Fish Lake Flowage

Fish Lake Reservoir is a 3,258.5-acre reservoir located north of Duluth, Minnesota, with a maximum depth of 31 feet. It is one of five storage basins in the St. Louis-Cloquet River system created by Minnesota Power (MP). MP operates a public access site on the north side of the lake near the end of Fish Lake Dam Road, and the Minnesota DNR maintains an additional public access on the far west side of the lake off County Road #15. The 2013 Lake Management Plan (LMP) identifies Walleye and Black Crappie as the two primary management species. Aside from a research study in the early 2010s, Walleye have not been stocked into Fish Lake Reservoir since 1989 due to adequate natural reproduction. The LMP goals for Walleye are to maintain high gill net catch rates (greater than 10.5 fish per lift) with a balanced size structure. Anglers can help achieve this goal through selective harvest and proper catch-and-release techniques. To protect spawning stock biomass and reduce fishing mortality, a special harvest regulation (13 -17-inch harvest slot, one over 26 inches, possession limit of 3) was implemented in 2012. To help estimate spawning success and evaluate future year-class strength, a fall young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleye electrofishing assessment was conducted on Fish Reservoir in September 2025. This survey provides updated information on the abundance and average length of Walleye from the 2024 and 2025 year classes. A total of 19 YOY Walleye averaging 6.5 inches were captured, resulting in a catch rate of 21.6 fish per hour of electrofishing. Historical YOY catch rates have ranged from 0.0 to 366.6 per hour, with a long-term average of 79.4. The below-average abundance of YOY Walleye suggests that the 2025 year-class may be weak. One age-1 Walleye measuring 8.1 inches was sampled, yielding a catch rate of 1.1 per hour of electrofishing. Historical catch rates for age-1 Walleye have ranged from 0.0 to 74.2 per hour, with a long-term average of 20.9 per hour. The low catch rate observed for age-1 Walleye suggests that the 2024 year-class may also be weak. Although YOY and age-1 catch rates were below historical averages, other strong walleye year classes have occurred in Fish Lake, and these year classes will dominate anglers' catch. As a result, Walleye angling on Fish Lake is expected to remain strong in 2026 and beyond, offering anglers opportunities to catch quality fish in good numbers.

Fish Lake is a 3258-acre lake located 10 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota, with a maximum depth of 31 feet. The lake can be publicly accessed on the north side of the lake off Fish Lake Dam Road or on the far west side off County Road 15. The 2013 Lake Management Plan (LMP) identified Walleye and Black Crappie as the primary management species, with Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch designated as secondary species. Management goals include maintaining a naturally reproducing Walleye fishery with above-average gill net catch rates and good numbers of fish over 15 inches, as well as Black Crappie populations capable of supporting average catches of quality length fish. Anglers can help achieve this goal through selective harvest and proper catch-and-release techniques. Two special regulations have been implemented on Fish Lake. In 2012, a special harvest regulation for Walleye was enacted (13-17-inch harvest slot, one fish over 26 inches, possession limit of three) to reduce fishing mortality and protect spawning stock. In 2022, an additional regulation was implemented to improve and protect the size structure of the panfish fishery, establishing a daily bag limit of five Crappie and five Sunfish. Fish Lake was assessed in summer 2025 to update information about fish populations as part of a 5-year survey cycle, most recently completed in 2020. The Walleye population is self-sustaining and has not been stocked since 1989, aside from a research study in the early 2010's. Walleye catches have generally been near typical values compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. The 2025 gill net catch (8.0 per net) was above average compared to similar lakes. Walleye ranged in length from 10.4 to 25.9 inches, with a mean length of 18.1 inches. Four memorable-length fish (greater than 25 inches) were sampled. Great Walleye fishing opportunities exist, given the abundance and quality size structure. Black Crappie trap net abundance (3.1 per net) was within the expected range for this lake type. The mean length was 8.4 inches, and a considerable number of preferred-length individuals (greater than 10 inches) were captured. Black Crappie angling is expected to be good, with opportunities to catch numbers of preferred sized fish. Bluegill trap net abundance (10.4 per net) exceeded the expected range for this lake type. The mean length was 4.7 inches, and several preferred-length individuals (greater than 8 inches) were captured. Bluegill angling is expected to be good, with opportunities to catch preferred sized fish. Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch (21.9 per hour) was slightly below average when compared to other Duluth area lakes. Largemouth Bass mean length was 13.1 inches and ranged from 6.1 to 20.3 inches. Several preferred-length individuals (greater than 15 inches) were captured, showing good size structure and angling opportunities. Northern Pike ranged from 16.1 to 30.9 inches, averaging 21.5 inches. High abundance and a decent size structure should provide quality angling opportunities. Yellow Perch abundance (12.7 per net) exceeded the expected range for this lake type. Lengths ranged from 5.2 to 12.1 inches and averaged 6.3 inches, suggesting anglers can expect good catches dominated by smaller fish.

A fall young-of-the-year (YOY) Walleye electrofishing assessment was conducted on Fish Reservoir on 10/3/2024. A special harvest regulation (13"-17" harvest slot, one over 26", possession limit 3) was enacted in December 2012 to protect spawning stock biomass and reduce fishing mortality. This special assessment was intended to index abundance and average length of YOY and age-1 Walleye. A total of 8 YOY Walleye with an average size of 5.7 inches were captured for a catch rate of 10.4 per hour of electrofishing. Previous catch rates have ranged from 0.0 to 366.6 YOY Walleye per hour of electrofishing with an average of 75.0 across all years. The below average abundance of YOY Walleye captured suggests a weak year-class from 2024 is possible. Twelve age-1 Walleye averaging 9.5 inches long were sampled for a catch rate of 15.6 per hour of electrofishing. Previous catch rates for age-1 Walleye have ranged from 0.0 to 72.8 per hour of electrofishing with an average of 22.9 across all years. The slightly below average catch rate of age-1 Walleye observed suggests that a weak year-class from 2023 is possible.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Rock Bass, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike in Fish Lake Flowage. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Fish Lake Flowage has a maximum depth of 36 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

Yes — Fish Lake Flowage has confirmed spiny waterflea. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.