Paddlefish Fishing Guide
Other SpeciesDocumented in 3 graded lakes across 1 state
Paddlefish is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 3 lakes carry documentation. Paddlefish is narrowly distributed — only 3 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 Paddlefish lake list below against the letter grades: lakes with both an A or B grade and Paddlefish documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Water Quality of Paddlefish Lakes
Best Paddlefish Lakes by Water Quality
Top 50 lakes with paddlefish 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have paddlefish?
Paddlefish are found in 3 graded lakes: 3 in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of lakes with paddlefish is B (Good).
What are the best lakes for paddlefish?
The best paddlefish lakes by water quality are Lake St Croix, Pool, Pool of Lake St Croix. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where paddlefish have been documented by state DNR surveys.
What other fish are found with paddlefish?
Paddlefish are most commonly found alongside bigmouth buffalo, black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.
Other Fish Species in Paddlefish Lakes
Found together in 3 lakes · 144 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 937 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 1,428 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 1,601 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 135 total
Found together in 3 lakes · 506 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.