Glacier

Minnesota DNR Fisheries Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment Program staff conducted an assessment of lakeshore habitat on Glacier Lake on September 4th 2025, following the Score the Shore survey protocols. The assessment consisted of 34 survey sites evenly spaced 150 meters around the lake. Assessments were made in three habitat zones: Shoreline Zone (the shore-water interface to the top of the natural bank), Shoreland Zone (land-ward from shoreline to development structure or 100 feet), and Aquatic Zone (lake-ward 50 feet of shoreline). The average lakewide habitat score was 94.9 (+/- 1.3) out of 100 possible. A score of 94.9 indicates the lakewide shoreline condition is Excellent (92+). Approximately 18 percent of the sites were developed with a mean score of 85.6 (+/- 4.3) indicating shoreline habitat quality of developed sites is High (85-91.9), while undeveloped sites had a mean score of 96.9 (+/- 1.0) with Excellent (92+) habitat quality.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Glacier Lake was conducted on July 29 - July 31, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment (LBMA) 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, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at ten sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample two stations and a 15-foot seine was used at five stations. Three stations were not seined due to dense vegetation and bog-like conditions. Nearshore sampling captured ten species of fish, including two species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blacknose Shiner and Iowa Darter). No species tolerant of disturbance were captured. A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by LBMA 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, none of which are intolerant of disturbance. Bluegill comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Northern Pike comprised a majority by biomass. The nearshore and trap net survey data were combined with gill net data from a June 2021 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based index of biological integrity (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., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Green Sunfish and Common Carp). 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. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Mississippi River - Grand Rapids watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in Glacier Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Glacier Lake was conducted on June 30, 2021, by Aitkin Area Fisheries 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, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all ten sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample two stations, a 15-foot seine was used at six stations and site conditions prevented the use of seines at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured 8 species of fish including one species that is intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Iowa Darter). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a June 2021 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity (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., Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead). 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. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Mississippi River-Grand Rapids Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Yellow Perch, and Walleye in Glacier. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Glacier. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Glacier has a maximum depth of 60 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Glacier is from 2025.

No invasive species are on record for Glacier in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.