Malmedal

Malmedal Lake is a shallow, turbid basin with an extensive history of low dissolved oxygen levels during winter months. Frequent partial winterkill events have occurred; however, they have been poorly documented. Poor water clarity limits aquatic vegetation abundance. A permanent fish barrier was installed on Trapper's Run Creek (downstream of Malmedal Lake) in 1993 to prevent recolonization of undesirable fish species in Strandness and Malmedal Lakes following severe winterkill. However, sustained presence of carp and bullheads in the fish community indicates total winterkill of the system has not occurred, or the barrier is not effective. A targeted survey consisting of a single gill net was conducted on August 28, 2025, to provide insight into the fish community of Lake Malmedal following the 2023 winterkill. Walleye relative abundance (9.0/gill net) was higher than the 2022 targeted survey (3.5/gillnet), but much lower than the 2010 survey (50.5/gill net). Limited extent of the winterkill or quick recolonization may have increased competition with Northern Pike and Black Bullhead (194.0/gill net). However, the 2023 fry stocking after the winterkill was successful, accounting for all the Walleye sampled. Growth was fast, with fish averaging 14.6 inches at age 2. Yellow Perch abundance (23.0/gill net) was the same as the 2010 survey, and higher than 2022 (9.5/gill net). In recent years, attempts have been made to increase the perch population in Lake Malmedal through stocking. However, the perch stocking in 2022 was likely eliminated because of the winterkill in 2023, with no fish older than age 2 being sampled. Natural reproduction, either by the 2023 stocking or migrants, do appear to have created the 2023 and 2024 year classes that are currently present in the lake. Mean length was 8.2 inches, but growth is extremely fast as evident by a 10.6-inch individual. Northern Pike were abundant (17.0/gill net), and the size structure was poor (averaged 19.5 inches). The largest pike sampled was 25.6 inches. These fish are assumed to be competing with Walleye stocking efforts and directly predating upon perch stockings. However, with several ditch and stream connections, including Trapper's Run Creek, pike will always persist in Lake Malmedal at moderate to high densities. Other species sampled include Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill and Common Carp. Lake Malmedal is currently not an infested water. Aquatic invasive species are easily moved from infested to non-infested waters and can negatively affect lakes and fish populations. For more information regarding aquatic invasive species see the following: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html.

This targeted survey was completed to determine the extent of recent winterkill events, to gain updated information on the gamefish community, and to evaluate restorative stockings of Walleye and Yellow Perch. Survey results indicate recent winterkill events have likely impacted the gamefish populations, but have had little effect on the Black Bullhead population. Black Bullhead catch rates were very high. Catch rates of Northern Pike were also high and some pike were of catchable size. Populations of Walleye and Yellow Perch are low in 2022 and most of these fish are of smaller sizes. In the absence of additional winterkill events, some fishing opportunities for Walleye and Yellow Perch may be present in the near future as these fish grow to larger sizes.

Malmedal Lake is a shallow, turbid basin with an extensive history of low dissolved oxygen levels during winter months. Frequent partial winterkill events have occurred, however, they have been poorly documented. Poor water clarity limits aquatic vegetation abundance. A 1994 vegetation special assessment revealed presence of six species of aquatic macrophytes. A permanent fish barrier was installed on Trapper's Run Creek (downstream of Malmedal Lake) in 1993 to prevent re-infestation of undesirable fish species in Strandness and Malmedal Lakes following severe winterkill. Sustained presence of carp, bullheads and white suckers in the fish community indicates total winterkill of the system has not occurred. Malmedal Lake was stocked with walleye fry in 2008. A strong year class was established. Walleye gillnet catches averaged 50.5 fish/net in 2010. Growth is exceptional. Average length of walleye captured was 15.4 inches. Northern pike remain abundant. Sizes of captured pike ranged from 15.0 to 26.2 inches in length. Yellow perch were sampled for the first time in 2010. Gillnet catches averaged 23.0 fish/net. Average length of perch in gillnet catches was 9.1 inches. The largest fish measured 12.2 inches. They are not jumbo perch, but fishery attributes are fairly good and will likely improve in sustaind absence of winterkill events. Black bullhead remain abundant, yet catch rates were within the range of normal for similar lakes. Gillnet catches averaged 81.5 fish/net. Mean length of captures was 8.1 inches. Sixteen percent of the sampled fish exceeded 10.0 inches. Carp and white suckers were common captures.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and Black Crappie in Malmedal. 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 Malmedal. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Malmedal has a maximum depth of 10 feet and a mean depth of 6 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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