Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys · latest July 12, 1982
Blue Lake FishingNRNot rated for water quality
Minnesota DNR surveys at Blue Lake average 10.17 northern pike per unit of sampling effort (CPUE) across 1 survey. The most recent is a Standard Survey dated July 12, 1982. In Crow Wing County, Minnesota, Blue Lake has no letter grade — the only measurement available is water clarity, which is not a water-quality indicator on its own — EPA's National Lakes Assessment does not grade clarity. Water clarity averages 20.0 feet of visibility. The survey figures on this page are Minnesota DNR's own; the water-quality grade comes from EPA Water Quality Portal samples. Neither is a forecast of today's bite.
Stocking at Blue Lake
Minnesota DNR publishes a stocking history for this lake — which species went in, how many, and in which years. Read the years: a lake stocked in one year is not necessarily stocked in the next.
Survey results in full
Minnesota DNR surveys at Blue Lake average 10.17 northern pike per unit of sampling effort (CPUE) across 1 survey. The most recent is a Standard Survey dated July 12, 1982.
A DNR fisheries survey reports fish abundance and catch rates, not a water-quality grade. LakeQuality does not assign an A–F grade on Blue Lake — official chemistry is on file, not a letter, and the water-quality trend over 6 years of monitoring is declining. Catch rate is not a swim clearance and is not a weekly bite report.
DNR Fisheries Survey Summary
1 survey on file from MN DNR Fisheries. Most recent: 1982-07-12 (Standard Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg catch rate (CPUE) | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 97.30 | 0.16 lb |
| Northern Pike | 10.17 | 1.37 lb |
| Pumpkinseed | 8.30 | 0.2 lb |
| Yellow Bass | 7.96 | 0.57 lb |
| Hybrid Sunfish | 6.93 | 0.36 lb |
| Yellow Perch | 3.83 | 0.17 lb |
CPUE = catch per unit effort, averaged across surveys (excludes juvenile shoreline seining). Higher CPUE means more abundant in standardized sampling. This is not a weekly bite report.
From the 1982-07-12 survey
Yellow bullheads and sunfish are presently abundant. Tullibee population has apparently disappeared. Northern pike have increased considerably since last survey. Yellow perch seem to be present in approximately the same numbers.
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Blue Lake. 3 reports on file.
These links open on the official state DNR websites (Wisconsin DNR survey PDFs · Minnesota DNR LakeFinder).
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — BlueFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Aquatic Plant Report — Blue (0237)Aquatic Plant Report · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Fish Stocking History — BlueFish Stocking History · MN DNR LakeFinder
Common questions
What fish are in Blue Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys at Blue Lake average 10.17 northern pike per unit of sampling effort (CPUE) across 1 survey. The most recent is a Standard Survey dated July 12, 1982. Those are survey results, not a catch report: a net set on one date measures what was in that net.
When was Blue Lake last surveyed?
The most recent fisheries survey on file for Blue Lake is dated July 12, 1982. Survey intervals vary by lake and by species; a gap of several years between surveys is normal and does not mean the record is missing.
Is Blue Lake stocked?
Minnesota DNR publishes a stocking history for Blue Lake. It records which species were released, in what numbers and in which years — the source documents are linked further down this page. A lake can be stocked in some years and not others, so read the years rather than assuming an annual release.
Does the water-quality grade tell me how Blue Lake fishes?
A DNR fisheries survey reports fish abundance and catch rates, not a water-quality grade. LakeQuality does not assign an A–F grade on Blue Lake — official chemistry is on file, not a letter, and the water-quality trend over 6 years of monitoring is declining. Catch rate is not a swim clearance and is not a weekly bite report.
Before you eat what you catch
A water-quality grade is not a consumption advisory. Mercury and PCB advice for Minnesota waters comes from MDH, and it is issued per species and per size class — a lake can grade well and still carry a meal limit on larger predator fish.
Where to stay near Blue Lake
Top-rated places to stay near Blue Lake
Planning a trip to Blue Lake?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Blue Lake — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.