Flathead catfish Lakes in Minnesota
Found in 7 Minnesota lakes · 1 in Michigan
Rough fish like Flathead catfish are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 1 Minnesota lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. Flathead catfish is narrowly distributed — only 1 lakes in Michigan have a documented record. The constraint is usually habitat: cold water, specific depth profile, or river connection.
Rough-fish-dominant lakes are worth checking the grade on: a rough-fish-heavy fishery often reflects an underlying nutrient-loading problem in the watershed. Cross-reference the Flathead catfish lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and Flathead catfish documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Flathead catfish Lakes in Minnesota
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake St. Croix | Washington | B | 5.2 ft | 78 ft |
| 2 | St. Croix Lake | Washington | C | 8.7 ft | 78 ft |
| 3 | Pool of Lake St. Croix | Washington | C | 4.3 ft | 78 ft |
| 4 | Pool on Lake St. Croix | Washington | C | 5.9 ft | 78 ft |
| 5 | Pepin Lake | Pepin | F | 3 ft | 60 ft |
| 6 | Spring Lake | Dakota | F | 2.1 ft | 17 ft |
| 7 | Byllesby Lake | Dakota | F | 3 ft | 50 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Minnesota lakes have flathead catfish?
Flathead catfish are found in 7 lakes in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of these lakes is D (Poor).
What are the best flathead catfish lakes in Minnesota?
The best flathead catfish lakes in Minnesota by water quality are Lake St. Croix, St. Croix Lake, Pool of Lake St. Croix, Pool on Lake St. Croix, Pepin Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.