Side Lake

How big is Side Lake?

How deep is Side Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Side Lake?

Are there boat launches on Side Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Side Lake?

Side Lake is a moderately-sized (372 acre) lake located on the Sturgeon Chain of Lakes near Side Lake, Minnesota. Side Lake has relatively clear water, modest fertility and low alkalinity. These characteristics result in good water quality but limit fish production. The lake includes shoreline within McCarthy Beach State Park. While the shoreline is in a natural state within the State Park, most of the remaining shoreline is heavily developed. There is a concrete ramp public access located in the State Park.

Side Lake has a long management history that includes multiple surveys and stockings. The fisheries lake management plan (LMP) was last revised in 2017. The lake is well-suited for Northern Pike and Bluegill, and these are considered the primary management species. Walleye are a secondary management species. A targeted survey using only gill nets was conducted in early July of 2023 to evaluate the 2016, 2019 and 2021 Walleye fingerling stocking. The surveys also collected updated information on other management species. This survey utilized nine gill nets set at standard locations around the lake. An additional component of the survey used night electrofishing in mid-June to target Largemouth Bass.

Side Lake has typically produced a low-density Walleye population resulting from limited natural reproduction and stocking. The 2023 catch rate remained low despite recent fingerling stocking and was below the LMP goal. Given the limitations of water quality and fish community structure, it appears unlikely that stocking efforts will result in a sustainable increase in Walleye numbers. Side Lake typically produces Walleye of good size quality. In 2023, sampled Walleye ranged from 19.5 to 27.4 inches. The lack of smaller fish suggests poor juvenile survival in recent years. The five Walleye sampled represented five different year classes and ranged in age from 4 to 16. Lakes with similar habitats do not generally produce large numbers of Yellow Perch and perch catches from Side Lake have been low. No perch were sampled in 2023. Perch are an important prey species and are often associated with high quality pike and Walleye fisheries. A lack of Yellow Perch further suggests that Side Lake is not a good candidate for Walleye management.

Side Lake has a history of supporting Tullibee (Cisco) and they were the most common fish captured in the gill nets in 2023. The 2023 catch was typical for lakes with similar habitat and average for Side Lake. Captured Tullibee ranged from 8.3 to 17.4 inches and averaged 14.1 inches. Fall sport netting of Tullibee is allowed on Side Lake. Aside from providing an opportunity for sport netters, Tullibee are beneficial as a prey species and are associated with the production of large predators like Northern Pike.

Northern Pike have been abundant in Side Lake but were captured in moderate numbers in 2023. The catch was typical for lakes with similar habitats but below average for Side Lake. Average size and growth are typically poor when pike occur in high numbers, so lower numbers are desirable. Size quality was good as pike ranged from 17.8 to 36.6 inches and averaged 22.4 inches. Good pike fishing opportunities appear to exist.

Largemouth Bass appear to be an important component of the fish community and were sampled with night electrofishing in moderate numbers. This was the first time that spring night electrofishing has been conducted on Side Lake. Size structure was moderate as sampled bass ranged from 5.5 to 17.4 inches and averaged 11.8 inches. Ages 2 through 12 were represented in the sample. Growth was average with bass exceeding 12 inches after 5 years of growth. Side Lake appears to offer good bass angling opportunities given the numbers and size distribution.

Other species sampled in the survey included Black Crappie, Bluegill, Silver Redhorse and White Sucker.

What is the average air temp for Side Lake?

Are there any state parks near Side Lake?