Champlin Mill Pond

Champlin Mill Pond is a 34-acre impoundment of Elm Creek adjacent to and that flows into the Mississippi River. The lake is on the site of a historic mill. The old dam was replaced, and Lower Mill Pond was dewatered and dredged to increase the maximum depth to 15 feet in the fall of 2017. Additionally, the land surrounding the Mill Pond underwent habitat improvement and shoreline stabilization. Champlin Mill Pond is reported as an important recreational fishing location to the surrounding community. It is currently part of Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN), the MNDNR's urban fishing program. Northern Pike were sampled in well-above average abundance in the lake. These fish were small compared to similar lakes and nearly 85% of the fish were under 23 inches in total length. One fish captured in the survey was greater than 30 inches. Bluegill abundance was above average, but the fish were small, ranging in length from 3 to just over 7.5 inches. Similarly, Pumpkinseed were very abundant in Champlin Mill Pond but small ranging in length from 3 to 6 inches. Black Bullhead was the most abundant fish species sampled as 105 individuals were captured in gillnets, and 300 individuals were captured in the survey. Three piers provide shore fishing access to Champlin Mill Pond as well as ample fishable shoreline on the three basins that comprise the entire lake. Explore https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/fin/index.html for more information on Fishing in the Neighborhood.

Champlin Mill Pond is 34-acre impoundment of Elm Creek that sits adjacent to and flows into the Mississippi River. The pond is on the site of a historic mill and the old dam was replaced in 2016. Lower Champlin Mill Pond near the dam was dewatered and dredged to increase the maximum depth to 15 feet in the fall of 2017. Champlin Mill Pond is reported as an important recreational fishing location to the surrounding community. A standard lake survey was conducted in June of 2017. Eleven Northern Pike were sampled in gillnets, an abundance well-above the average for similar lakes. Northern Pike in Champlin Mill Pond were small, averaging 1.6 pounds, a value below average in similar lakes. The average length was 18.9 inches and Northern Pike ranged from 16.0 inches to 22.3 inches in the lake. Bluegill abundance and size in were below average compared to similar lakes. Bluegill measured 4.8 inches on average and ranged from 2.9-8.3 inches. Some natural reproduction may be occurring in the lake as suggested by fish aged 1 and 2 years that were sampled. Champlin Mill Pond was most recently stocked with Bluegill (150 fish) in spring 2014.

Champlin Mill Pond is managed as a children's fishing pond and is stocked annually in the spring with adult bluegills and black crappies. The black crappie population is average for this type of a lake. The fish sampled had an average length of 7.2 inches and an average weight of 0.2 pounds. Only three bluegills were sampled during the survey. They had an average length of 6.2 inches. Black bullheads and white suckers were both very abundant. The white sucker population is considered above average for this lake. The Black bullheads were the most abundant fish sampled in the nets, but are still considered average when compared to similar lakes.Northern pike numbers were the highest since 1984. The average size of northern pike had a length of 21.7 inches and had an average weight of 2.5 pounds.Yellow perch, yellow bullheads, white crappies, and hybrid sunfish were all sampled in low abundance. This is the first survey since 1989 that yellow perch and yellow bullheads were sampled, and the first time overall that white crappies and hybrid sunfish were sampled.Bowfin, pumpkinseed sunfish, and carp were all sampled in average numbers for this type of lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and Green Sunfish in Champlin Mill Pond. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Champlin Mill Pond has a maximum depth of 11 feet and a mean depth of 4 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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