Embarrass Lake

How big is Embarrass Lake?

How deep is Embarrass Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Embarrass Lake?

What are the closest cities to Embarrass Lake?

Are there boat launches on Embarrass Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Embarrass Lake?

Embarrass Lake is a 463-acre lake located a mile east of Biwabik. The lake sits below Wynne Lake and above Cedar Island Lake along the Embarrass River system. There is also a railroad grade that separates the south arm of the lake from the main basin, but both fish and boats can pass through the large concrete culvert in the grade. Embarrass Lake has two public accesses. The municipal campground on the west side of the lake includes two concrete planked boat ramps and a fishing pier. There is another concrete planked boat ramp and adjacent parking area on the north side of the lake off Hwy 135. Boaters should use caution at this access as seasonal fluctuations in water levels and a sandbar near the lake inlet can result in shallow water at certain times of year.

Embarrass Lake was weakly thermally stratified on August 28, 2023, with water temperatures of 69 F at the surface and 64 F near the bottom. Adequate oxygen levels for warmwater fish species were retained to a depth of at least 12 feet. Embarrass Lake has brown, bog-stained water with visibility around 5 feet. Nearshore substrates are mostly sand and rubble, and aquatic vegetation is limited.

Walleye were sampled at a rate of 8.9 fish/gill net, which was above average for the lake. Walleye sampled in gill nets averaged just 11.8 inches in length, and 23% of the fish sampled were over 14 inches. Walleye were also sampled in trap nets at a rate of 3.0 fish/net, which was the highest catch rate ever documented for the lake. These fish tended to be slightly larger, with a 13.9-inch average and 41% of the catch 14 inches or bigger. The largest individual sampled in this survey was 26.7 inches. Walleye ages ranged from 1 to 11 with natural reproduction occurring consistently in addition to fingerling stockings in even years.

Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 3.3 fish/trap net, which was higher than the historical average for the lake. The average size was 7.6 inches, which was slightly larger than the historical average. Roughly half of the fish sampled were 7.5 inches or larger, and the largest fish sampled was 10 inches long. Bluegill ages ranged 3 to 8 and growth rates were well above average for lakes in the Tower area.

Black crappie were sampled at a rate of 4.2 fish/trap net, which was the highest catch rate recorded for the lake. Black crappie averaged 8.6 inches in length, and over 70% of the catch was 9 inches or larger. The largest black crappie sampled was 13.4 inches, and ages ranged from 0 to 8.

Northern pike were sampled at a rate of 4.8 fish/gill net, which was higher than average for Embarrass Lake. The average length of northern pike sampled in gill nets was 19.6 inches, which was also better than average for the lake. Northern pike were also sampled in trap nets at a rate of 1.6 fish/net. The largest pike sampled was 37.1 inches and was captured in a trap net.

Yellow perch could provide an additional opportunity for anglers on Embarrass Lake. The largest perch sampled was 12.6 inches in length and 80% of the perch were 8 inches or larger. The catch rate was 6.6 perch/net, which was above average for the lake.

Additional species sampled in 2023 included golden shiner, rock bass, shorthead redhorse, and white sucker.

What is the average air temp for Embarrass Lake?

Are there any state parks near Embarrass Lake?