Sugar

Sugar Lake is a 398-acre lake located east of Glen, in south central Aitkin County, and has a state-owned public access on the south shore. About 60 percent of the lake is less than 15 feet deep, with a 25-foot basin in the east end of the lake and a 45-foot basin in the south-central part of the lake. The water is moderately clear with a green color from light algae blooms. Anglers will find several species in Sugar Lake, including Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Rock Bass and an occasional Smallmouth Bass. Walleye gill net catch rates, which have been variable but generally low over time, decreased from 2.89 per net in 2021 to 0.89 per net in 2024. No Walleye were captured younger than age 5, and only three year classes were present (age 5, 7, and 9). Walleye averaged 19.0 inches in length and ranged from 16.3 to 21.7 inches. An experimental fry stocking program was not successful in augmenting the population. Most (80%) of the Walleye captured in 2024 were from the 2019 year class, which was a year stocked with fingerlings. The gill net catch rate for Northern Pike remained stable and within the expected range for the lake class at 9.7 per net, similar to 2021 (10.0 per net). Quality size structure exists in Sugar Lake for Northern Pike. Northern Pike ranged from 6.8 to 36.6 inches, and 17% were 26 inches or larger. Nine individuals captured were greater than 30.0 inches. There has been an increasing trend of large pike in surveys since 1970, and because Northern Pike have shown the potential to grow large in Sugar Lake, anglers are encouraged to continue recycling these larger fish. Black Crappie catch rates decreased from 7.0 per net in 2021 to 2.2 per net in 2024. In 2021, the strongest cohorts were age 9 (2012) and age 3 (2018) fish, and neither of these cohorts were present in the 2024 sample. It is probable that the 2012 year class is no longer present due to old-age, however, it is unclear why no 2018 year class fish were observed. Crappies ranged in length from 3.9 to 12.6 inches and averaged 8.0 inches. Twenty-five percent of Crappies were 10 inches or larger, suggesting Sugar Lake continues to be capable of producing quality and preferred-size Crappies. Largemouth Bass were abundant in the gill nets (2.7 per net) and like many other area lakes appear to have increased over time. They ranged from 6.8 to 19.6 inches and averaged 12.7 inches. One 17.7-inch Smallmouth Bass was captured in 2024, the first sampled in Sugar Lake in a gill net since 2011. While rare, young-of-the-year and adults have been captured sporadically since 1990 in various survey gears. Currently, anglers can expect to find a targetable population of Largemouth Bass, however, targeting Smallmouth Bass will likely be less productive. While there is no overall trend in Perch abundance, the 2024 catch rate was the lowest observed since 1974 and it appears they have been declining in the gill net samples over the last 6 surveys. Perch are exceedingly important as food items for Walleye and Northern Pike. Other species sampled in 2024 included Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Rock Bass. Due to Sugar Lake's proximity to Mille Lacs, aquatic invasive species are of great concern. Anglers are encouraged to take extra precautions to help stop the spread of invasive species.

This targeted assessment was to assist with the evaluation of a new stocking strategy for Sugar Lake that was implemented in 2017. The new plan called for stocking 133,500 fry in 2017, 2018, 2020 (*not stocked due to Covid 19) and 2021. Fingerlings were stocked at a rate of 1 lb/LA (267 lbs) in 2019 and will be again in 2022. Night electrofishing in the fall was to be used in 2 of the 4 fry stocked years to assess the survival of young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleye. Sampling was conducted on 9/22/2021. No YOY or adult Walleye were caught during a total sample time of 1 hour, which equated to sampling the entire west basin of the lake. Conditions were ideal for sampling with a calm wind, cool temperature and clear skies. Results from the 2018 electrofishing also yielded no YOY Walleye. Standard assessments in 2021 and 2025, and an additional gill net only targeted assessment in 2023, will assist in evaluating the new program. Prior to this change the lake was stocked with 2 lbs fgl/LA (534 lbs) in alternate years.

This targeted assessment was to assist with the evaluation of a new stocking strategy for Sugar Lake that was implemented in 2017. The new plan called for stocking 133,500 fry in 2017, 2018, 2020 (*not stocked due to Covid 19) and 2021. Fingerlings were stocked at a rate of 1 lb/LA (267 lbs) in 2019 and will be again in 2022. Night electrofishing in the fall was to be used in 2 of the 4 fry stocked years to assess the survival of young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleye. Sampling was conducted on 9/22/2021. No YOY or adult Walleye were caught during a total sample time of 1 hour, which equated to sampling the entire west basin of the lake. Conditions were ideal for sampling with a calm wind, cool temperature and clear skies. Results from the 2018 electrofishing also yielded no YOY Walleye. Standard assessments in 2021 and 2025, and an additional gill net only targeted assessment in 2023, will assist in evaluating the new program. Prior to this change the lake was stocked with 2 lbs fgl/LA (534 lbs) in alternate years.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Rock Bass in Sugar. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Sugar. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Sugar has a maximum depth of 45 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Sugar is from 2024.

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