Spur

Located within the Superior National Forest, Spur Lake is 7.5 miles east of Isabella, MN. This small (38 acre) lake is surrounded by federal land with access to the north side via a 0.25mile walk-in trail. The maximum depth found in 2007 was 4.6 ft.; benchmark readings indicate lake levels similar to 1987 and slightly deeper than the maximum depth (4.0 feet) found in the 1979 investigation. Northern pike, yellow perch and white sucker were sampled in 1987 and 2007gill nets, no fish were sampled in 1979 in 2gill net sets. Northern pike were sampled in higher numbers in 2007 than in the 1987 assessment netting. The mean weight was less in 2007 (2.0 lbs) than in 1987 (2.7 lbs), but still above average for this lake class. All northern pike sampled in 2007 were less than 28 inches in length. Growth was above average for all ages in the sample, the mean length of 4 year-old northern pike was 23.0 inches. All year classes (age-1 to age-5) were present with age-2 (29%) and age-3 (43%) representing the bulk of the aged sample. A small number (13) of yellow perch were sampled in 2007. An average length of 6.5 inches was too small to interest most anglers. Low numbers of large (3.64 lb average) white sucker were also sampled in 2007. While these populations may not provide quality angling opportunities they do provide adequate forage for the northern pike population.

Apparently a very high Northern Pike population is present as the gillnety catch was 4 times the area average. Average weight of Northern Pike was 2.7 pounds. Scale reading indicated good representation in the age-2, 5 and 8+ year classes. White Sucker and Yellow Perch were present but sampled in numbers less than the area average. Yellow Perch densities are likely being held down by the high Northern Pike population. It is possible there may be some migration of fish from Bluebill Lake as two gillnets set in 1979 did not catch any fish.

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

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

Spur has a maximum depth of 4 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Spur is from 2007. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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