shovelnose sturgeon Lakes in Minnesota
Found in 2 Minnesota 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.
Best shovelnose sturgeon Lakes in Minnesota
| Rank | Lake | County | Grade | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allie Lake | Renville | F | 2 ft | 12 ft |
| 2 | Pepin Lake | Pepin | F | 3 ft | 60 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Minnesota lakes have shovelnose sturgeon?
shovelnose sturgeon are found in 2 lakes in Minnesota. The average water quality grade of these lakes is F (Very Poor).
What are the best shovelnose sturgeon lakes in Minnesota?
The best shovelnose sturgeon lakes in Minnesota by water quality are Allie Lake, Pepin Lake.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.