Josephine

Lake Josephine is a eutrophic, class 30 lake located in Ramsey County. The Lake is 116 acres in surface area, with 81 acres being littoral (69.8%). The primary management species in Josephine Lake is Bluegill, and the secondary management species is Walleye. The lake is bordered by the cities of Roseville and Arden Hills. Much of the lakeshore is developed as single family, suburban housing. Ramsey County operates a park on the east end of the lake which contains a popular swimming beach, fishing pier, picnic area, and a small boat access. Walleye fry were stocked annually from 1997-2000. Fry stocking was unsuccessful, and management was changed to stock Walleye fingerlings in 2001. Walleye stocking was evaluated in 2017 and the lake was moved from yearly stocking to surplus stocking when available due to continued lack of success in developing a fishery. This report details the most recent gill net survey conducted in July of 2024. The previous gill net survey occurred in July of 2012. Walleye were sampled using gill nets at a rate of 2.8 fish per net. This catch rate is above average for the lake class and is the highest Walleye catch rate ever recorded for Lake Josephine. Fish size was also above average for the lake class, with an average length of 19.9 inches. Walleye lengths ranged from 17.4 to 23.1 inches. Of the 10 Walleye that were aged, 7 were age 5 and 3 were age 9. Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 11.0 fish per gill net. This catch rate exceeds the 75th percentile for the lake class and is consistent with the lake's history. Fish size was below average for the lake class, as average length was just 21.3 inches. Northern Pike ranged from 14.7 to 29.2 inches in length. Although Bluegill is the primary management species for Lake Josephine, only 3 were captured in this survey. Gill nets are not the preferred sampling method to monitor Bluegill. Sportfish including Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie were also sampled in lower numbers; however, summer gill nets are not the optimal sampling gear to reliably estimate abundance or size structure for these species. Only 1 Yellow Perch was sampled in this gill net survey. Other fish species were sampled in low numbers including Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker.

The fish population of Lake Josephine is dominated by small bluegill and crappie, with very few quality sized panfish sampled in 2012. Northern pike are common, but of average size. No pike larger than 30" were sampled. Largemouth bass were sampled in average abundance, but small size. Only one largemouth larger than 16" was sampled. The walleye catch was average for this lake type, but the 2012 catch rate was the highest for this lake since recent walleye management was initiated in 1997. The average size of the walleye harvested was 19" long and weighed 2.5 lbs. Yellow bullhead were abundant, and of average size. Yellow perch, white sucker, carp and other sunfish species were sampled in low numbers.

Bluegills remain abundant in Lake Josephine. Their population is well above average when compared to lakes of the same type. The average length sampled was only 4.8 inches. Only 2.5% of the bluegills sampled exceeded 6 inches in length. Black crappie numbers continue to be low in this lake. They ranged from 4.5 to 7.8 inches with none exceeding 10 inches. Pumpkinseed sunfish were sampled in average numbers. Hybrid sunfish were sampled in their highest numbers since 1967. Green sunfish were sampled in above average numbers. All three species exhibited small average sizes. Yellow bullhead are abundant with fish exceeding 12 inches available. Black bullhead are present in low numbers. Northern pike were sampled in the second highest level for this lake. The average northern pike captured had a length over 22 inches. Over 17% were larger than 25 inches. Largemouth bass were sampled in high abundance but were small. The walleye population continues to be low in Lake Josephine. Only 4 walleye total were sampled.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Hybrid Sunfish in Josephine. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Josephine has a maximum depth of 44 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Josephine is from 2024.

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