paddlefish Lakes in Minnesota
Found in 8 Minnesota lakes
Rough fish like paddlefish are often associated with eutrophic, nutrient-loaded waters. Their presence — documented in 8 Minnesota lakes — is often a signal of how the rest of the fishery is functioning. paddlefish is narrowly distributed — only 8 Minnesota lakes and 0 Wisconsin lakes 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 LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and paddlefish documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.
Best paddlefish 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 | St. Croix 1.5 Mi. Upstream of Point Douglas Dr Lake | Washington | C | 9.4 ft | 78 ft |
| 4 | Pool of Lake St. Croix | Washington | C | 4.3 ft | 78 ft |
| 5 | Pool on Lake St. Croix Downstream of I94 Bridge | Washington | C | 5 ft | 78 ft |
| 6 | Pool on Lake St. Croix | Washington | C | 5.9 ft | 78 ft |
| 7 | St. Croix 3.5 Mi. Downstream of E Chestnut St Lake | Washington | C | 5.9 ft | 78 ft |
| 8 | St. Croix 0.3 Mi. Downstream of I Lake | Washington | C | 6.1 ft | 78 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Minnesota lakes have paddlefish?
paddlefish are found in 8 lakes in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of these lakes is C (Fair).
What are the best paddlefish lakes in Minnesota?
The best paddlefish lakes in Minnesota by water quality are Lake St. Croix, St. Croix Lake, St. Croix 1.5 Mi. Upstream of Point Douglas Dr Lake, Pool of Lake St. Croix, Pool on Lake St. Croix Downstream of I94 Bridge.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.