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MN Fish Finder

Paulson

Cook County
Near Grand Marais
DOW: 16062600
Lake TroutGood · 60

A 121-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County — best known for trout. Last surveyed 2004.

Fish Species (1)

Lake Trout

Good · 60

Above-normal numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2004

Last surveyed 2004 — treat with caution

Avg Size
13.5"
Avg Weight
0.89 lbs

Catch rate: 16.0 per gill net · typical 0.4–3.7 for a lake like this

Size of catchable lake trout0% keeper-size (22"+)
14–21" · 100%Largest sampled 17"
Survey History
DateCatch RateAvg LengthAvg Weight
Jun 14, 200416.0013.5"0.89 lbs
Jun 16, 199722.2513.9"0.97 lbs
Jun 3, 19864.00-5.81 lbs

Biologist Notes

August 5, 2024Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Paulson Lake, on August 5, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and qua…

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Paulson Lake, on August 5, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Trout, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Lake Trout require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature dropped below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) at 37.3 feet, and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 68.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer in the water column was 31.0 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Trout. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 6.2 degrees C (43.2 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Trout at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 1970 during the late summer thermal stress period indicated suitable oxythermal habitat, the suitable oxythermal habitat layer thickness was 25.7 feet. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Trout are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

August 5, 2024Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Paulson Lake, on August 5, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and qua…

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Paulson Lake, on August 5, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Trout, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Lake Trout require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature dropped below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) at 37.3 feet, and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 68.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer in the water column was 31.0 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Trout. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 6.2 degrees C (43.2 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Trout at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 1970 during the late summer thermal stress period indicated suitable oxythermal habitat, the suitable oxythermal habitat layer thickness was 25.7 feet. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Trout are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

August 5, 2024Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Paulson Lake, on August 5, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and qua…

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Paulson Lake, on August 5, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Trout, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Lake Trout require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature dropped below 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) at 37.3 feet, and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 68.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer in the water column was 31.0 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Trout. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 6.2 degrees C (43.2 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 8.8 degrees C (47.8 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Trout at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 1970 during the late summer thermal stress period indicated suitable oxythermal habitat, the suitable oxythermal habitat layer thickness was 25.7 feet. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Trout are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Paulson?

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

Is there public access at Paulson?

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

How deep is Paulson?

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

When were the main sport fish in Paulson last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Paulson is from 2004. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Paulson have any invasive species?

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

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Lake Details

Surface Area
121.12 acres
Max Depth
60 ft
Shoreline
4.33 mi
Public Access
Not confirmed
View on DNR LakeFinder

Location

48.0991°N, 90.9078°W

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