Finding Fish With LakeFinder

"It's kind of like TV Guide for lakes"

If you didn't know, and most people don't, the MN DNR put some serious work into collecting fish population and other data samples to keep lakes balanced and stocked. That information isn't top secret per se but, it isn't easy to get a hold of either. Luckily, the DNR has changed that. Somewhat. 

Have you ever driven past a lake and wondered to yourself, 

    "Is there really anything worth fishing for in there?"

Well let me let you in on a little secret: there probably is and it's easy to find out. A couple times a year I try to tell folks about the Lakefinder section on the DNR's website. So here I go again. 

In the Lakefinder app you can search nearly any lake in Minnesota that is large enough to sustain fish.

LakeFinder Link Here  👈👈 Follow along

This will go pretty quick!

 

Homepage provides you a few options for searching...

I use the map feature. ('Cause I like maps)  Click on the lake you would like!

                         

Not sure why there are 2 Lake of the Woods... the first option did the trick..

  You'll see the lake summary first, which might have some fun facts for your next trivia night. 

In the option tab, select the "Fisheries Lake Survey"

Now, this is the amazing part. Under the "Species" tab look up your targeted fish.

 -There were species on the list that I didn't know were even in Lake of the Woods. 

Something to note: Just because the netting report didn't show the size you're  looking for, doesn't mean it isn't there. 

For example: Burbot. The DNR  probably wasn't intentionally netting for Burbot, but the netted one that was 5 inches, and recorded  it. Lake of the Woods has plenty of  big Burbot hanging out on bottom for the fisherman who wants to branch out.

Here's the link again. or go directly  to maps1.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefinder/mobile/

Good luck fishing!