Bighead Carp
Invasive SpeciesFound in 11 lakes
Bighead Carp appears on state infested-waters lists for 11 surface waters. Boaters and anglers moving gear in or out of those lakes carry a clean-drain-dry obligation under state law. 11 lakes — narrow enough that aggressive containment is still on the table. Most upper-Midwest invasives that established here did so quietly over a decade before anyone noticed, so a low number today is not a guarantee for tomorrow.
The presence of Bighead Carp does not directly change a lake's LakeGrade rubric score — the grade measures the water itself, not the species inhabiting it. But invasive presence is a meaningful adjacent signal worth reading alongside the grade.
Lakes with Bighead Carp
| Lake | County | State | Grade | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Spirit Lake | Jackson | MN | D | 8 ft |
| Robinson Lake | Wabasha | MN | D | - |
| Round Lake | Jackson | MN | D | 9 ft |
| Clear Lake | Jackson | MN | D | 9 ft |
| Loon Lake | Jackson | MN | F | 8 ft |
| Pepin Lake | Pepin | MN | F | 60 ft |
| Spring Lake | Dakota | MN | F | 17 ft |
| Nelson Lake | Goodhue | MN | F | - |
| Pearl Lake | Jackson | MN | F | 6 ft |
| Indian Lake | Nobles | MN | F | 6 ft |
| Grey Cloud Slough Lake | Washington | MN | F | - |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes have bighead carp?
Bighead Carp has been documented in 11 graded lakes: 11 in Minnesota.
Does bighead carp affect water quality?
Invasive species can significantly affect lake ecosystems. They may alter nutrient cycling, displace native species, and change water clarity. Lakes with bighead carp should be monitored for changes in water quality over time.
Invasives Found With Bighead Carp
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.