Lax

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Lax Lake was conducted on July 21st-July 23rd, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment (LBMA) program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing, mini-fyke nets, and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 10 sampling stations. Similarly, a 1/8" mesh mini-fyke net was used to sample 10 stations. Finally, a 50-foot seine was used to sample four stations, and a 15-foot seine was used at one station. Five stations were not seined due to steep drop-offs and heavy woody debris. Nearshore sampling captured nine species of fish, including Golden Shiner, Johnny Darter, and Mottled Sculpin. The nearshore data along with gill net and standard trap net data will be used to develop fish community models for Northeast Minnesota lakes, which will be used to measure lake health. These models may function similarly to fish IBI models developed for lakes across much of the rest of the state. For additional information, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. You can help protect the fish community in Lax Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

A targeted survey consisting of spring night electrofishing was completed in 2025 to provide an index of Largemouth Bass abundance. The catch rate of 39.6 bass per hour of sampling was the highest of the eight previous surveys of Lax Lake completed since 2010. A wide range of sizes were collected including several small immature bass that were between 4 and 6 inches long. Mature bass ranged from 11.6 to 19.4 inches long with an average size 15.4 inches long. Survey results confirm that Lax Lake is one of only a few lakes in the Finland area that provide angling opportunities for Largemouth Bass and that there are some nice sized fish for anglers to chase.

A targeted survey consisting of spring night electrofishing was completed in 2024 to provide an index of Largemouth Bass abundance. The catch rate of 7.9 bass per hour of sampling was the lowest of all the previous electrofishing efforts on Lax Lake, but confirms a reproducing population that anglers can target. Bass ranged from 9 to 17 inches long with an average length of 14.8 inches and weight of 1.87 pounds. Age analysis determined seven unique year classes were sampled including fish as old as age-10. Survey results confirm that Lax Lake is one of only a few lakes in the Finland area that provide angling opportunities for Largemouth Bass.

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

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

Lax has a maximum depth of 35 feet and a mean depth of 10 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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