Nichols

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Nichols Lake was conducted on August 11th-13th, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment (LBMA) program staff. 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 was completed at 10 sampling stations. Similarly, a 1/8" mesh mini-fyke net was used to sample 10 stations. Finally, a 50-foot seine was used to sample eight stations. Two stations were not seined due to deep water and dense vegetation. Nearshore sampling captured 13 species of fish. 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. 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 Nichols Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Nichols Lake is a 419-acre lake located five miles southwest of Cotton, Minnesota with a maximum depth of 31 feet. There is a township-administered, concrete back-in access located on the north side of the lake off Lake Nichols Road. The 2007 Lake Management Plan (LMP) identified Walleye as the primary management species, with Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike designated as secondary species. Management goals include maintaining a Walleye fishery with average gill net catch rates and good numbers of fish over 15 inches. Anglers can help achieve this goal through selective harvest and proper catch-and-release techniques. Nichols Lake was assessed in summer 2025 to update information about fish populations as part of an 8-year survey cycle, most recently completed in 2017. Walleye fingerlings are stocked in odd years at a rate of one pound per littoral acre. The 2025 gill net catch (4.9 per net) was above the long-term average for Nichols (2.6 per net). Walleye ranged from 10.2 to 24.3 inches in length, with a mean of 16.3 inches. Four preferred-length individuals (greater than 20 inches) were sampled. All fish corresponded to stocked year-classes, indicating the population is primarily sustained through stocking with little to no natural reproduction. Overall, the current abundance and size structure provide good fishing opportunities. Bluegill abundance (6.2 per net) was within the expected range for this lake type. The mean length was 4.9 inches, and two preferred-length individuals (greater than 8 inches) were captured. Bluegill angling is expected to be fair, with anglers likely to catch good numbers of smaller fish. Black Crappie size structure was fair (4.6-10.2 inches; mean length 6.5 inches). Trap net catch in 2025 (0.8 per net) was below average compared to similar lakes. Angling opportunities for preferred-size Crappie are expected to be fair. Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch (31.7 per hour) was slightly below average when compared to other Duluth area lakes. Largemouth Bass mean length was 12.9 inches and ranged from 5.6 to 16.7 inches. Several preferred-length individuals (greater than 15 inches) were captured, indicating good size structure and angling opportunities. Northern Pike ranged from 17.0 to 26.8 inches, averaging 21.1 inches. Relatively high abundance (4.0 per net) and a decent size structure should provide good angling opportunities.

Nichols is a 413 acre lake with 362 acres (88%) of littoral area and a maximum depth of 31 feet. The lake is located approximately 18 miles northwest of Duluth, MN. There is a state administered, concrete back-in access located on the north side of the lake off Highway 53 on Lake Nichols Road. Nichols was last surveyed in 2012. Nichols was surveyed during the summer of 2017 to update information about fish populations and evaluate the success of the Walleye stocking program. Currently, Walleye fingerlings are stocked into Nichols at a rate of one pound per littoral acre (362 pounds) every odd year. Walleye abundance of 4.7 was up substantially from 2012 and was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Walleye average length was 15.4 inches and growth was fast when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. Ninety-eight percent of the Walleyes aged corresponded to stocked year-classes. Walleye angling in Nichols Lake should be good in coming years with strong 2013 and 2015 year-classes present. A total of 40 Largemouth Bass were sampled by electrofishing. The Largemouth Bass catch rate was 38.1 fish per hour, which was lower than 2012 (48.8 per hour). Average length of sampled Largemouth Bass was 12.4 inches, but large fish over 19 inches were sampled and should provide quality angling opportunities. Black Crappie and Bluegill population densities were average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. Black Crappie average length was small at 6.6 inches. Bluegill average length was 6.9 inches. Yellow Perch were scarce and small.

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

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

Nichols has a maximum depth of 31 feet and a mean depth of 7.9 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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