Marshall

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Marshall Lake was conducted June 27th and 30th, 2025, by Detroit Lakes Fisheries Staff. Data was collected from 9 sampling stations spaced around the lake. All stations were sampled with a backpack electrofishing unit, four were sampled with a 50-foot seine and five stations were sampled with a 15-foot seine. Nearshore sampling captured 10 species of native fish, which included two species that are intolerant of disturbance (Blacknose Shiner and Iowa Darter) and two species that are tolerant of disturbance (Black Bullhead and Green Sunfish). The three most common species captured during the nearshore survey in order of abundance were Spottail Shiner, Bluegill, and Green Sunfish. The nearshore fish survey data was combined with the standard survey data from June 2025 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., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, and Green Sunfish). 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 a watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. Marshall Lake is located in the Buffalo River Watershed.

Marshall Lake is a 191-acre lake located in southwest Becker County, within the Buffalo-Red Watershed Management District. Maximum depth is 20 feet. A public access is located off Becker County Highway 103. The island on Marshall Lake is an Aquatic Management Area (AMA) and is open for low impact public use such as hunting and shore fishing. A standard survey to assess the fish population was conducted on Marshall Lake in early June 2025, using six gill nets and nine trap nets. Anglers visiting Marshall Lake have reported challenging fishing, likely a result of the abundant forage base and poor water clarity. While fishing may be difficult, anglers that find success are generally pleased with their catch as the lake is known locally for large Walleyes, Northern Pike, and abundant Bluegill. Marshall Lake is also beginning to offer the opportunity for quality Black Crappie fishing. Walleye abundance was the lowest observed since the 1970s for Marshall Lake but fish were relatively large. Average length of Walleyes sampled was 18 inches, which is similar to the historical average. Northern Pike catch rates increased significantly from the previous surveys and are above the normal range for Marshall Lake. The size of pike sampled was decent, with an average length of 25 inches. Nearly 54% of all pike sampled were over 24 inches in length. Bluegill abundance decreased dramatically from the previous survey. Fish sampled were of respectable size however, averaging just over eight inches long with a max length of 10.2 inches. Black Crappie were sampled for the second consecutive survey and were at their highest abundance ever observed. Crappie measured between six and 13.5 inches. Perch numbers were the lowest in over a decade. Yellow Perch ranged in size from nearly 5.5 to just over eight inches, with an average length of six inches. Perch numbers tend to fluctuate from one survey to the next in Marshall Lake. Largemouth Bass abundance was low during the survey, but fish averaged 17 inches long. Black Bullhead numbers were higher in 2025 compared to past surveys, whereas Brown Bullhead abundance was lower than past surveys. Brown Bullheads were quite large, with an average length of 11.1 inches. Other species captured included Green Sunfish, hybrid sunfish, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish. Protecting aquatic habitat is important to preserve the quality of Marshall Lake. Although Marshall Lake is classified as a Recreational Development Lake, future development on Marshall Lake should follow the more restrictive shoreline standards set by Becker County for Natural Environment Lakes. In addition, care should be taken by shoreline owners to preserve aquatic and riparian vegetation.

Marshall Lake is a 191-acre lake located in southwest Becker County, within the Buffalo-Red Watershed Management District. Maximum depth is 20 feet. A public access is located off Becker County Highway 103. The island on Marshall Lake is an Aquatic Management Area (AMA), and is open for low impact public use such as hunting and shorefishing. A standard survey to assess the fish population was conducted on Marshall Lake in early June 2018, using six gill nets and nine trap nets. Anglers visiting Marshall Lake have reported challenging fishing, likely a result of the abundant forage base and poor water clarity. While fishing may be difficult, anglers that find successful methods are generally pleased with their catch as the lake is known locally for large Walleyes, Northern Pike, and abundant Bullheads. Bullheads, Yellow Perch, and sunfish were abundant in the 2018 survey, with Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and White Sucker also sampled. Black and Brown Bullheads were sampled, both in lower numbers than in previous surveys. Brown Bullheads were quite large, with an average length of 11.2 inches. Yellow Perch sampled ranged in size from nearly 6 to nearly 12 inches, with an average length of 7.2 inches. Anglers may be interested in the perch in the future if the population continues to succeed. Northern Pike catch rates have decreased from the previous survey, and are below the normal range for Marshall Lake. The size of pike sampled was decent, with an average length of 25 inches. Walleye abundance was slightly above average for Marshall Lake and fish were relatively large. Average length of Walleyes sampled was over 18 inches, which is similar to the historical average. Black Crappies were sampled for the first time during this survey. Though they have reportedly been caught by anglers for quite some time, standard sampling gear failed to capture them. Crappies sampled were between 6 and 7 inches. Bluegills were abundant, yet quite small in Marshall Lake. Average length of Bluegills sampled during this survey was 5.6 inches, and the largest Bluegill sampled was 8.5 inches. Protecting aquatic habitat is important to preserve the quality of Marshall Lake. Although Marshall Lake is classified as a Recreational Development Lake, future development on Marshall Lake should follow the more restrictive shoreline standards set by Becker County for Natural Environment Lakes. In addition, care should be taken by shoreline owners to preserve aquatic and riparian vegetation.

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

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

Marshall has a maximum depth of 21 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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