Phalen

Lake Phalen is a 197-acre, class 24 lake located in Ramsey County within the Cities of St. Paul and Maplewood. A regional park surrounds the lake and contains a swimming beach, boat ramp, picnic area, extensive walking and biking trails, and a golf course. Maximum depth is 97 feet, and only 40% of total lake area is littoral (80 acres, 15 feet deep or less). The lake is primarily managed for Walleye, White Bass and Hybrid Muskellunge (Tiger Muskellunge) with Largemouth Bass as secondary management species. Water quality in Lake Phalen was fair during this survey, with sufficient dissolved oxygen down to a depth of 15ft and a secchi depth of 5ft. The purpose of this survey was to assess the success of recent White Bass management, however no White Bass were sampled. Walleye were sampled at a catch rate of 0.33 fish per gillnet. The two Walleye sampled in 2020 were 17.2 and 20.9 inches long and displayed average growth reaching 17 inches in length by age-5. Northern Pike were sampled at a catch rate of 2.50 per gillnet. The average pike sampled was 25.5 inches long, and individuals up to 31.5 inches were observed. Three Yellow Perch were sampled with the largest fish being 6.18 inches long. Bluegills, averaging 6.0 inches were sampled at a catch rate of of 12.0 per gill net, with the largest at 8.1 inches. Black Crappie catch rate was 3.0 per gill net and slightly below average for lakes similar to Phalen. Black Crappie averaged 6.7 inches, with largest measuring 9.0 inches. Other fish sampled in low abundance were Yellow and Black Bullheads, Pumpkinseed Sunfish and Largemouth Bass.

Lake Phalen is a 197 acre class 24 lake located in Ramsey County. Maximum depth is 97 feet, and only 40% of total lake area is littoral (80 acres). Water quality in Lake Phalen was good during the past survey, with sufficient dissolved oxygen down to a depth of 40ft and a secchi depth of 9ft. A near shore Index of Biotic Integrity survey (IBI) was conducted on August 15-16, 2016 to assess populations of non-game species, young-of-the-year (YOY) sport fish, and overall lake health using backpack electrofishing and seining. Electrofishing with a backpack unit and seining were conducted at 10 stations around the perimeter of Lake Phalen. Eight species were sampled by backpack electrofishing including Iowa Darter, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Darter, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch. Bluegill and Green Sunfish were the most abundant species sampled by backpack eletrofishing. Phalen is the only lake in the East Metro Area where Rainbow Darters have been sampled. Eight species were sampled by seining including Iowa Darter, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch. Eleven total species were sampled between both gears in Lake Phalen. Two intolerant and two toleratn species were sampled during this survey, and Lake Phalen recieved an IBI score of 50.5.

Lake Phalen is a 197-acre, class 24 lake located in Ramsey County. Maximum depth is 97 feet, and only 40% of total lake area is littoral (80 acres). The lake is primarily managed for Walleye and hybrid Muskellunge, with White Bass and Channel Catfish as secondary management species. Walleye fall fingerlings are stocked annually at a rate of 2lbs of fish per littoral acre (160lbs), and hybrid Muskellunge are stocked at a rate of 1.5 fall fingerlings per littoral acre (120 fish) during odd numbered years. Walleye were sampled at a catch per unit effort (CPUE) of 1.83 fish per gillnet. The average Walleye sampled in 2015 was 14.43 inches long, and fish up to 25" were present. Growth was below average with Walleye reaching 13 inches in length by age-3, and 18 inches by age-5. Northern Pike were sampled at a CPUE of 9.50 per gillnet. The average pike sampled was 21.43 inches long, and individuals up to 31.5 inches were observed. Yellow Perch CPUE was 12.83 fish per net in gillnets, the average size Yellow Perch sampled was 6.4 inches long, and only 4 fish over 8 inches were sampled. Bluegills were sampled at a CPUE of 29.44 per trap net, the average size Bluegill sampled was 6.1 inches long, and the largest was 7.32 inches. Black Crappie CPUE was 1.22 per trap net; the average Black Crappie sampled in trap nets was 6.79 inches long, and the largest 8.82 inches.

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

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

Phalen has a maximum depth of 91 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Phalen is from 2020.

Yes — Phalen has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.