Sturgeon Lake

How big is Sturgeon Lake?

How deep is Sturgeon Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Sturgeon Lake?

Are there boat launches on Sturgeon Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Sturgeon Lake?

Sturgeon Lake is a 1,664-acre lake located 14 miles northwest of Chisholm, MN, within the Little Fork River watershed. A public access is located on the southeast shore within McCarthy Beach State Park. The lake has a maximum depth of 80 feet and 40 percent of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Water chemistry analysis shows the lake has soft water and low fertility indicating the lake has a limited capacity to support a lot of fish. The lakes water is clear resulting in visibility to 15 feet. The temperature and oxygen profile in mid-July 2023 found sufficient oxygen from the surface to the bottom of the lake to support fish. The Sturgeon Lake inlet and outlet are located on the southwest side of the lake and are navigable by boat. The inlet flows from West Sturgeon Lake while the outlet flows into Little Sturgeon Lake. Water ultimately flows from the Sturgeon Lake Chain to the Sturgeon River, which is a tributary to the Little Fork River.

The 2023 gill net only survey was the tenth survey of the Sturgeon Lake fish community since 1969. The Lake Management Plan (LMP) was last revised in 2017. It lists Northern Pike as a primary management species and Walleye as a secondary management species. Surveys are conducted to monitor the fish population for changes in abundance, size distribution, and growth. The 2023 targeted survey was conducted primarily to evaluate the effectiveness of Walleye stocking to the fishery. Walleye fry were stocked at a rate of 1,000/littoral acre (667,000; acres of water less than 15 feet) annually from 2011 to 2016. Six years of fry stocking yielded minimal contributions to the fishery warranting a new alternate-year fingerling stocking plan from 2017 through the present.

In 2023, the Walleye catch declined to 0.5/gill net which is an all-time low over the survey history. The catch remained below the long-range goal of 2.0/net for the seventh survey in a row, indicating this goal is likely not attainable. Low Walleye numbers typically reflect limited or no natural production and low survival of stocked fish. It appears that conditions for juvenile Walleye survival are poor. Walleye lengths in 2023 ranged from 13 to 23 inches. The six Walleye aged represented five different year classes. Growth appeared average with Walleye exceeding 15 inches after 4 years of growth. Despite multiple fry and fingerling stocking strategies since 2011, Walleye numbers remain low likely due to low perch numbers, soft water, and low lake fertility. In general, the population is low in number and has average growth rates.

The Northern Pike catch rate rose slightly compared to the previous survey in 2017. The 2023 catch rate was average for Sturgeon Lake but still exceeded catch rates for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths in 2023 ranged from 10 to 35 inches and averaged 21 inches. The proportions of pike exceeding 21 inches and 28 inches met the LMP goals for this survey, indicating a slightly improved size structure in 2023. Lower Northern Pike numbers are thought to be beneficial as higher densities commonly result in slower pike growth, increased predation on Yellow Perch, and lower survival rates of stocked Walleye. High harvest of medium and large pike can negatively affect size structure. No age and growth information for pike was collected in this survey, but previous surveys showed slow growth patterns. Harvest limited to individuals less than 22 inches is recommended.

The gill net catch rate of Yellow Perch in 2023 was below average for the lake and for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths in 2016 ranged from 7 to 10 inches. One 10-inch plus fish was sampled which is the first one of that size since 1984, indicating poor size structure in recent decades. Low Yellow Perch numbers likely limit the Walleye and Northern Pike populations. In general, the population is low in number, has a limited number of harvestable sized fish, and historically slow growth rates.

Sturgeon Lake supports Tullibee (Cisco) and they were the most common fish in the gill nets is 2023. The catch rate was typical for the lake class and above average for Sturgeon Lake. Captured Tullibee ranged from 6 to 13 inches and averaged 10 inches. Tullibee are beneficial as a prey species and are associated with the production of large predators like Northern Pike.

Lake Whitefish have occasionally been sampled in Sturgeon Lake. The 2023 catch rate was typical for the lake class and above average for Sturgeon Lake. Lengths ranged from 14 to 24 inches and averaged 21 inches. Otoliths were collected from Lake Whitefish for age analysis. Annuli were difficult to read, but it appeared a variety of year classes were present with estimated ages ranging from 7 to 12.

Other fish sampled in 2023 included: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish and White Sucker.

In order to maintain or improve fish and wildlife populations, water quality and habitat must be protected. People often associate water quality problems with large-scale agricultural, forestry, urban development, or industrial practices in the watershed. In reality, the impact of land use decisions on one lake lot may be relatively small, yet the cumulative impact of those decisions on many lake lots can result in a significant decline in water quality and habitat. For example, removing shoreline and aquatic vegetation, fertilizing lawns, mowing to the water's edge, installing beach sand blankets, failing septic systems and uncontrolled run-off, all contribute excess nutrients and sediment which degrade water quality and habitat. Understanding these cumulative impacts and taking steps to avoid or minimize them will help to ensure our quality fisheries can be enjoyed by future generations.

Anglers and boaters are reminded to help slow the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers, and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed, and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

What is the average air temp for Sturgeon Lake?

Are there any state parks near Sturgeon Lake?