Johnson Lake

How big is Johnson Lake?

How deep is Johnson Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Johnson Lake?

Are there boat launches on Johnson Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Johnson Lake?

Johnson Lake is a 1,736 acre lake located approximately 5.5 miles northwest of Crane Lake, Minnesota in St. Louis County. Johnson is a deep lake with good water clarity. The south end of the lake is accessed from a portage trail maintained by the Forest Service as it lies within the Superior National Forest. The Forest Service also maintains several campsites on the lake. A standard fisheries survey was completed in Johnson Lake in late June of 2022.

Johnson Lake has no special regulations. Fishing regulations follow statewide regulations for inland waters. Previous management plans identify several long range goals, including providing a diverse fishery with self-sustaining populations of Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye to provide angling opportunities for the public.

Walleye abundance was 3.6 fish per net, which was below the management goal and below average for similar lakes. Length ranged from 8.5 to 28.5 inches, with an average of 19.6 inches. Average weight was 2.9 pounds, which was well above the average for similar lakes. A total of 14 year-classes were present, and ranged from 1-18 years. Although Walleye abundance is less than similar lakes, size is above average. There are quite a few Walleye in the 14"-20" range, and a decent number over 20" with the potential of catching a Walleye over 26".

Northern Pike abundance was 4.8 fish per net, which was above the management goal and above average for similar lakes. Length ranged from 14.4 to 39.9 inches, with an average of 23.4 inches. Average weight was 3.0 pounds, which was above the average for similar lakes. A total of 8 year-classes were present, and ranged from 2-9 years. There are good numbers of Northern Pike providing good fishing opportunities.

Smallmouth Bass abundance was 2.3 fish per net, which was well above the average for similar lakes. Length ranged from 6.8 to 17.1 inches, with an average of 12.4 inches. Average weight was 1.1 pounds, which was above the average for similar lakes. A total of 8 year-classes were present, and ranged from 3-10 years. The potential for trophy Smallmouth may not be present in Johnson Lake, but there are good numbers of Smallmouth Bass over 12" providing a good fishing opportunity.

Yellow Perch abundance was 1.8 fish per net, which is less than average for similar lakes. Length ranged from 5.9 to 9.6 inches, with an average 6.9 inches. Average weight was 0.1 pounds, which was below the average for similar lakes.

Lake Trout have been stocked in Spring Lake, which is connected to the north end of Johnson Lake. Although no Lake Trout were sampled in Johnson in 2016 or 2022, a few of them were caught during the 2011 survey. It is likely that a few Lake Trout stocked into Spring Lake are present in Johnson.

What is the average air temp for Johnson Lake?