South Fork

A lake population assessment was completed on South Fork Lake in September of 2008 as directed by the Operational Planning portion of the 2001 Lake Management Plan. The Operational Plan had listed 2005 as the next assessment date, but due to the increased workload of the Lanesboro Office the assessment was postponed until 2008. The impoundment was sampled with 5 standard trap-net sets that were set on September 2, 2008 and lifted the following day. Largemouth bass and channel catfish populations were sampled during the day with an electrofishing boat on September 4, 2008. Black crappie and bluegill continue to dominate the fish community in South Fork Lake in 2008, as has been the case in the previous 4 assessments (2000, 1996, 1990 and 1986). Black crappie abundance is down compared to the previous assessment; average size however has increased slightly. Bluegill abundance however has more than doubled since 2000; average size also increased slightly since the previous assessment. Abundance of both species remains very good compared to other lakes of similar type. Largemouth bass catch per effort (CPE) has declined slightly in 2008 with the average size of the fish sampled remaining relatively unchanged. The two channel catfish sampled during the electrofishing assessment are the first catfish sampled in South Fork Lake since the 1990 assessment; even though local fisherman report catching channel catfish on a regular basis.

A fish population assessment was conducted on South Fork Lake (R3) during the summer of 2000 per the 1997 lake management plan. The lake was sampled with five standard trap-nets overnight from August 29 to 30. The lake was then sampled with an electrofishing boat on September 5.In general fish populations were similar to those found in the 1996 survey. Bluegill and black crappie continue to dominate the fish community. The most abundant predator in the lake is largemouth bass, which has developed a quality size-structure. The white sucker population is also very stable. Carp were found for the first time in the lake, but only a single individual was captured.

A fish population survey was carried in the summer of 1996. The lake was sampled with trap nets in early July and with a boat-mounted electrofishing unit in September. The purpose of this survey was to collect information needed to update the DNR management plan for South Fork Lake (also known as R3).Black crappie were the most abundant species captured in the trap-nets. Black crappie numbers are considered high, but average size is small for this type of lake in Minnesota. This survey showed that the population of black crappie in South Fork Lake has remained relatively stable over the last ten years.Bluegills were the second most common speices found in the trap nets. Their numbers area considered high and average size is about what we would expect for this kind of lake in Minnesota. The population of bluegills in South Fork Lake has been increasing over the last decade.The electrofishing survey was designed to sample the largemouth bass population. Although the numbers of bass have decreased, relative to previous surveys, the size structure of the bass population is stable and individuals reaching memorable sizes are present in the population. Although no channel catfish were sampled in this survey, they have been sampled in previous surveys. Channel catfish were most recently planted in South Fork Lake in 1996 (after the survey was completed) and in 1992.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Brown Trout in South Fork. 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 South Fork. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

South Fork has a maximum depth of 15 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in South Fork is from 2008. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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