Finger

A targeted survey of the Walleye population was completed in July 2025 using six gill net sets to evaluate fry stocking and monitor the fish community. The Walleye gill net catch was significantly higher than the previous survey completed in 2023. Fish ranged from 6 to 20 inches long with an average length of 14.4 inches and average weight of 1.1 pounds. Age analysis determined twelve unique year classes were sampled and 48% of the catch was from stocked years. These results are similar to previous surveys that have found about half the Walleye come from non-stocked years which suggests it is unlikely stocking is needed to maintain the fishery. A fair number of Black Crappie were also captured during the survey. The catch was above the normal range compared to similar lakes in the area and the highest to date from Finger Lake. Northern Pike and Yellow Perch were captured in low numbers while the White Sucker catch was high which were all similar to previous surveys of the lake.

Finger Lake is in western Cook County approximately ten miles north of Tofte. There is a public access with earthen boat ramp on the Cross River just downstream from the lake. The access is on a private driveway that has an easement that provides public access to the water. This access is located at the end of a Forest Service spur that extends to the west from Forest Service Road 347. Space for parking and turning vehicles is limited and users must not block the driveway to ensure access for the landowner and the public. There is one campsite and a portage trail to Elbow Lake maintained by the Forest Service as part of the Timber-Frear Canoe Route. Walleye are the primary management species and regular fry stocking has occurred for several decades to supplement the population, although natural reproduction does occur. Black Crappie were first sampled in 2011 and have since established a fishable population. A standard fisheries survey was completed in July of 2023 to monitor the fish community and evaluate stocking. The Walleye catch rate was within the normal range for similar lakes in gill nets and slightly above the normal range in trap nets. The combined catch included Walleye from about 7 to 23" long with an average size of 15.3" and 1.45 pounds. Walleye ranged from age-1 to age-16 with few missing year classes. Stocked year classes accounted for just 35.5% of the catch suggesting stocking may not be needed to maintain the population. Black Crappie catch was the highest to date from standard summer surveys. Size ranged from 5.5 to 13" long and fish ranged from age-2 to age-5. These results indicate some recruitment has occurred in recent years suggesting a self-sustaining population has been established. Targeted spring trap netting was also completed in June 2023 and more information about the Black Crappie population can be found in that report. Northern Pike provide additional angling opportunities and have historically been sampled in low numbers in standard fisheries surveys. The 2023 catch was similar to previous surveys of the lake and within the normal range for this type of lake. Size of pike is generally small, although individual fish will occasionally grow larger.

A targeted survey of Black Crappie was completed in spring of 2023 using trap nets to monitor the current status of the population. The species was first sampled in Finger Lake by DNR Fisheries in 2011. Spring trap netting captured a small number of crappie from six unique year classes that ranged from 5.6 to 13.5 inches long. The late ice-out followed by a warm spring that caused water temperatures to rise quickly may have contributed to the low catch. Still, the spring survey did confirm that natural reproduction has occurred in recent years suggesting the lake supports a naturalized population. A fair number of Northern Pike and Walleye were sampled during spring netting. The size structure of both species was similar to the standard survey result, which is typically used to assess these populations. For more information about the fish community of Finger Lake see the standard survey dated July 24, 2023.

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

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

Finger has a maximum depth of 14 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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