Peavy

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Peavy Lake, was conducted on July 8th, 2025, by Area Fisheries staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 10 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 9 stations, and a 15-foot seine was used at 1 station. Nearshore sampling captured 17 species of fish including 4 species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blackchin Shiner and Iowa Darter) and 1 that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by Area Fisheries staff. 9 trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured 8 species of fish, including zero that is intolerant of disturbance. Bluegill and Black Crappie comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Northern Pike and Bluegill comprised a majority by biomass. The trap net catch was light overall. The nearshore and trap net were combined with gill net data from a August 2025 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish- based (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Green Sunfish and Common Carp). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Peavy Lake may be adversely impacted by stressors, as indicated by an FIBI score near the general use impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. These results are similar to previous findings, which indicated that Peavy Lake is fully supporting aquatic life. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Mississippi River - Sartell watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in Peavy Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Peavy (DOW# 49-0005-00; Lake Class 32) is a 140-acre lake located near Sullivan, Minnesota. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) owned concrete boat ramp is located on the east shore. Peavy has 2.71 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 63 feet. The lake is primarily managed for Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike and secondarily for Black Crappie and Bluegill. Peavy provides multispecies opportunity to anglers. In 2025, the Northern Pike population was within the normal range for this type of lake. Fish from 11 to 33 inches were sampled and averaged just over 20 inches. Large Northern Pike are a fragile resource, especially in small lakes, and anglers are encouraged to release these fish and to harvest small fish. Largemouth Bass represent a quality fishery in Peavy, with fish between 6 and 19 inches observed in spring electrofishing. Spring Panfish netting captured 508 Bluegill. These fish ranged from 3 to 9.4 inches and averaged 6.7 inches. Peavy's Bluegill abundance is considered normal within the lake type, and the average size has been improving over the last 20 years. The panfish nets also captured 99 Black Crappie, which ranged from 7 to 13 inches and averaged 9.5 inches. Black crappie in Peavy grow slightly slower than average but display extended longevity, taking 6 to 7 years to attain 10 inches and with fish as old as 15 years present. No Walleye were captured in 2025 and have not been documented by sampling in Peavy since 2012. Walleye have not been stocked in since 1988 due to low success. Yellow Perch were not observed in 2025 and are not captured in most DNR surveys in Peavy. Other fish observed in the standard sampling include Bowfin(dogfish), Bullheads, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker.

Peavy Lake (DOW# 49-0005-00; Lake Class 32) is a 140 acre lake located near Sullivan, Minnesota. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) owned concrete boat ramp is located on the east shore. Peavy Lake has 2.71 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 63 feet. Lake is in Lake Class 32; lakes in this class are generally large, have a high amount of water less than 15 feet deep, turbid, and are an irregular shape. Peavy Lake is a multi-species lake that can offer a little something for every angler. Peavy Lake should be of most interest to panfish anglers. Good numbers of Bluegill were sampled with many over 7 inches and fish up to 9 inches. Also there were good numbers of Black Crappie with almost half larger than 9 inches and fish up to 12 inches. While not many Northern Pike and Walleye were sampled biologists did see some larger fish. Largemouth Bass were similar to past surveys with bass up to 19 inches. Other fish species that anglers can expect to encounter include Bowfin (Dogfish), Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, and Yellow Bullhead. People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Fish harvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of aquatic invasive species (AIS) can all adversely affect fish populations. Curly Leaf Pondweed has been identified in Peavy Lake. AIS can be moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters, and lake shore owners and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local natural resource office. Additional information on all of these topics can be found on the DNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Little Falls Area Fisheries office.

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

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

Peavy has a maximum depth of 63 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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