Nokay

Nokay Lake is a 660 acre lake located 10 miles east of Brainerd in Crow Wing County. A small public access is located on the west side of the lake. Nokay reaches depths of 42 feet, with 33% of the lake 15' deep or less. The shoreline is moderately developed with one resort present. Extensive bulrush beds are located around the lake and around Hiawatha Island. Protection of aquatic vegetation, especially emergent vegetation, is important for maintaining good water quality. Aquatic vegetation is critical for fish spawning areas as well as providing habitat for fish and other aquatic life. Walleye numbers in 2020 were below average when compared to similar lakes, at 1.2/gill net. The Walleyes sampled had an average length of 18.8". Natural reproduction is minimal with the majority of Walleyes coming from fingerling stocking occurring every third year. Northern Pike numbers were high at 9.5/gill net. Average length was 20.8", with 26% in the protected 22"-26" slot. Northern Pike at least 26" in length made up 5% of the catch. Lakes in this part of the state have a new Northern Pike regulation enacted in 2018: possession limit of 10 with not more than 2 over 26". All from 22"-26" must be immediately released. Please refer to the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations for additional information. Black Crappies were captured in average numbers at 1.3/gill net. Average length was 7.7" with 38% being over 8" in length. Largemouth Bass were sampled in high numbers at 3.0/gill net. Largemouth Bass averaged 13.4", with 23% measuring 15" or greater. No invasive species have been discovered in Nokay Lake, but they are located in the area. Before and after launching, lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as remove the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

A special IBI assessment was conducted on Nokay Lake to sample the nearshore fish community. Backpack electrofishing gear along with seining equipment was used at 14 sites around the lake. The most abundant species was bluntnose minnow. Other species caught included least darter, mottled sculpin, pugnose shiner, brook silverside, logperch, and 20 other species of fish.

Nokay Lake is a 660 acre lake located in Crow Wing County 10 miles east of Brainerd. A small public access is located on the west side of the lake. Nokay reaches depths of 42 feet, with 33% of the lake 15 feet deep or less. Water clarity is good with a secchi disk depth of 13.5 feet. The shoreline is moderately developed with one resort present. Extensive bulrush beds are located around the lake and around Hiawatha Island. Protection of aquatic vegetation, especially emergent vegetation, is important for maintaining good water quality. Aquatic vegetation is critical for fish spawning areas as well as providing habitat for fish and other aquatic life. Walleye numbers in 2014 were below average at 2.4/gillnet, while the average size was above average (18.8 inches and 2.6 lbs.). Walleye up to 27.8 inches were captured. Natural reproduction is minimal with the majority of walleyes coming from fingerling stocking occurring every third year. The northern pike catch was average at 7.3/gillnet. Average size was 23 inches and 2.8 lbs. Northern pike up to 36 inches were present with 26% measuring over 24 inches in length. Voluntary catch and release of these larger fish will help keep a balanced northern population. Seven year classes were present, with the 2010 year class making up 43% of the population. Black crappies were captured in average numbers in both gillnets and trapnets. Size was below average with only 22% being over 8 inches in length. Two and three year olds made up 70% of the catch. Bluegills were captured in average numbers, and were of average size. Bluegills over 7 inches made up 17% of the catch. Largemouth bass were sampled during spring electrofishing at a rate of 64.6/hr. of run-time. Largemouth bass averaged 12.6 inches, with 30% measuring 15 inches or greater. Bass up to 18 inches were sampled. No invasive species have been discovered in Nokay Lake, but they are located in the area. Before and after launching, lake users should inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as remove the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Rock Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye in Nokay. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Nokay has a maximum depth of 42 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Nokay is from 2020.

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