Jessie

Jessie Lake is a class 27 lake about two miles west of Talmoon, MN, in the Big Fork River watershed. In fall 2025, biologists used nighttime electrofishing to collect young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleye as part of a statewide study comparing lakes with and without Zebra Mussels. Various management strategies have been attempted to produce a quality Walleye fishery on Jessie Lake. Prior studies observed stronger Walleye year-classes were generally associated with years of stocking. As a result, more than 10 years ago it was decided to stock Walleye fry on an annual basis but at lower densities. The goal was to make sure fry were in the system when the environmental conditions were favorable for producing good year-classes and reduce the chance of creating the boom or bust fishery that had been observed earlier. In fall 2025, electrofishing caught 92 young Walleye, which equals 55 fish per hour of sampling effort. These fish were between 4.8 and 7.2 inches long and averaged 6.3 inches. One older (yearling) Walleye measuring 9.1 inches was also caught. Water temperatures were in the upper 60s, and water clarity was good, which helped with sampling. Overall, both the number of young fish and their growth were better than average, suggesting 2025 had good conditions for young Walleye in Jessie Lake. This was different from nearby lakes like Lake Winnibigoshish and Bowstring Lake, where reproduction and survival were below average. Anglers should remember that Walleye reproduction can vary a lot from year to year. Spring weather, especially water temperatures and timing, plays a big role in how many young fish survive. Fall electrofishing is useful for tracking trends over time, but a single year of results doesn't always predict future fishing success.

Jessie Lake is a class 27 lake located about two miles west of Talmoon, MN in the Big Fork River watershed. Fall, night electrofishing was conducted to sample young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleye as part of a statewide research project examining Walleye production in lakes with and without zebra mussels. Various management strategies have been attempted to produce a quality Walleye fishery on Jessie Lake. Prior studies observed stronger Walleye year-classes were generally associated with years of stocking. As a result, more than 10 years ago it was decided to stock Walleye fry on an annual basis but at lower densities. The goal was to make sure fry were in the system when the environmental conditions were favorable for producing good year-classes and reduce the chance of creating the boom or bust fishery that had been observed earlier. The fall of 2024 electrofishing survey sampled 3 YOY Walleye for a catch rate of 1.4/hr on-time. The fish ranged from 5.3 to 6.4 inches and averaged 5.9 inches. Two additional yearling or Walleye were captured during electrofishing. These fish ranged from 9.3 to 11.1 inches. The surface water temperature was in the low 70s F. Visibility was poor at some stations due to algae and wind. The spring of 2024 experienced an early ice-out but then a slow, drawn-out, cool spring. These conditions are often associated with poor recruitment for natural and stocked Walleye fry alike. Less than average catches and growth was also observed on Lake Winnibigoshish and Island Lake during the fall of 2024.. Anglers should note that reproduction and recruitment are variable in Walleye populations, and spring conditions (timing and water temperature fluctuations) can be an important factor in that variability. Fall electrofishing can be an effective tool to document Walleye reproduction and/or survival to their first fall when conducted as part of a long-term evaluation, but individual electrofishing events are often a poor indicator of year-class strength or future angling success.

Jessie Lake is primarily managed for Walleye, having goals of maintaining the potential for high yields of harvestable Walleye and maintaining a fish community that is favorable for put-and-take Walleye stocking. Yellow Perch and Northern Pike are listed as secondary management species, both with objectives that are conducive for Walleye management. Walleye fry have been annually stocked since 2011 to help attain management goals. The stocking rate was adjusted from 500/surface acre (875,000) to 1,500/littoral acre (682,000) since 2023, a slight reduction but more in line with recommended stocking rates. Jessie Lake has is part of an ongoing statewide research project examining the effects of zebra mussels on Walleye populations. The study objectives were to 1) analyze gill net data to inform future sampling and analyses and 2) quantify and compare recruitment and growth of juvenile Walleye in lakes with and without zebra mussels. Since inclusion into the study, zebra mussels have become established in Jessie Lake. As part of the study, surveys have been scheduled for 2024, 2027 and 2030. The Walleye catch was above average for lakes with similar habitat and comparable to the catch rate goal. However, this was the lowest catch during the recent annual fry stocking strategy. Size structure was satisfactory and comparable with recent surveys. Lengths ranged from 11.9 to 25.8 inches with an average of 17.3 inches. Age analysis identified a wide range of ages with the strongest year-classes associated sizes desirable for harvest (12 to 17 inches). Management objectives for age were met. Growth was consistent with statewide averages with Walleye averaging 15 inches by age 4. Yellow Perch are an important prey species. The 2024 catch was higher than what would be expected for lakes with similar habitat but not unprecedented. Lengths ranged from 5.0 to 10.4 inches with an average of 7.0 inches. The catch rate and size structure achieved the management goals. Northern Pike are not abundant in Jessie Lake with catches usually below average, and the 2024 catch was consistent. Size structure was somewhat moderate with lengths from 18.2 to 28.9 inches and an average length of 23.8 inches. Fish within the North-central zone regulation PSL comprised 46% of the sample. Age analysis suggested relatively consistent recruitment and comparable to past surveys. Northern Pike averaged almost 25 inches by age 4. Other species sampled included Black Crappie, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tullibee and White Sucker.

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

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

Jessie has a maximum depth of 42 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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