Sucker

Sucker Lake is a small lake in Ramsey County. It lies entirely within the Grass - Vadnais (Snail Lake) Regional Park. Anglers can gain access to the lake shore through the park. Boats are not allowed on the lake. Bluegill were the most abundant species sampled during the survey. Their numbers are considered to be average for this type of lake. The average size bluegill was 5.33 inches in length. Pumpkinseed sunfish were also found in average abundance. Their average length was 4.78 inches. Black crappies were found to be in low abundance. The northern pike population is at the highest level since 1979. The average size sampled was 21.7 inches in length. Walleyes are not very abundant in Sucker Lake. Only 2/gill net were sampled. These are most likely fish that have swam upstream from East Vadnais Lake. Largemouth bass were found in low numbers however this species is not effectively sampled in trap nets or gill nets. Yellow perch were found in higher abundance than past surveys. The average size was smaller than what anglers prefer. Yellow bullhead were sampled in the highest rate since the 1984 survey. Individuals exceeding 13 inches were found. Carp, bowfin, and brown bullhead were also caught during the survey but in low numbers.

Shore fishing is available at Sucker Lake, but no boating is allowed. Bluegill are common, with fish up to 8 inches being sampled, and 20% over 6 inches. Northern pike were fairly abundant, with lengths from 20 to 30 inches. Walleye were also fairly abundant. Lengths ranged from 16 to 21 inches, with an 18.5 inch average. Largemouth and smallmouth bass were sampled in low numbers. Largemouth bass ranged from 9 to 16 inches, with a 13 inch average. Smallmouth bass ranged from 13 to 20 inches, with a 16.5 inch average. Black crappie catch was low, with lengths from 7 to 11.5 inches, and an 8 inch average. Yellow perch were sampled in moderate numbers - all were between 5.5 and 6.5 inches. Pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, black bullhead, yellow bullhead, and bowfin were all sampled in low to moderate numbers.

Panfish were the most abundant fish sampled in this survey. Bluegill numbers were average for this type of lake with one-fifth of acceptable size to anglers. Hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, and pumpkinseed were present in lower numbers with few fish of sizes to interest anglers. Black crappie numbers were low with fish of small size. Yellow bullhead numbers were average for this type of lake with one-fifth of the fish over 12 inches. Black bullhead numbers were low, much lower than inprevious assessments.Walleye numbers were average with one-pound fish commmon. Northern pike numbers were low with all fish sampled small in size. Largemouth bass numbers were below average with none of acceptable size to anglers. Electrofishing was not done to assess the largemouth bass population.Yellow perch, white sucker, bowfin (dogfish), carp, and golden shiner were all sampled in low numbers.

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

Sucker has a maximum depth of 26 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Sucker is from 2005. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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