Sturgeon

Sturgeon Lake is a 1,664-acre lake located 14 miles northwest of Chisholm, MN, within the Little Fork River watershed. A public access is located on the southeast shore within McCarthy Beach State Park. The lake has a maximum depth of 80 feet and 40 percent of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Water chemistry analysis shows the lake has soft water and low fertility indicating the lake has a limited capacity to support a lot of fish. The lakes water is clear resulting in visibility to 15 feet. The temperature and oxygen profile in mid-July 2023 found sufficient oxygen from the surface to the bottom of the lake to support fish. The Sturgeon Lake inlet and outlet are located on the southwest side of the lake and are navigable by boat. The inlet flows from West Sturgeon Lake while the outlet flows into Little Sturgeon Lake. Water ultimately flows from the Sturgeon Lake Chain to the Sturgeon River, which is a tributary to the Little Fork River. The 2023 gill net only survey was the tenth survey of the Sturgeon Lake fish community since 1969. The Lake Management Plan (LMP) was last revised in 2017. It lists Northern Pike as a primary management species and Walleye as a secondary management species. Surveys are conducted to monitor the fish population for changes in abundance, size distribution, and growth. The 2023 targeted survey was conducted primarily to evaluate the effectiveness of Walleye stocking to the fishery. Walleye fry were stocked at a rate of 1,000/littoral acre (667,000; acres of water less than 15 feet) annually from 2011 to 2016. Six years of fry stocking yielded minimal contributions to the fishery warranting a new alternate-year fingerling stocking plan from 2017 through the present. In 2023, the Walleye catch declined to 0.5/gill net which is an all-time low over the survey history. The catch remained below the long-range goal of 2.0/net for the seventh survey in a row, indicating this goal is likely not attainable. Low Walleye numbers typically reflect limited or no natural production and low survival of stocked fish. It appears that conditions for juvenile Walleye survival are poor. Walleye lengths in 2023 ranged from 13 to 23 inches. The six Walleye aged represented five different year classes. Growth appeared average with Walleye exceeding 15 inches after 4 years of growth. Despite multiple fry and fingerling stocking strategies since 2011, Walleye numbers remain low likely due to low perch numbers, soft water, and low lake fertility. In general, the population is low in number and has average growth rates. The Northern Pike catch rate rose slightly compared to the previous survey in 2017. The 2023 catch rate was average for Sturgeon Lake but still exceeded catch rates for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths in 2023 ranged from 10 to 35 inches and averaged 21 inches. The proportions of pike exceeding 21 inches and 28 inches met the LMP goals for this survey, indicating a slightly improved size structure in 2023. Lower Northern Pike numbers are thought to be beneficial as higher densities commonly result in slower pike growth, increased predation on Yellow Perch, and lower survival rates of stocked Walleye. High harvest of medium and large pike can negatively affect size structure. No age and growth information for pike was collected in this survey, but previous surveys showed slow growth patterns. Harvest limited to individuals less than 22 inches is recommended. The gill net catch rate of Yellow Perch in 2023 was below average for the lake and for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths in 2016 ranged from 7 to 10 inches. One 10-inch plus fish was sampled which is the first one of that size since 1984, indicating poor size structure in recent decades. Low Yellow Perch numbers likely limit the Walleye and Northern Pike populations. In general, the population is low in number, has a limited number of harvestable sized fish, and historically slow growth rates. Sturgeon Lake supports Tullibee (Cisco) and they were the most common fish in the gill nets is 2023. The catch rate was typical for the lake class and above average for Sturgeon Lake. Captured Tullibee ranged from 6 to 13 inches and averaged 10 inches. Tullibee are beneficial as a prey species and are associated with the production of large predators like Northern Pike. Lake Whitefish have occasionally been sampled in Sturgeon Lake. The 2023 catch rate was typical for the lake class and above average for Sturgeon Lake. Lengths ranged from 14 to 24 inches and averaged 21 inches. Otoliths were collected from Lake Whitefish for age analysis. Annuli were difficult to read, but it appeared a variety of year classes were present with estimated ages ranging from 7 to 12. Other fish sampled in 2023 included: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish and White Sucker. In order to maintain or improve fish and wildlife populations, water quality and habitat must be protected. People often associate water quality problems with large-scale agricultural, forestry, urban development, or industrial practices in the watershed. In reality, the impact of land use decisions on one lake lot may be relatively small, yet the cumulative impact of those decisions on many lake lots can result in a significant decline in water quality and habitat. For example, removing shoreline and aquatic vegetation, fertilizing lawns, mowing to the water's edge, installing beach sand blankets, failing septic systems and uncontrolled run-off, all contribute excess nutrients and sediment which degrade water quality and habitat. Understanding these cumulative impacts and taking steps to avoid or minimize them will help to ensure our quality fisheries can be enjoyed by future generations. Anglers and boaters are reminded to help slow the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers, and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed, and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

Sturgeon Lake is a 1,664-acre lake located 14 miles northwest of Chisholm, MN, within the Little Fork River watershed. A public access is located on the southeast shore within McCarthy Beach State Park. The lake has a maximum depth of 80 feet and 40 percent of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Water chemistry analysis shows the lake has soft water and low fertility indicating the lake has a limited capacity to support a lot of fish. The lakes water is fairly clear resulting in visibility to 12 feet. The temperature and oxygen profile in mid-July 2016 found sufficient oxygen from the surface to the bottom of the lake to support fish. The Sturgeon Lake inlet and outlet are located on the southwest side of the lake and are navigable by boat. The inlet flows from West Sturgeon Lake while the outlet flows into Little Sturgeon Lake. Water ultimately flows from the Sturgeon Lake Chain to the Sturgeon River, which is a tributary to the Little Fork River. The 2016 survey was the ninth survey of the Sturgeon Lake fish community since 1969. Surveys are conducted to monitor the fish population for changes in abundance, size distribution, and growth. The 2016 survey will also be used to evaluate the Walleye stocking plan when revising the Management Plan in 2017. Walleye fry have been stocked at a rate of 1,000/littoral acre (667,000; acres of water less than 15 feet) annually from 2011 to 2016. The 2010 Management Plan listed Walleye as a primary management species and Northern Pike and Bluegill as secondary management species. In 2016, Walleye catch rates remained below the long range goal for the sixth consecutive survey, Northern Pike catch rates remained below the long range goal for the fifth consecutive survey, and Bluegill catch rates were also below the long range goal. The number of Northern Pike that were 21+ inches and 28+ inches were also below management goals. Low Walleye number reflects limited natural production and low survival of stocked fish. Lower Northern Pike numbers are beneficial as higher densities commonly result in slower pike growth, increased predation on Yellow Perch, and lower survival rates of stocked Walleye. High harvest of medium and large pike likely contributes to the number of 21+ and 28+ inch fish falling below management goals. The gill net catch rate of Northern Pike in 2016 was similar to the previous four surveys, but exceeded catch rates for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths in 2016 ranged from 8 to 40 inches, with 76% of pike measuring less than 21 inches. The number of pike 21 inches or longer was the lowest observed since 1975. Ages in 2016 ranged from 1 to 11, with three year old fish being the most numerous (40%). Growth was below the statewide average for age-1 through age-4 fish, resulting in pike taking five years to exceed 21 inches. In general, the population is moderate in number, has poor size distribution, and slow growth rates. However, a few larger fish are present. Harvest limited to individuals less than 22 inches recommended. The trap net catch rate of Bluegill in 2016 was below average for the lake but exceeded catch rates for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths in 2016 ranged from 3 to 8 inches, with 10% of fish measuring 8 inches. No individuals 10+ inches have been sampled since 1975. Ages in 2016 ranged from 4 to 13, with four year old fish being the most frequently sampled (36%). Growth for all ages sampled in the past five surveys was below average for lakes with similar habitats, resulting in Bluegill taking seven years to exceed 6 inches. In general, the population is low in number, has average size distribution, and slow growth rates. The trap net catch rate of Black Crappie in 2016 was below average for the lake and for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths in 2016 ranged from 4 to 12 inches. The number of 10+ inch fish sampled has remained low in all surveys, never exceeding six. Ages in 2016 ranged from 2 to 10, with two year old fish being the most frequently sampled (38%). Growth for all ages was below average for lakes with similar habitat, resulting in Black Crappie taking seven years to exceed 8 inches. In general, the population is low in number, has a limited number of harvestable sized fish, and slow growth rates. The gill net catch rate of Walleye in 2016 was below average for the lake and for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths in 2016 ranged from 8 to 27 inches. Ages in 2016 ranged from 1 to 7, with six year old fish being the most frequently sampled (36%). Growth was below the statewide average through age-6, resulting in Walleye taking five years to exceed 15 inches. Despite annual fry stocking since 2011, Walleye number remains low likely due to low perch number, hard water, and low lake fertility. In general, the population is low in number and has slow growth rates. However, Walleye exceeding 20 and 25 inches are present. The gill net catch rate of Yellow Perch in 2016 was below average for the lake and for lakes with similar habitat. Lengths in 2016 ranged from 5 to 9 inches. Fish 10+ inches have not been sampled since 1984, indicating poor size structure in recent decades. Ages in 2016 ranged from 4 to 5. Growth was below the statewide average for all ages. Low Yellow Perch number likely limits Walleye and other gamefish. In general, the population is low in number, has a limited number of harvestable sized fish, and slow growth rates. Other fish sampled in 2016 included: Pumpkinseed sunfish, Rock Bass, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, and White Sucker. In order to maintain or improve fish and wildlife populations, water quality and habitat must be protected. People often associate water quality problems with large-scale agricultural, forestry, urban development or industrial practices in the watershed. In reality, the impact of land use decisions on one lake lot may be relatively small, yet the cumulative impact of those decisions on many lake lots can result in a significant decline in water quality and habitat. For example, removing shoreline and aquatic vegetation, fertilizing lawns, mowing to the water's edge, installing beach sand blankets, failing septic systems and uncontrolled run-off, all contribute excess nutrients and sediment which degrade water quality and habitat. Understanding these cumulative impacts and taking steps to avoid or minimize them will help to insure our quality fisheries can be enjoyed by future generations. Anglers and boaters are reminded to help stop the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers, and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

Sturgeon Lake is a 1,664-acre lake located near Side Lake, MN. The lake is deep with a maximum depth of 80 ft and a littoral area of 667 acres. Side Lake is in Lake Class 7 and has a public access on the southeast shore within McCarthy Beach State Park. Side Lake is connected to the Sturgeon River on the south shore and is navigable by boat downstream to Little Sturgeon Lake. Water levels are controlled by a lowhead dam downstream where CR 5 crosses the Sturgeon River. The lake is moderately developed except for the State Park owned property and is one of the busiest lakes for recreation in the area. Anglers primarily target walleye, northern pike and black crappie. Walleye gill-net catch was 1.3/net and was lower than expected range for similar lakes. Gill net catch rates have historically been low and have varied from 0.7 to 2.3/net in the last five assessments since 1979. Size structure was moderate with fish up to 28 inches sampled. Growth was similar to the statewide average with fish averaging 14.3 inches by age 4. From 2003 to 2009, walleye fingerlings, yearlings, or adults have been stocked in six out of the last seven years. Walleye were sampled from most year classes including both stocked and nonstocked years. Walleye catch rates remain low despite frequent stocking. Northern pike gill net catch was high for this lake class at 4.3/gill net and was higher than the expected range. Catch rates in past assessments have varied from 3.7 to 8.7/gill net. Size structure was moderate with fish up to 35 inches sampled. Growth was similar to the statewide average with fish averaging 24.0 inches by age 5. Black crappie catch rates are typically low for lakes in Lake Class 7. In the 2009 assessment, the gill net catch was 0.7/net and was within the expected range. The trap net catch rate was 1.5/net and was similar to the lower end of the expected range. Historic gill net catch rates have also been low varying from 0.1 to 0.6/gill net. Trap net catch rates have been as high as 7.0/net in 1984, but were <1/trap net in all other assessments. Size structure was moderate with most fish sampled between 7 to 9 inches with a few larger fish from 11 to 12 inches sampled. Growth was slower than the statewide average with fish averaging 8.8 inches at age 5. The bluegill catch rate was 11.6/trap net and was higher than the expected range for this lake class. Trap net catch rates have been variable from 1.9 to 19.2/net. Size structure was poor with only two fish exceeding 8 inches sampled. Growth was slower than the lake class average and fish only averaged 6.2 inches by age 7. Only two yellow perch were sampled in gill nets corresponding to a low catch rate of 0.1/net, and was lower than the expected range. Historical catch rates have also been low and varied from 0 to 9.0/gill net. Tullibee catch rate was 1.2/gill net and was lower than the expected range. Catch rates in past assessments have varied from 0 to 9.0/gill. Other fish sampled include, largemouth bass, rock bass, shorthead and silver redhorse, white sucker, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Lakeshore owners may affect fish populations not only through harvesting fish, but also through land use practices. It is important to leave a 30 to 50 ft buffer strip of native vegetation along the shoreline to prevent erosion and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Nonfunctioning septic systems can also lead to water quality problems. Good water quality and fish populations are the direct result of good land use practices. Anglers can also help to improve the size structure of the fish community by releasing larger fish.

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

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

Sturgeon has a maximum depth of 79.8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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