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LakeQuality

shovelnose sturgeon Lakes in Minnesota & Wisconsin

Other SpeciesFound in 2 lakes

shovelnose sturgeon is a rough-fish species — typically common in productive, nutrient-rich lakes, sometimes treated as a management nuisance by anglers targeting game-fish. 2 lakes carry documentation. shovelnose sturgeon is narrowly distributed — only 2 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 shovelnose sturgeon lake list below against the LakeGrade rubric: lakes with both an A or B grade and shovelnose sturgeon documented are the best places to start for recreational targeting.

2
Total Lakes
2
Minnesota
0
Wisconsin
F
Avg. Grade
36 ft
Avg. Depth

Water Quality of shovelnose sturgeon Lakes

A
0
0%
B
0
0%
C
0
0%
D
0
0%
F
2
100%

Best shovelnose sturgeon Lakes by Water Quality

Top 50 lakes with shovelnose sturgeon ranked by overall water quality grade.

RankLakeCountyStateGradeDepthSpecies
1Allie LakeRenvilleMNF12 ft13
2Pepin LakePepinMNF60 ft47

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lakes have shovelnose sturgeon?

shovelnose sturgeon are found in 2 lakes across Minnesota and Wisconsin, 2 in Minnesota and 0 in Wisconsin. The average water quality grade of lakes with shovelnose sturgeon is F (Very Poor).

What are the best lakes for shovelnose sturgeon?

The best shovelnose sturgeon lakes by water quality are Allie Lake, Pepin Lake. These lakes have the highest water quality grades among all lakes where shovelnose sturgeon have been documented by state DNR surveys.

What other fish are found with shovelnose sturgeon?

shovelnose sturgeon are most commonly found alongside black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp. These species share similar habitat preferences in the region's lakes.

Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.