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LakeQuality

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.

2
Minnesota Lakes
F
Avg. Grade
0
Grade A Lakes
2
Counties

Best shovelnose sturgeon Lakes in Minnesota

RankLakeCountyGradeClarityDepth
1Allie LakeRenvilleF2 ft12 ft
2Pepin LakePepinF3 ft60 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.