George

George Lake is an 84-acre, class 40 lake that has a maximum depth of 11.0 feet, and is located within the City of Fairmont in Martin County. George Lake is the farthest downstream on a chain of five lakes collectively known as the "Fairmont Chain of Lakes". George Lake is managed primarily for Walleye and Muskellunge and secondarily for Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch. A standard survey was conducted in the week of July 28, 2025 to monitor fish populations using gill nets and trap nets. Walleye catch rates at George Lake have ranged from 0.0 per gill net in 2017 to 20.0 per gill net in 1989 and have averaged 7.0 per gill net since 1984. In 2025, the Walleye catch rate was 3.5 per gill net, which is within the expected range of catch rates for class 43 lakes (2.3 to 17.8 per gill net). Two-year classes of Walleye were sampled (age-2 and age-6), with the 2023 year class (age-2) comprising 71 percent of the sample. Both year classes correspond with stocking events, fingerlings in 2018 and fry in 2023. Lengths of Walleye ranged from 10.9 to 25.2 inches and averaged 15.2 inches (PSD=26, PSD-P=16). Mean Length at age-2 was 12.7 inches, indicating that Walleye growth is average in this system. The management goal was met because the catch rate exceeded 2.3 per gill net. In five surveys since 1993, the Bluegill catch rate has been less than 7.5 per trap net but increased to 24.0 per trap net in 2021. The 2025 catch rate was 1.2 per trap net, like surveys prior to 2021. The 2025 catch rate of 1.2 per trap net was below the expected range of catch rates for class 40 lakes (2.8 to 43.3 per trap net) but is likely not a true reflection of the Bluegill population in the Fairmont Chain of Lakes given that fish are able to move among waterbodies in this system. Lengths of Bluegill ranged from 3.5 to 8.7 inches and averaged 6.8 inches. Mean relative weight of Bluegill across length categories was 103, suggesting that prey is abundant. The management goal was not met because the catch rate was not in the interquartile range of catch rates for class 40 lakes. Black Crappie catch rates have ranged from 0.0 per trap net in 1984 to 29.2 per trap net in 2001, averaging 13.3 per trap net since 1984. In 2025, the Black Crappie catch rate was 15.0 per trap net, which is within the expected range of catch rates for class 40 lakes (1.3 to 27.7 per trap net). Black Crappie lengths ranged from 5.4 to 10.9 inches and averaged 7.4 inches. Condition of Black Crappie was high (Wr=105), indicating that plenty of forage is available. The management goal was met because the catch rate was within the interquartile range of catches. The Yellow Perch catch rates have remained stable for the last three decades with catch rates ranging from 2.0 per gill net in 2001 to 18.5 per gill net in 1993 and 2021 and averaging 9.2 per gill net since 1993. The trend continued in 2025 as the Yellow Perch catch rate was 15.5 per gill net, which is within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (2.5 to 25.8 per gill net). Lengths of Yellow Perch ranged from 6.3 to 8.6 inches and averaged 7.6 inches. The management goal was met because the 2025 catch rate was within the interquartile range of catch rates. Electrofishing for Largemouth Bass was not done in 2025 thus the 2021 survey results are included. The 2021 catch rate of Largemouth Bass was 34.3 per hour, which is a slight decrease from the 2017 catch of 38.2 per hour, but is above the long-term average of 16.9 per hour. Lengths of Largemouth Bass ranged from 5.4 to 20.5 inches and averaged 13.3 inches. The wide range of lengths suggests that multiple year classes are present and that the population can sustain itself through natural reproduction. Condition was not assessed because weight data were not collected. The management goal was met because the catch rate exceeded the goal of 6.0 per hour. Yellow Bass continue to thrive in the Fairmont Chain of Lakes. The 2025 catch rate was 116.0 per gill net, a large decrease from the 2021 gill net catch rate of 293.0, but still abundant in terms of total biomass in the gill net, accounting for 56 percent of the total weight (lbs) of fish sampled. Many of the Yellow Bass sampled were age-1 through age-5, with an outlier, an age-9 Yellow Bass. Age-2 Yellow Bass were the most abundant, comprising 82 percent of the sample. Yellow Bass averaged 5.8, 7.5, 8.4, 9.0, and 9.2 inches at age-1, age-2, age-3, age-4, and age-5, respectively. A comparison of mean length at age-1, age-2, and age-5 from Yellow Bass sampled in 2021 suggests that Yellow Bass growth may be slowing, as mean length at age-1 was 6.0 inches, at age-2 was 8.1 inches, and at age-5 was 10.4 inches. Although Yellow Bass are native to Minnesota, this species tends to dominate a fish community in terms of abundance and biomass; however, surveys have not indicated that Yellow Bass are negatively affecting Yellow Perch, Bluegill, or Black Crappie populations currently. The Channel Catfish catch rate was 3.5 per gill net in 2025, like the 2021 catch rate of 3.0 per gill net. Lengths of Channel Catfish ranged from 12.2 to 25.8 inches and averaged 19.3 inches. The Freshwater Drum catch rate increased from 9.5 per gill net in 2021 to 35.0 per gill net in 2025, which is the second highest Drum catch rate observed. Other species sampled included Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Northern Pike, White Crappie, and Yellow Bullhead. It is worth noting that Culyleaf Pondweed is on the upswing of abundance on the chain of lakes. There is local interest in efforts to control it via mechanically or herbicidally. With that said, given the lack of other submergent aquatic vegetation on the chain of lakes, it should be noted that it does likely provide seasonal spawning habitat for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Crappie. Additionally there is likely some positives to it providing nursery habitat for young fish.

George Lake is an 84-acre lake that has a maximum depth of 11.0 ft., and is located within the City of Fairmont in Martin County. George Lake is the farthest downstream on a chain of five lakes collectively known as the "Fairmont Chain of Lakes". George Lake is managed primarily for Walleye and Muskellunge and secondarily for Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass and Yellow Perch. A standard survey was conducted the week of August 16, 2021 to monitor fish populations using gill nets and trap nets. An electrofishing survey was conducted May 17, 2021 to monitor the Largemouth Bass population. Walleye catch rates at George Lake have ranged from 0.0 per gill net in 2017 to 20.0 per gill net in 1989, and have averaged 7.8 per gill net since 1984. In 2021, the Walleye catch rate was 10.5 per gill net, exceeding the long-term average and the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (2.3 to 17.8 per gill net). Two year classes of Walleye were sampled (age-2 and age-3), with the 2019 year class (age-2) comprising 67 percent of the sample. Both year classes correspond with stocking events, fingerlings in 2018 and fry in 2019. Lengths of Walleye ranged from 3.0 to 26.9 inches and averaged 15.7 inches. Mean Length at age-2 was 14.3 inches, indicating that Walleye grow fast in this system. Muskellunge is also a primary management species in George Lake, but no Muskellunge were caught during the standard survey. Muskellunge are typically sampled in the Spring with large frame trap nets and it is not surprising that we did not sample one during the standard survey time frame. A targeted Muskellunge survey using large frame trap nets will be conducted in 2024 to assess the Muskellunge population. In five surveys since 1993, the Bluegill catch rate has been less than 7.5 per trap net. In 2021, the Bluegill catch rate was 24.0 per trap net, which is above the long term average of 11.9 per trap net and is within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (2.8 to 43.3 per trap net). Bluegill lengths ranged from 4.3 to 9.2 inches and averaged 7.6 inches. Black Crappie catch rates have ranged from 0.0 per trap net in 1984 to 29.2 per trap net in 2001, averaging 13.1 per trap net since 1984. In 2021, the Black Crappie catch rate was 14.6 per trap net, which is within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (1.3 to 27.7 per trap net). Black Crappie lengths ranged from 5.7 to 11.6 inches and averaged 8.7 inches. The Yellow Perch catch rate in 2021 was 18.5 per gill net, which is within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (2.5 to 25.8 per gill net), and was an increase from the 2017 catch rate of 3.5 per gill net. Lengths of Yellow Perch ranged from 5.9 to 10.2 inches and averaged 7.4 inches. The 2021 catch rate of Largemouth Bass was 34.3 per hour, which is a slight decrease from the 2017 catch of 38.2 per hour, but is above the long-term average of 16.9 per hour. Lengths of Largemouth Bass ranged from 5.4 to 20.5 inches and averaged 13.3 inches. The wide range of lengths suggests that multiple year classes are present and that the population is able to sustain itself through natural reproduction. Yellow Bass, which is a native fish to MN and not an invasive species, continues to thrive in the Fairmont Chain of Lakes. The 2021 catch rate was 293.0 per gill net, a drastic increase from 33.0 per gill net observed in 2017. Yellow Bass age-1 through age-5 were sampled, suggesting that they are producing a year class annually. Age-1 Yellow Bass were the most abundant, comprising 83 percent of the sample. Yellow Bass averaged 6.0, 8.1, and 10.4 inches at age-1, age-2, and age-5, respectively, suggesting that growth is fast at this time. Although Yellow Bass are native to Minnesota, this species has a tendency to dominate a fish community in terms of abundance and biomass. It is because of this reason why the general public often has a mistakenly call them an invasive species. Yellow Bass were likely introduce to the Fairmont Chain through an illegal stocking. It is illegal to move fish from one lake to another and it can have negative impacts on management activities in other basins. The Channel Catfish catch rate was 3.0 per gill net in 2021, a decrease from 5.0 per gill net in 2017. Lengths of Channel Catfish ranged from 19.3 to 29.3 inches and averaged 22.6 inches. The Freshwater Drum catch rate decreased slightly from 23.0 per gill net in 2017 to 9.5 per gill net in 2021. Other species sampled included Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Northern Pike, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.

George Lake is an 84-acre lake located within the City of Fairmont, and is one of the five lakes collectively known as the "Fairmont Chain of Lakes". George Lake is managed primarily for Walleye and secondarily for Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and crappie. Muskellunge were introduced into the Fairmont Chain of Lakes in the fall of 2016 to provide an apex predator and an additional angling opportunity. It will take 5-10 years for Muskellunge to become a noticeable member of the fish community. A survey was conducted the week of August 14, 2017 to monitor fish populations using two gill nets and nine trap nets. An electrofishing survey was conducted on May 15, 2017 to monitor the Largemouth Bass population. The Walleye catch rate decreased from 4.0 per gill net in 2009 to 0.0 per gill net in 2017. In trap nets, the 2017 catch rate was 0.9 per trap net, which is within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (0.3 to 1.3 trap net). Walleye ranged in length from 11.7 to 24.1 inches and averaged 17.8 inches. The possibility exists to catch a Walleye at George Lake; however, the low abundance may make it a challenge. The Yellow Perch catch rate in 2017 was 3.5 per gill net, a decrease from the 2009 catch rate of 15.0 per gill net, but within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (2.5 to 25.8 per gill net). Lengths of Yellow Perch ranged from 6.7 to 9.2 inches and averaged 7.9 inches. Yellow Perch abundance is relatively low and it could be the result of competition with Yellow Bass. The 2017 Bluegill catch rate was 6.1 per trap net, which is within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (2.8 to 43.3 per trap net). Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.5 to 8.7 inches and averaged 6.5 inches. A quality Bluegill population with good size structure exists in George Lake. Since 1993, Largemouth Bass catch rates have averaged 12.5 per hour. The 2017 Largemouth Bass catch rate was 38.2 per hour, which is the highest observed catch rate on George Lake. The previous high catch rate was 5.7 per hour in 2001. Largemouth Bass lengths ranged from 4.8 to 20.5 inches and averaged 11.5 inches. Bass fishing should be good, with the opportunity to catch a lunker. The Black Crappie catch rate in 2017 was 11.1 per trap net, just below the long term average of 12.9 per trap net, but within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (1.3 to 27.7 per trap net). Black Crappie lengths ranged from 5.7 to 12.5 inches and averaged 8.9 inches. The White Crappie catch rate was 0.7 per trap net, a decrease from 8.3 per trap net in 2009, but within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (0.3 to 8.2 per trap net). Lengths of White Crappie ranged from 7.6 to 10.5 inches and averaged 9.2 inches. Black and White Crappie can be distinguished by the number of hard spines on their dorsal fin (back fin). If the Crappie has 7 or more hard sharp spines it is a Black Crappie and if it has less than 7 it is a White Crappie. Crappie fishing should be good in the next year or two when more of the population grows to desirable lengths. Yellow bass are relatively new to the Fairmont Chain of Lakes, with the first confirmed record being in February of 2013 in Hall Lake. In 2017 in George Lake, Yellow Bass were captured at a rate of 33.0 per gill net with two year classes being sampled. Lengths of Yellow Bass ranged from 6.8 to 10.7 inches and averaged 7.8 inches. It appears that Yellow Bass are naturally perpetuating in the Fairmont Chain of Lakes; however, it is unknown what effects they will have on the native fish community. Although Yellow Bass are native to Minnesota, this species has a tendency to become very abundant in a fish community and outcompete other desirable fish. However, where Yellow Bass grow to 8 inches or more people are satisfied with fishing for them and they are good to eat. The Channel Catfish catch rate was 5.0 per gill net in 2017, a decrease from 7.5 per gill net in 2009. Lengths of Channel Catfish ranged from 8.4 to 24.0 inches and averaged 19.6 inches. The Freshwater Drum catch rate decreased slightly from 33.5 per gill net in 2009 to 23.0 per gill net in 2017. Other species sampled include Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Northern Pike, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, and Black Crappie in George. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for George. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

George has a maximum depth of 11 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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