Wye

Wye Lake is a small bog fringed lake located about fifteen miles northeast of Isabella within the Superior National Forest. There is a carry-in public access with about a 100-yard trail over uneven ground from the vehicle parking area off Forest Service 369 (Trappers Lake / Sawbill Landing Road) just west of the intersection with Lake County 7. The lake has been stocked with Walleye fingerlings regularly since the 1970's to maintain a population, since little to no natural reproduction has been documented. Adult Bluegill were also stocked into the lake in 2016 and 2017 and have subsequently established a naturalized population. In addition, although not part of DNR approved stocking, Black Crappie have also established a naturalized population in the lake in the last decade and provide additional opportunities for anglers. Walleye are the primary management species and the 2024 catch rates of 2.33 per gill net and 0.44 per trap net were both below the normal range for similar lakes, but within the historic range of catches for Wye Lake. Age analysis determined all but two of the fish caught were from stocked years, which confirms a lack of consistent natural reproduction. While not abundant, the size of Walleye captured was favorable with the average fish measuring 18.4 inches long and weighing 2.3 pounds. Bluegill were poorly sampled during the July 2024 standard fisheries survey, as only seven small fish were captured. A larger sample of the population was obtained from targeted spring trap netting efforts in June 2024 that provides more information about the status of the population and angling opportunities (see targeted survey dated 6/11/2024). The 2024 standard survey net catches confirm that Black Crappie have established a naturalized population in the lake. Fish from trap nets had a broad size structure with lengths ranging from 3.5 to 13.0 inches long and an average size of 6.95 inches long and 0.29 pounds. Age analysis determined each year class from 2019 to 2023 was present indicating successful natural reproduction within the lake annually since they were first documented. The Northern Pike sample was similar to previous surveys of the lake with modest size structure and abundance. They provide opportunities for anglers to catch and harvest fish with the possibility to encounter an occasional larger pike. Results of surveys completed in 2024 indicate Wye Lake supports a fish community with viable fisheries for Black Crappie, Bluegill, Northern Pike, and Walleye. Few lakes in the area have such diverse opportunities, which is likely why the lake saw consistent light use by anglers throughout the open water and ice seasons.

A targeted survey was completed in June 2024 consisting of spring trap netting to sample the adult Black Crappie and Bluegill populations. Both species are relatively new to the fish community of Wye Lake with Bluegill stocked by DNR biologists in 2016 and 2017 and Black Crappie presumably migrating from adjacent waterbodies and sampled for the first time in 2019. The purpose of the 2024 targeted survey was to monitor the status of both populations and collect updated information on opportunities they provide to anglers. Spring trap netting collected a sample of 34 Black Crappie that ranged from 4.4 to 13.8 inches long with 29% of the catch greater than ten inches long. Each year class from 2017 to 2022 was sampled indicating natural reproduction and recruitment has been successful at maintaining the current population. Targeted sampling also collected 42 Bluegill that ranged from 3.4 to 10.8 inches long with 31% greater than seven inches long. Age analysis determined eight unique year classes were present indicating successful natural reproduction and recruitment since the initial stocking. Results from this survey indicate Black Crappie and Bluegill have established naturalized populations in Wye Lake that provide opportunities for anglers to catch and harvest both species. Biologists will continue to monitor the fish community to evaluate the status of these fisheries into the future.

Wye Lake is located 19 miles north and 5 miles east of Finland. It has an area of 52 acres with a maximum depth of 13 feet and dark brown bog-stained water. Public access is a 400 foot carry in along a trail that originates off of USFS 369 (Trappers Lake Road) where parking is available for about 3 vehicles. From 1981 to the present Walleye fingerlings have been stocked regularly at various different rates and sizes. Bluegill and Black Crappie fishing opportunities are limited in the Finland Area so adult Bluegill from Cedar Lake near Aurora were stocked into Wye Lake beginning in 2016 in an attempt to start a self-sustaining population. Black Crappie were also sampled from the lake in 2019 although no DNR stocking of the species has occurred. The purpose of this spring trap net survey was to check the status of both species and look for evidence of natural reproduction. Forty-Two Black Crappie were sampled and ranged in length from 4.6-13.2 inches. Five-year classes were identified with the 2018 year class making up 55% of the catch. Survey results indicate good opportunities for crappie around 10 inches long currently with the potential for good year classes to be produced in the future. Spring trap netting captured eighty Bluegill that ranged from 3-10 inches long. Three-year classes of naturally reproduced fish from 2018-2020 were sampled. The 2020-year class was the most abundant and accounted for 84% of the catch. These fish averaged 3.7 inches long at the time of the survey but their high abundance bodes well for Bluegill angling opportunities in the coming years. The three largest Bluegill sampled were all stocked fish from Cedar Lake suggesting the current population is a mix of stocked fish and naturally reproduced fish. Future surveys will determine if natural reproduction is sufficient to sustain the population into the future. Bluegill and Black Crappie populations in the Finland Area generally have sporadic reproduction and are supported by occasional strong year classes. For this reason, it is recommended to show a little restraint when the fishing is good. Taking some home for a fresh fish dinner is great. However, going back day after day when the bite is hot can do damage on a 50 acre lake. Future spring trap netting surveys will be used to monitor the Bluegill and Black Crappie population to determine what kind of angling opportunities the lake can support.

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

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

Wye has a maximum depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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