Fish

Fish Lake is a 238-acre lake with a maximum depth of 49 feet. Fish is located in Maple Grove, in northern Hennepin County. Three Rivers Park District owns and maintains a public access ramp in Fish Lake Regional Park on the southern shore of the lake. Fish is primarily managed for Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass, and also supports populations of Walleye, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Privately purchased Walleye fingerlings have been stocked by the lake association since 2013. A Standard Survey was conducted on Fish Lake during the week of 7/15/2024 to assess the fishery. Fish Lake had moderate water clarity, measured at 9 feet during the time of this survey. Eurasian Watermilfoil was found in Fish Lake in 1995 and remains present. In 2024 Northern Pike were sampled at rates similar to other lakes in the area, and the sampled fish ranged between 20 and 29 inches long. The abundance of Northern Pike in Fish Lake has fluctuated over the years, but the fish show consistent natural reproduction, so this is a reliable species for anglers to target. Largemouth Bass were not sampled in 2024, however when they were last sampled in 2019 the fish were abundant. Despite a lack bass larger than 20 inches, the 2019 survey showed a healthy fishery with over 45% of the sampled bass exceeding 12 inches. Walleye were sampled in numbers that are about average for this type of lake. Fish from each of the previous 5 stockings were present in the 2024 sample, and more than half of the sampled fish exceeded 15 inches. Bluegill were sampled in a higher than average abundance, and their size was modest. There were 253 Bluegill sampled with trap nets during the 2024 survey, with an average length of 5.7 inches and a maximum length of 7.8 inches. High numbers of Bluegill likely limit growth potential, creating a population mainly composed of small individuals. Only 4% of the sampled fish exceeded 7 inches. Black Crappie were sampled in numbers that are about average for this type of lake. Seventy-nine Black Crappie were sampled, with an average length of 6.3 inches and a maximum length of 9.5 inches. Eleven percent of the sampled fish exceeded 8 inches. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Fish Lake is a 238-acre lake with a maximum depth of 49 feet. Fish is located in Maple Grove, in northern Hennepin County. Three Rivers Park District owns and maintains a public access ramp (subject to Three Rivers Park District rules and hours) located off of Bass Lake Road on the south shore of the lake. Fish is primarily managed for Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass, but includes catchable populations of Walleye, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Privately purchased Walleye fingerlings have been stocked in odd-numbered years since 2013. A Standard Survey (gill nets, trap nets, and electrofishing) was conducted on Fish Lake during the week of 7/15/2019 to assess the fishery. Fish Lake had moderate water clarity, measured at 5 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was zero parts per million (ppm) below 14 feet during the survey period. Eurasian Watermilfoil was found in Fish Lake in 1995 and remains present. High numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (9.5/net) -- above the expected cate rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 57 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 25.5 inches and the largest measured at 34.5 inches. Northern Pike are maintaining a balanced population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Growth was fast compared to the statewide average, indicated by an average length of 22.3 inches by age 4. Despite high numbers, Fish Lake is one of few lakes in the metro that has the potential to produce Northern Pike greater than 34"+ and should provide excellent angling opportunity. Largemouth Bass were sampled during spring 2019 with nighttime boat electrofishing, the second time such a survey was conducted here. Catch rates were high, with 49.3 fish/hour. 82 total bass were sampled, with an average length of 11.4 inches and the largest measured at 19.7 inches. Despite a lack of the largest individuals (20"+), Fish Lake supports a healthy bass fishery with over 45% of the total catch greater than 12 inches. Results from the 2019 survey show significant increases in numbers and sizes from the previous nighttime electrofishing survey in 2003. Walleye in Fish Lake were sampled with gill nets (2.0/net) near the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 12 Walleye sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 14.5 inches and a maximum length of 21.3 inches. Walleye growth in Fish was typical compared to the statewide average, indicated by an average length of 16.3 inches by age 4. Privately stocked Walleye have created a low-abundance fishery - a typical result for regional lakes with abundant Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass -- with all three of the previous stockings (2013, 2015, and 2017) present in age analysis. High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (68.7/net), above the expected cate rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 618 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2019 survey, with an average length of 6.4 inches and the largest measured at 8.2 inches. High numbers of Bluegill likely limit growth potential, creating a population mainly composed of small individuals. Less than 15% of Bluegill sampled were greater than 7 inches. Low numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (3.5/net) and trap nets (1.1/net). There were 31 Black Crappie sampled during the 2019 survey, with an average length of 7.0 inches and the largest measured at 10.2 inches. Despite low numbers, growth is likely above average based on the presence of 10"+ fish in the survey. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Pumpkinseed, White Crappie, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Fish Lake is a productive, 223-acre lake located in Maple Grove, Hennepin County. Public access is obtained through the Fish Lake Regional Park on the south shore. The park, which provides a concrete boat ramp and parking lot, is operated by the Three Rivers Park District. A pass is required to park boat trailers at the boat launch. Maximum depth is 33 feet and water clarity in mid-July was 8.0 feet. At this time, the lake was strongly stratified with poor (<2 ppm) dissolved oxygen below 14 feet. The water level was high due to record June rainfall. A population assessment was conducted during July 2014 to determine the species composition and abundance of game fish in the lake. Northern Pike were moderately low in abundance at 2.7/gill net, which is below the median when compared to other similar lakes in the state. Common in lakes with low pike density, average size was relatively large at 26.8 inches and 4.7 lbs; ranging from 21.5 to 35.0 inches. Sixteen pike were sampled; 6 were 28 inches or longer (37.5%) and 3 were 30 inches or longer (18.8%). Despite the lowest catch since the 1972 survey, Bluegill were still moderately high in abundance (35.1/trap net) when compared to other similar lakes. Bluegill numbers in Fish Lake have varied considerably over time, ranging from 3.3 to 126.8/net. In the 2014 survey, size structure was small where Bluegill averaged 6.2 inches and 0.16 lbs with the largest measuring 7.4 inches. Seventy-two percent were longer than 6 inches, but only 5% were 7 inches or longer. Black Crappie have always maintained a low to moderate abundance in Fish Lake. In 2014, abundance was considered low (3.3/gill net), although mean weight (0.21 lbs) was near the median (0.20 lbs) compared to other similar lakes. Not many Black Crappie grew to a favorable size; 90% were between 7 and 8 inches and the largest was 8.4 inches. Few Yellow Perch were netted in the survey. Abundance has been sporadic over time and has ranged from 0 to 15.0/ gill net since 1987. The 2014 catch of 0.83/net is low and considerably lower than the 12.3/net found in 2009. The 5 perch sampled averaged 7.1 inches and 0.17 lbs. Passive sampling gear, such as trap and gill nets, are not effective methods for collecting Largemouth Bass, so the numbers from the 2014 assessment are not necessarily representative of the entire population. Electrofishing is the typical method for Largemouth Bass assessments but was not conducted. Though, anecdotal evidence suggests a quality Largemouth Bass population may exist in Fish Lake. Other fish species sampled in low abundance were Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, White Crappie, White sucker and Yellow Bullhead. 1,872 Walleye fingerlings were stocked by permit to the Fish Lake Area Residents' Association in October 2013; none of these were sampled during the 2014 survey. Often, even if survival is good, walleye aren't sampled well until they're at least 3 years old.

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

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

Fish has a maximum depth of 49 feet and a mean depth of 20.3 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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