Gizzard Shad Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 12 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 phosphorus and chlorophyll-a readings 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 each lake's clarity, phosphorus and algae readings: lakes with low nutrient readings and Gizzard Shad documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best Gizzard Shad Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with gizzard shad, ranked on nutrient and algae readings.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake St Croix | Pierce | MN | 78 ft | 36 |
| 2 | Pool | Washington | MN | 78 ft | 36 |
| 3 | Pool of Lake St Croix | Washington | MN | 78 ft | 36 |
| 4 | Upper Estuary Lake | St. Louis | MN | 55 ft | 33 |
| 5 | Little Spirit Lake | Jackson | MN | 8 ft | 23 |
| 6 | Madison Lake | Blue Earth | MN | 59 ft | 20 |
| 7 | Winona Lake | Winona | MN | 38 ft | 24 |
| 8 | Bright Lake | Martin | MN | 7 ft | 20 |
| 9 | Pickerel Lake | Dakota | MN | 11 ft | 15 |
| 10 | Pepin Lake | Pepin | MN | 60 ft | 47 |
| 11 | Spring Lake | Dakota | MN | 17 ft | 21 |
| 12 | Little Tuttle Lake | Martin | MN | 7 ft | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have gizzard shad?
Gizzard Shad are documented in 12 lakes: 12 in Minnesota.
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 carry the lowest nutrient and algae readings 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 · 1,386 total
Found together in 12 lakes · 487 total
Found together in 12 lakes · 99 total
Found together in 12 lakes · 2,386 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 134 total
Found together in 11 lakes · 2,489 total
Fish species from state agency survey, stocking, and public fishing-access records; water-quality readings from the EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys. Species profiles are general reference; always check current state regulations before fishing.