Upper Comstock

Upper Comstock is a small, relatively shallow lake located approximately six miles south of Markham, Minnesota. The lake is moderately developed and is connected to the Whiteface River by Gimlet Creek, an outlet on the western shoreline. Upper Comstock is also connected to Lower Comstock by a channel that is navigable by small watercraft. A state-owned public access is located at the north side of the lake. The 2019 lake management plan (LMP) listed Walleye and Black Crappie as the primary management species and Bluegill and Largemouth Bass as secondary species. The primary goals are to manage for moderate Walleye and Black Crappie populations with balanced size structure. A standard survey was conducted during the summer of 2024 to update information about fish populations and to evaluate the effectiveness of the Walleye stocking program. Walleye fry are stocked into Upper Comstock at a rate of 1,000 per littoral acre (130,000) every even year. Walleye catch of 1.8 per gill net lift was below average compared to other similar lakes. Walleye average length was 14.7 inches with the largest measuring approximately 22 inches. Fifty percent of Walleye aged corresponded to stocked year-classes suggesting stocking may be contributing to anglers catch despite the below average catch rate observed. Black Crappie catch of 0.9 per trap net was average compared to other similar lakes. Gill net catch was 5.2 per lift and is above average compared to similar lakes. The average length of Black Crappies caught in gill nets was 8.2 inches, but no fish over 10 inches long were sampled. Size distribution of Black Crappie was fair with 45% exceeding quality size (greater than 8 inches), but none exceeding preferred size (greater than 10 inches). Bluegill catch of 3.8 per trap net was average when compared to other similar lakes. Bluegill averaged 5.9 inches in length, but several large fish over nine inches were sampled. Size distribution of Bluegill was good with 63% exceeding quality size (greater than 6 inches) and 13% exceeding preferred size (greater than 8 inches), but none exceeding memorable size (greater than 10 inches). Quality Bluegill populations exist in Upper Comstock and angling for them is expected to be good. Spring electrofishing targeting Largemouth Bass captured 4 fish ranging from 13.9 to 19.2 inches long. Largemouth Bass have not been captured since 1993 which indicates the population may be slowly expanding. It appears that quality bass fishing opportunities may exist in the future. Northern Pike abundance of 2.7 per gill net was average compared to other similar Minnesota Lakes. Average size was 24.9 inches with the largest measuring almost 30 inches. Northern Pike populations offer decent opportunities for anglers including some angler-preferred size fish available.

A standard survey was conducted on Upper Comstock Lake during the summer of 2016 to evaluate and update information about fish populations and to evaluate the effectiveness of the Walleye stocking program. Walleye and Black Crappie are the primary management species for Upper Comstock Lake. Walleye fry have been stocked into Upper Comstock at a rate of 2,000 per littoral acre every even year since 1998. Walleye abundance of 1.8 per gillnet lift was below average compared to other similar Minnesota Lakes. Walleye average length was quite small at 12.4 inches. Ninety-three percent of Walleye aged corresponded to stocked year-classes. Black Crappie abundance of 6.6 per trapnet lift was above average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. The catch rate observed in 2016 represents a historic high for Black Crappie in Upper Comstock Lake. Average length was 9.3 inches with fish up to 11.3 inches sampled. Anglers should expect good catches of Black Crappie in the next couple years with two strong year-classes present (2010 and 2011). Bluegill abundance was average at 4.8 per trapnet lift. Average length was 7.0 inches with nearly two-thirds of the sample exceeding 7.5 inches. Yellow perch were abundant but small. Northern Pike abundance of 2.2 per gillnet lift was average compared to other similar Minnesota Lakes. Average size was 22.4 inches and 2.6 pounds.

Upper Comstock is a 271-acre lake with 130 acres (48%) of littoral area and a maximum depth of 28 feet. The lake is located approximately six miles south of Markham, Minnesota. There is a state administered, concrete back-in access located on the north side of the lake off of County Road 547. Upper Comstock is connected to Lower Comstock by a channel that is navigable by small watercraft. Walleye fry have been stocked into Upper Comstock at a rate of 2000 per surface acre every even year since 1998. Upper Comstock was surveyed during the summer of 2008 to update information about fish populations and to evaluate the success of the walleye stocking program. Walleye abundance of 2.2 per gillnet lift was up from 2000 (0.8) and was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Walleye mean length was good at 18.8 inches and growth was average when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. Forty-six percent of the walleyes were over 20 inches in length. Eight year-classes were represented, and 50% of the sample corresponded to stocked year-classes. Northern pike abundance of 3.5 per gillnet lift was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Mean length was 21.0 inches and growth was average when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. All year-classes from 2003 to 2006 were represented. Black crappie abundance of 6.2 per trapnet lift was average when compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Black crappie mean length was 6.2 inches and growth was average when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. All year-classes from 2002 through 2006 were represented in the sample with strong 2005 and 2006 year-classes, comprising 78% of captured fish. Bluegill abundance of 10.8 per trapnet lift was average when compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average length of sampled bluegills was good at 7.5 inches but growth was slow when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. Recruitment was consistent with all year-classes from 2000-2006 represented, with a strong 2003 year-class. Yellow perch abundance of 9.7 per gillnet lift was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average length of perch was 6.7 inches and growth was average when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. All year-classes from 2002 to 2006 were represented. Black bullhead abundance of 0.1 per trapnet lift was below average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Black bullhead mean length was 9.6 inches. Other fish species sampled include shorthead redhorse, pumpkinseed, rock bass and white sucker.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Channel Catfish in Upper Comstock. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Upper Comstock has a maximum depth of 28 feet and a mean depth of 12 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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