Antler

Antler Lake is a 306-acre lake located about nine miles southeast of Bigfork, Minnesota. It's a deep, clear lake-reaching depths of up to 90 feet-with water clarity around 10 feet. During the summer, oxygen levels drop off below about 65-70 feet, which limits usable habitat for fish. However, the upper portion of the lake still provides enough cool, oxygen-rich water to support cold-water species. For anglers, this means fish are generally concentrated in the upper and mid-depth zones during the warmer months, making them more predictable to locate. A concrete public boat access on the northwest side provides easy entry. Northern Pike are the primary management focus in Antler Lake, and the fishery is geared toward producing quality-sized fish rather than high numbers. Anglers can expect moderate catch rates, but with a strong chance of hooking into desirable sized fish. Recent sampling showed an average of 3.3 pike per gill net, which is close to the lake's historical average. Pike ranged from 17 to 31 inches, with an average length of about 25 inches. Notably, most fish were in the desirable size range-about 87% were over 21 inches, and nearly a quarter exceeded 28 inches. This size structure favors anglers looking for larger, more memorable catches rather than frequent action with smaller fish. Consistent reproduction and a wide range of age classes also suggest this fishery should remain stable. Black Crappie are present in lower numbers, but they offer occasional opportunities for anglers willing to put in the time. Most crappie caught were under 10 inches, although a few fish reached up to 13.5 inches. The population appears to reproduce regularly, but only a small portion of fish grow into larger, keeper sizes. Anglers may find inconsistent success, with some year classes providing better fishing than others. Bluegill are abundant and provide steady action, especially for anglers targeting panfish. However, size is a limiting factor. Most Bluegill are between 3 and 6 inches, with relatively few fish exceeding that range. Only about a quarter of the population is over 6 inches, and fish larger than 8 inches are rare. This makes Antler Lake a good option for numbers, but less ideal for anglers seeking larger "keeper" Bluegill. Walleye are present but at low densities. Anglers targeting walleye should expect limited opportunities, although the fish that are caught tend to be larger, ranging from about 22 to 26 inches. These fish are likely older individuals, and the low numbers suggest this is not a primary Walleye lake. Yellow Perch are also found in low to moderate numbers, typically around 6 to 7.5 inches in length. While not a major target species, they can provide some additional action, particularly when fishing for other species and are an important prey fish for the lake's predators. Other species present in the lake include Pumpkinseed, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, hybrid sunfish, Yellow Bullhead, and Tullibee, adding to the overall diversity of the fishery. Overall, Antler Lake offers a balanced angling experience. It stands out as a good destination for anglers targeting quality Northern Pike, with dependable panfish action for numbers. However, anglers looking for larger panfish or consistent walleye fishing may find better opportunities elsewhere.

Antler Lake is a class 23 lake located nine miles southeast of Big Fork, MN. Antler Lake has an inlet from Little Antler Lake on the northeast shore and has a small navigable outlet to Beaver Lake on the southeast shore. There is a public access on the northwest side of the lake. The 2002 lake management plan indicates northern pike as the primary species of management with bluegill and black crappie as secondary species. The 2012 assessment also included additional sampling of near shore fish species in order to calculate an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score. Black crappie were sampled with trap nets at a rate of 5.9 fish/net, well above the 3rd quartile value of 2.2 fish/net. The trap net sampled fish ranged from 4.3 to 10.2 inches and had a mean length of 6.2 inches. Six age-classes from 2 to 7 years old were identified from scales. The 2010 year class dominated the sample and may help to improve fishing in a few years. However, growth was poor compared to other class 23 lakes with fish averaging 8.2 inches after five years of growth. Trap-net catch rates for bluegill have been above the lake class median of 19.8 fish/net in five of seven assessments. In 2012, the trap-net catch of 25.7 fish/net was below average for this lake. Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.5 to 8.0 inches and had a mean length of 5.4 inches. Six age-classes were identified from scales ranging from age 4 to age 9. Growth rates were poor compared to other class 23 lakes; mean back-calculated length-at-age 5 was 4.0 inches compared to the lake class median of 5.1 inches. Northern pike gill-net catch rates have ranged from 1.3 to 3.3 fish/net since 1954. In 2012, northern pike gill-net catch was 3.2 fish/net which was below the lake class median of 5.0 fish/net. The gill net sampled fish had a moderate size structure, ranging from 19.3 to 28.9 inches with a mean length of 24.4 inches. Seven year-classes were identified from cliethra and scales ranging from age 3 to 9. Northern pike averaged 20.8 inches by age 4 which was similar to the statewide average of 20.5. Walleye did not occur naturally in Antler Lake and the stocking that occurred sporadically from 1969 to 1989 only made modest improvements in the population. Walleye numbers in Antler Lake have always been low due to the low productivity of the lake. Catch rates have ranged from 0 fish to a high of 1.6 fish/net 1987. In 2012, the catch was 0.3 fish/gill net and was below the 1st quartile value of 1.0 fish/net. The sampled fish ranged from 23.2 to 25.2 inches and had a mean length of 24.0 inches. Age and growth information was not collected from these three individuals. Tullibee gill-net catch rates have ranged from 0.1 in 2000 to 8.5 fish/net in 1977. In 2012, the catch was 3.7 fish/net and the second highest since 1982. The sampled fish ranged from 6.9 to 12.4 inches and had a mean length of 8.7 inches. Age and growth information was not collected. Triaenophorus was observed in approximately 50% of the fish. Other species observed during the population assessment included brown bullhead, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch. Additional species observed during IBI sampling included bluntnose minnow, Johnny darter, mottled sculpin, and tadpole madtom. In order to maintain or improve fish and wildlife populations, water quality and habitat must be protected. People often associate water quality problems with large-scale agricultural, forestry, urban development or industrial practices in the watershed. In reality, the impact of land use decisions on one lake lot may be relatively small, yet the cumulative impact of those decisions on many lake lots can result in a significant decline in water quality and habitat. For example, removing shoreline and aquatic vegetation, fertilizing lawns, mowing to the water's edge, installing beach sand blankets, failing septic systems and uncontrolled run-off, all contribute excess nutrients and sediment which degrade water quality and habitat. Understanding these cumulative impacts and taking steps to avoid or minimize them will help to insure our quality fisheries can be enjoyed by future generations.

Antler Lake is 306 acres and is located 9 miles southeast of Bigfork, MN. Water clarity was excellent with a secchi depth reading of 17 ft at the time of the survey. Antler Lake is a very clear lake with low productivity which results in relatively light abundance of game fish compared to other lakes with higher productivity. The lake has a public access on the northwest shore. Northern pike gill-net catch was 2.3/set which is near the low end of the expected range for similar lakes. Size structure was good with fish up to 28 inches in length sampled. Low abundance of northern pike is often related to good size structure. The population consisted of several age classes with fish up to age nine. Growth was slightly faster than statewide averages for ages one to five and markedly slower than statewide averages for ages six to nine. The walleye gill-net catch was 0.8/set which was slightly below the expected range for similar lakes. The population was characterized by large old fish. Walleye varied in length from 20 to 29 inches and all fish were aged between seven and 11 years old. Walleye grew faster than statewide averages until age seven when growth was slower than statewide averages. Walleye did not occur naturally in Antler Lake and were stocked in various years from 1969 to 1989. Although walleye were first stocked in 1969, they were not sampled in assessment nets until 1987. The 2000 assessment evaluated a period of natural reproduction and resulted in a slightly lower catch rate compared to years when walleye were stocked. The limited natural reproduction which has occurred over the years suggests walleye stocking is necessary to maintain the walleye population. Because Antler Lake has low productivity, very few walleye survive to reach catchable size and the cost benefit of continued walleye stocking will be need to be evaluated. Black crappie gill-net catch was 1.0/set and trap-net catch was 1.7/set. Both catch rates are within the expected range of similar lakes. Size structure in the trap nets was good with fish up to 10 inches sampled. Black crappie abundance has historically been low with catch trap-net catch rates varying from 1.0 to 5.0/trap net. Largemouth bass are difficult to sample in traditional gears such as trap nets and gill nets. With these cautions in mind, the gill-net catch was 0.2/set and which was slightly lower than the expected range of similar lakes. Trap-net catch was 0.8/set which was within the expected range of similar lakes. Size structure was poor with fish in both gears varying in length between five and 13 inches. Growth was very slow with growth averaging less than 85% of statewide averages.Bluegill trap-net catch was 9.8/set which was within the expected range of similar lakes. Size structure was poor with a no fish sampled greater than 8 inches. Bluegill abundance has declined from historical abundance which has varied from 13 to 81/trap net. Forage species such as tullibee, white sucker, and yellow perch were virtually absent in this assessment. The tullibee gill-net catch was 0.1/set, white sucker gill-net catch was 0.2/set, and no yellow perch were sampled. In addition, secondary forage species such as bluegill also appear to be declining. The apparent lack of suitable forage may be a limiting factor for growth and production of predator species such as walleye and northern pike. Yellow perch have been stocked in the past to increase the forage base, however, the effects were short lived and a long term increase in their abundance was not realized. Stocking additional predator species such as walleye in a population with a limited forage base is generally unsuccessful.Lakeshore owners may affect fish populations not only through fishing, but also through land use practices. It is important to leave a 30 to 50 ft buffer of native vegetation along the shoreline to prevent lawn wastes and sediment from entering the lake. In addition, lakeshore owners should avoid using fertilizers. However, if fertilizers must be used lakeshore owners should consider a brand containing no phosphorous. Nonfunctioning septic systems can also lead to water quality problems. Good water quality and fish populations are the direct result of good land use practices.

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

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

Antler has a maximum depth of 90 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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