Agnes

Agnes Lake is a shallow 2-acre lake, nestled in a remote area off the Kabetogama Peninsula in Voyageur's National Park (VNP). It is located 18 miles east of Ray, Minnesota and is only accessible by portage. It is known for its challenging hiking trail, rocky cliffs, and a quiet, single camp site. Its dark brown water and low levels of dissolved oxygen, make this lake home to a simple fish community of Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and Black Bullhead. Agnes Lake is growing in popularity recently, with campers seeking a quiet escape from busy city life. There were 36 reported camping reservations for this site, and a total of 77 campers in 2024: there's a trend towards increasing use in Agnes Lake. Visitors to this lake have the luxury of using a Voyageurs issued canoe as a part of their wilderness experience. Use of watercraft not issued by VNP, are not permitted. Live bait and motors are also prohibited by VNP. Previous management plans included stocking Largemouth Bass fingerlings 1949, 1951, and 1965. Pumpkinseed and Bluegill in were stocked in 1966. It was thought that previous stocking efforts had failed, as none of these fish populations were discovered later. In 2024 Bluegill were captured for the first time. Standard fish collection methods were used starting in June of 1971 utilizing 6 gill nets, 6 trap nets and a shoreline seine. In 1979 only a single gill net was used. In 1999, 4 gill nets were used. In 2024, 4 gill nets were used and set in waters where the dissolved oxygen was 8 ppm or higher. The dissolved oxygen measured in 2024 supported previous records, showing that there are extremely low levels below 7 feet. The lack of dissolved oxygen minimizes the available habitat for fish species, pressuring fish to occupy more shallow waters. In the 2024 survey, the Northern Pike gill net catch rate was 5 fish per set, which is above average. A total of six-year classes were present and ranged from 2-7 years. Lengths ranged from 14.9 to 25.7 inches and the mean was 20.2 inches. Northern pike growth rates show a normal rate. Anglers still have a chance of catching a medium sized Pike. Yellow Perch gill net catch rate was 13 fish per set, which was below average for class 13 lakes. Total length ranged from 5.51 inches to 11.14 inches with a mean of 8.41 inches. Yellow Perch are a forage species and the main food source for northern pike. A good population of yellow perch can positively influence the population of predator species. Bluegill were found in gill nets with a catch rate of 0.67 fish per set. Lengths range from 5.24 and 8.43 inches. The preferred size structure of Bluegills might provide another good angling option if the population continues to grow.

Agnes is a small, undeveloped, dark water lake located on the Kabetogama Peninsula in Voyageurs National Park. Three species are present in the lake. Average numbers of slow growing northern pike were sampled in 1999. Average length was only 17.6 inches although a few pike over 26 inches were present. Yellow perch numbers also were typical for this type of lake. They ranged in size from 5.2 to 11.4 inches. Low numbers of small, black bullhead complete the species list for Agnes Lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch and Northern Pike in Agnes. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Agnes. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Agnes has a maximum depth of 18 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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