Iron
A 282-acre lake near Current Lake in Murray County — best known for panfish. Last surveyed 2025.
Fish Species (3)
Yellow Perch
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2025
Catch rate: 317.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9, 2025 | 100.00 | 7.2" | - |
| Sep 9, 2025 | 317.00 | 7.2" | 0.19 lbs |
Other species in this lake (2)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Black Bullhead
Above-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Sep 2025
Catch rate: 16.0 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9, 2025 | 46.00 | 8.0" | 0.33 lbs |
| Sep 9, 2025 | 16.00 | 8.0" | - |
Brown Bullhead
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2025
Catch rate: 258.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 9, 2025 | 258.00 | 7.8" | 0.09 lbs |
Biologist Notes
September 9, 2025Iron Lake is a 227-acre lake located in Murray County, near the City of Balaton. In recent years, Iron Lake has provided a quality Yellow Perch fishin…
Iron Lake is a 227-acre lake located in Murray County, near the City of Balaton. In recent years, Iron Lake has provided a quality Yellow Perch fishing opportunity. Historically, management activities have not occurred at Iron Lake, thus a targeted survey was carried out on 9-9-2025 to determine what is present in Iron Lake and if active fish management could improve fishing opportunities on this waterbody. Primitive public water access is present on the north shore of the lake that allows for winter access and access of small boats during the open water season. The Yellow Perch catch rate in 2025 was 317.0 per gill net, which greatly exceeds the expected catch rate of lakes in the Windom Fisheries Management Area. Yellow Perch exhibited fast growth, as mean length at age 1 was 7.2 inches, age-2 was 10.1 inches, and age-3 was 11.1 inches. Lengths of Yellow Perch ranged from 3.7 to 13.9 inches and averaged 8.6 inches (PSD=44, PSD-P=28, and PSD-M=2). Mean relative weight of Yellow Perch was 93 indication that they are foraging successfully. Black Bullhead were sampled at a rate of 46.0 per gill net and ranged in length from 6.4 to 12.2 inches and averaged 8.4 inches. Brown Bullhead were sampled at a rate of 258.0 per gill net and ranged in length from 6.3 to 13.9 inches and averaged 9.2 inches. Iron Lake is a very simple system in that three species of fish were sampled. Consideration should be given to introducing a top-level predator such as Northern Pike to keep populations of bullhead and Yellow Perch in check. Installation of concrete plank access would also enhance angler opportunities on Iron Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Iron?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch in Iron. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Iron?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Iron. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
When were the main sport fish in Iron last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Iron is from 2025.
Does Iron have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Iron in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 281.96 acres
- Shoreline
- 3.29 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed