Scanlon Reservoir

Scanlon is a 71-acre reservoir on the St. Louis River located just east of Cloquet, MN. The waterbody has no public watercraft access, but shore fishing options exist in some places. A hydroelectric generating station operated by Minnesota Power exists along the southern shoreline of the reservoir at the outlet dam. Scanlon was surveyed during the summer of 2024 to update information about fish populations while also monitoring a pollution mitigation project completed in 2023 by the MN Pollution Control Agency and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The project addressed polluted sediments in Scanlon to protect human health, wildlife and the environment from legacy contaminants left behind by historic industrial discharges nearby. All fish populations in Scanlon are self-sustaining and there are no records of any species being stocked in the past. The 1994 lake management plan (LMP) listed Smallmouth Bass and Channel Catfish as primary management species. Management goals were not identified. The Smallmouth Bass abundance of 1.3 per gill net was average compared to lakes with similar habitats. A spring electrofishing assessment targeting Smallmouth Bass was also conducted and captured an additional 24 bass. The proportion of adult Smallmouth Bass captured that exceeded quality size (11 inches) was 56, while the proportion that exceeded preferred size (14 inches) was 4. Good bass fishing opportunities exist given the abundance observed. Channel Catfish are pervasive in Scanlon and were captured at a rate of 6.5 per gill net. Average length was small at 12.7 inches. The proportion of adult Channel Catfish captured that exceeded quality size (11 inches) was 9, while the proportion that exceeded preferred size (16 inches) was 0. Anglers should expect good catches of channel catfish, but small fish may dominate their catch. Walleye abundance of 1.3 per gill net was average compared to lakes with similar habitats. Angling opportunities for Walleye on Scanlon appear limited as average length captured was small (10.8 inches) and no Walleye over 14 inches long were sampled. Small numbers of other game fish species were also captured including Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch.

Walleyes and Yellow Perch are above average in number for this lake type, though still not abundant. Size structure is good. White Suckers are very abundant and appear to be increasing, while Northern Pike are poorly represented and may be declining. Bullheads and especially Channel Catfish have increased since 1988. Smallmouth Bass have increased and while not typical of this lake type, can be considered abundant.

Walleyes and Yellow Perch are above average in number for this lake type, though still not abundant. Size structure is good. White Suckers are very abundant and appear to be increasing, while Northern Pike are poorly represented and may be declining. Bullheads and especially Channel Catfish have increased since 1988. Smallmouth Bass have increased and while not typical of this lake type, can be considered abundant.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, and Largemouth Bass in Scanlon Reservoir. 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 Scanlon Reservoir. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Scanlon Reservoir has a maximum depth of 65 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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