Bench

The number of brook trout taken in the 2003 assessment was about average, compared to other stream trout lakes in the Grand Marais area, but fish taken were above-average in size. It appeared that the 2001 stocking had failed completely, but good numbers of fish were present from successful 2002 and 2000 stockings. Because of the failure of the 2001 stocking, fish were present in two size ranges in 2003 - 6 to 8-inch fish from the 2002 stocking, and 13 to 15-inch fish from the 2000 and 1999 stockings. Growth rates for brook trout had been about average for the area. No undesirable fish species were found in 2003.

Bench Lake supports a small, but excellent brook trout fishery. The relatively remote location (deep within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) and resulting low fishing pressure may allow this fishery to reach nearly its full potential. Forty percent of brook trout sampled were age-4 fish indicating good survival and low to moderate harvest. No undesirable species were sampled.

BROOK TROUT STOCKED IN 1989 SHOWED GOOD SURVIVAL, BUT OTHER CLASSES WERE ALMOST ABSENT. ONE 19 IN BROOK TROUT FROM THE 1987 OR 1985 STOCKING WAS COLLECTED. BROOK TROUT GROWTH APPEARED TO BE GOOD.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Brook Trout in Bench. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Bench has a maximum depth of 16 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bench is from 2003. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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