Embarrass

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Embarrass Lake, was conducted on July 28th-30th, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment Program staff. Nearshore sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing, mini-fyke nets, and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing and 1/8" mesh mini-fyke net were completed at 10 sampling stations. Additionally, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 10 stations. Nearshore sampling captured 18 species of fish, including four species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Burbot, Iowa Darter, Logperch, and Rock Bass) and one species that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Black Bullhead). The nearshore data along with gill net and standard trap net data will be used to develop fish community models for Northeast Minnesota lakes, which will be used to measure lake health in this region. These models may function similarly to fish IBI models developed for lakes across much of the rest of the state. For additional information, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. You can help protect the fish community in Embarrass Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Embarrass Lake is a 463-acre lake located a mile east of Biwabik. The lake sits below Wynne Lake and above Cedar Island Lake along the Embarrass River system. There is also a railroad grade that separates the south arm of the lake from the main basin, but both fish and boats can pass through the large concrete culvert in the grade. Embarrass Lake has two public accesses. The municipal campground on the west side of the lake includes two concrete planked boat ramps and a fishing pier. There is another concrete planked boat ramp and adjacent parking area on the north side of the lake off Hwy 135. Boaters should use caution at this access as seasonal fluctuations in water levels and a sandbar near the lake inlet can result in shallow water at certain times of year. Embarrass Lake was weakly thermally stratified on August 28, 2023, with water temperatures of 69 F at the surface and 64 F near the bottom. Adequate oxygen levels for warmwater fish species were retained to a depth of at least 12 feet. Embarrass Lake has brown, bog-stained water with visibility around 5 feet. Nearshore substrates are mostly sand and rubble, and aquatic vegetation is limited. Walleye were sampled at a rate of 8.9 fish/gill net, which was above average for the lake. Walleye sampled in gill nets averaged just 11.8 inches in length, and 23% of the fish sampled were over 14 inches. Walleye were also sampled in trap nets at a rate of 3.0 fish/net, which was the highest catch rate ever documented for the lake. These fish tended to be slightly larger, with a 13.9-inch average and 41% of the catch 14 inches or bigger. The largest individual sampled in this survey was 26.7 inches. Walleye ages ranged from 1 to 11 with natural reproduction occurring consistently in addition to fingerling stockings in even years. Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 3.3 fish/trap net, which was higher than the historical average for the lake. The average size was 7.6 inches, which was slightly larger than the historical average. Roughly half of the fish sampled were 7.5 inches or larger, and the largest fish sampled was 10 inches long. Bluegill ages ranged 3 to 8 and growth rates were well above average for lakes in the Tower area. Black crappie were sampled at a rate of 4.2 fish/trap net, which was the highest catch rate recorded for the lake. Black crappie averaged 8.6 inches in length, and over 70% of the catch was 9 inches or larger. The largest black crappie sampled was 13.4 inches, and ages ranged from 0 to 8. Northern pike were sampled at a rate of 4.8 fish/gill net, which was higher than average for Embarrass Lake. The average length of northern pike sampled in gill nets was 19.6 inches, which was also better than average for the lake. Northern pike were also sampled in trap nets at a rate of 1.6 fish/net. The largest pike sampled was 37.1 inches and was captured in a trap net. Yellow perch could provide an additional opportunity for anglers on Embarrass Lake. The largest perch sampled was 12.6 inches in length and 80% of the perch were 8 inches or larger. The catch rate was 6.6 perch/net, which was above average for the lake. Additional species sampled in 2023 included golden shiner, rock bass, shorthead redhorse, and white sucker.

Embarrass Lake is located approximately 1 mile E of the city of Biwabik. This popular lake sits below Wynne Lake and above Cedar Island Lake along the Embarrass River system. There is a stop log dam about 200 yards upstream of the lake that is a periodic barrier to upstream fish movement. Lake bottom substrates along the shoreline of Embarrass are mostly rubble and sand. Aquatic plants grow to a depth of 5 ft and are generally sparse. There are two concrete planked boat ramps located at the municipal campground on the W side of the lake for public access. A third ramp is located on the N side off Hwy 135 with an adjacent parking area. Fourteen species of fish were sampled during the 2017 survey of Embarrass Lake. Walleye (38%) and yellow perch (34%) were the most common species sampled in the gill nets. White sucker (44%) was the most common species sampled from the trap nets. Night electrofishing targeting bass produced only one 16.6 inch largemouth. Most remaining species were sampled in relatively low numbers. No channel catfish were sampled in 2017. Walleye numbers in 2017 (7.8/gill net) were higher than the historic average (4.3/gill net) for this lake and above average (2.6/gill net) compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average walleye sampled was 12.6 inches and about 4 years old. Walleye fingerlings are stocked during even numbered years on Embarrass Lake and 41% of the walleye aged in 2017 were from years when stocking occurred. Twenty-one percent of the walleye sampled were 15 inches or larger with a maximum length of 27.1 inches recorded. Yellow perch numbers in 2017 (7.0/gill net) were above the historic average (4.7/gill net) for this lake and below average (9.3/gill net) when compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average perch sampled was 9.2 inches and the largest perch measured 13.1 inches which was sampled in a trap net. Northern pike numbers in 2017 (1.9/gill net) were below the historic average (3.0/gill net) for Embarrass Lake and below average (5.0/gill net) compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average pike sampled was only 16.9 inches and the largest pike was 24.2 inches long. Low numbers of bluegill and black crappie were recorded during the 2017 survey. The average bluegill sampled was 8.8 inches and the largest measured 9.7 inches. One hybrid sunfish and one burbot were sampled in 2017 marking the first time these species have been sampled in Embarrass Lake. Rusty crayfish (25.2/gill net) were also sampled.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Rock Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Bluegill in Embarrass. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Embarrass has a maximum depth of 19 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Embarrass is from 2023.

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