Bde Maka Ska

Bde Maka Ska is a 419-acre (123 littoral acres) lake with a maximum depth of 82 feet. Bde Maka Ska is located in south Minneapolis in eastern Hennepin County. Bde Maka Ska is primarily managed for Walleye (fingerling stocked in odd-numbered years) and Muskellunge (fingerling stocked during even-numbered years) but includes catchable populations of Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Public water access is provided by the City of Minneapolis on the northeast side of the lake off West Lake Street and Bde Maka Ska Pkwy (limited vehicle/trailer parking is available). A Standard Survey (9 trap nets/8 gill nets) was conducted on Bde Maka Ska during the week of 6/24/2024 to monitor water quality and fish populations. Water clarity was moderate with a measured Secchi reading of 8 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen fell below 2 parts per million (ppm) below 44 feet, meaning fish would be unlikely to use water depths greater than 44 feet during mid-summer. Zebra Mussels and Eurasian Watermilfoil have been documented in Bde Maka Ska and remain present. Low numbers of Walleye were sampled with gill nets (1.6/net), near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. Average length of Walleye sampled in gill nets was 18.7 inches with the largest measured at 26.3 inches. Despite no natural reproduction, stocking has maintained a balanced population (a middle ground between high numbers of small fish and low numbers of large fish). Results from the 2024 survey sampled Walleye from the previous seven stocking events, including 1- and 15-year-old fish. Walleye growth in Bde Maka Ska was fast compared to similar lakes across the metro, indicated by an average length of 17.6 inches by age 3. Although numbers are not high, these fish are surviving their initial stocking, growing fast, and living to old ages. High numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (10.5/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 84 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets in 2024, with an average size of 22.5 inches and the largest measured at 32.8 inches. Despite high numbers and small sizes, Bde Maka Ska provides excellent harvest opportunity with a possession limit of 10 and nearly 75% of sampled fish falling outside of the protected slot (22 to 26 inches). Despite an excellent opportunity for harvest, anglers should check the latest fish consumption guidelines (https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/fish/index.html). High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (58.1/net), near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 523 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2024 survey, with an average length of 5.6 inches and the largest measured at 8.1 inches. Less than 20% of the total catch were greater than 7 inches. Although harvestable sized Bluegill (7"+) are present in Bde Maka Ska, anglers should be prepared to sort through many small fish along the way. Moderate numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with trap nets (8.4/net) near the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 76 Black Crappie sampled during the 2024 survey, with an average length of 8.0 inches and the largest measured at 11.9 inches. While the majority (90%) of Black Crappie sampled measured less than 9 inches, the presence of fish greater than 11 inches is an encouraging sign for the fishery. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Common Carp, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community in Bde Maka Ska Lake was conducted by Fisheries Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program Staff starting August 18, 2020. Ten sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 15-foot or 50-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all ten sites. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample seven sites and a 15-foot seine was used to sample 3 sites. Nearshore sampling captured 12 native species of fish and 1 non-native species (Common Carp). Two of these species are intolerant of disturbance (Iowa Darter and Least Darter) and two species are tolerant of disturbance (Common Carp and Green Sunfish). A summer trap net survey was conducted in conjunction with the targeted survey of the nearshore fish community. Bluegill dominated the trap net catch numbers, but only comprised approximately 32% of total trap net biomass; Northern Pike (33%) and Common Carp (20%) were the other common species by biomass. Of the Bluegills sampled, 51% were between 5 and 7 inches, 7% were over 7 inches and none of Bluegills sampled were over 8 inches. Data from this targeted nearshore and trap net survey is combined with gill net data from a July 2019 standard survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based Index of Biological Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. The FIBI score for Bde Maka Ska Lake from this survey is below an impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Mississippi River - Twin Cities Watershed assessment of surface waters process completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Bde Maka Ska is a 419-acre, Class 24 lake located in south Minneapolis that is primarily managed for its Muskellunge and Walleye fisheries. A boat launch operated by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is located on the northeast corner of the lake, with a limited amount of street parking nearby. There is also a fishing pier and ample shore fishing opportunities as the lake is encircled by a bike path and city park. Motor use is restricted to electric only; other motors may remain attached but must be propped up. Bde Maka Ska is infested with zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. Since 2013, city-imposed inspections for aquatic invasive species included evening / overnight ramp closures. A Standard Survey was conducted during the summer of 2019 to describe the populations of game fish in the lake. Few Walleye were caught in 2019. The fish ranged between 16.1 and 21.0 inches, and the average size was 18.7 inches and 2.27 pounds. Although Muskie sampling did not occur in 2019, one fish was incidentally captured in the gill net. The fish was 50 inches long and released back into the lake. Targeted sampling for Largemouth Bass was also not conducted in 2019. However, two fish were incidentally caught in the gill nets, of lengths 14.4 and 20.9 inches. Historically, Northern Pike have not been abundant in Bde Maka Ska. However, in 2019, the amount of Northern Pike sampled was over three times any value measured since 1987. The fish ranged in size from 9.5 inches to 34.3 inches, and the average size of northern was 22.2 inches and 2.7 pounds. With 54% of the population being smaller than 22 inches, Bde Maka Ska would be an ideal lake for anglers hoping to maximize their harvest under the new Northern Pike regulation. Up to 10 fish under 22 inches can be harvested, as well as 2 over 26 inches. All fish between 22 and 26 inches must be immediately released. With 26% of the fish exceeding 26 inches, anglers have a good chance to harvest larger fish as well. The largest Northern Pike sampled in 2019 was 34.3 inches long. Few Black Crappie were sampled in 2019, and their size was modest. Average length was 7.6 inches and the largest fish was 9.5 inches. Bluegill are highly abundant in the lake, and quality-sized fish can be found. Twenty percent of the catch exceeded 7 inches and the largest fish was 8.2 inches. Other fish sampled during this survey included Yellow Perch, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Green Sunfish, and Common Carp.

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

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

Bde Maka Ska has a maximum depth of 82 feet and a mean depth of 30 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bde Maka Ska is from 2024.

Yes — Bde Maka Ska has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.