 | |
| Jewitt Lake | 2.1 mi | 252 | |
| Belle Lake | 2.1 mi | 864 | 25 ft |
| Schoolhouse Lake | 2.5 mi | 54 | |
| Greenleaf Lake | 2.5 mi | 238 | 18 ft |
| Hurley Lake | 2.7 mi | 57 | |
| Cedar Lake | 3.2 mi | 1,860 | 8 ft |
