Gizzard Shad Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 12 graded lakes across 1 state
Gizzard Shad is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 12 lakes carry documentation. Gizzard Shad is narrowly distributed — only 12 lakes in Minnesota 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 Gizzard Shad lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Gizzard Shad documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Gizzard Shad Lakes
Best Gizzard Shad Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with gizzard shad ranked by overall water quality grade.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake St Croix | Pierce | MN | B | 78 ft | 36 |
| 2 | Pool | Washington | MN | B | 78 ft | 36 |
| 3 | Pool of Lake St Croix | Washington | MN | C | 78 ft | 36 |
| 4 | Upper Estuary Lake | St. Louis | MN | C | 55 ft | 33 |
| 5 | Little Spirit Lake | Jackson | MN | D | 8 ft | 23 |
| 6 | Madison Lake | Blue Earth | MN | D | 59 ft | 20 |
| 7 | Winona Lake | Winona | MN | F | 38 ft | 24 |
| 8 | Bright Lake | Martin | MN | F | 7 ft | 20 |
| 9 | Pickerel Lake | Dakota | MN | NR | 11 ft | 15 |
| 10 | Pepin Lake | Pepin | MN | NR | 60 ft | 47 |
| 11 | Spring Lake | Dakota | MN | NR | 17 ft | 21 |
| 12 | Little Tuttle Lake | Martin | MN | NR | 7 ft | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have gizzard shad?
Gizzard Shad are found in 12 graded lakes: 12 in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of lakes with gizzard shad is C (Fair).
What are the best lakes for gizzard shad?
The best gizzard shad lakes by water quality are Lake St Croix, Pool, Pool of Lake St Croix, Upper Estuary Lake, Little Spirit Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where gizzard shad have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with gizzard shad?
Gizzard Shad are most commonly found alongside black crappie, common carp, freshwater drum, gizzard shad, northern pike. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Gizzard Shad Lakes
Found together in 12 lakes · 1,428 total
Found together in 12 lakes · 506 total
Found together in 12 lakes · 102 total
Found together in 12 lakes · 2,487 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 135 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 2,593 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality grades from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.