Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys · latest June 23, 2022
Carlson Lake FishingCWater-quality grade C
Minnesota DNR surveys at Carlson Lake average 36.84 largemouth bass per unit of sampling effort (CPUE) across 6 surveys. The most recent is a Targeted Survey dated June 23, 2022. Length samples in the latest survey that recorded them ran 4–11 inches. In Dakota County, Minnesota, Carlson Lake carries an overall water-quality grade of C. Water clarity averages 7.5 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.
Species recorded at Carlson Lake
6 species on the Minnesota DNR list for this lake. A species on the list has been recorded here; it does not mean it is catchable today or in every part of the lake.
Stocking at Carlson 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 Carlson Lake average 36.84 largemouth bass per unit of sampling effort (CPUE) across 6 surveys. The most recent is a Targeted Survey dated June 23, 2022. Length samples in the latest survey that recorded them ran 4–11 inches.
A DNR fisheries survey reports fish abundance and catch rates, not a water-quality grade. LakeQuality grades Carlson Lake C from EPA Water Quality Portal chemistry, 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
6 surveys on file from MN DNR Fisheries. Most recent: 2022-06-23 (Targeted Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg catch rate (CPUE) | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 36.84 | 1.03 lb |
| Black Bullhead | 23.67 | 0.39 lb |
| Bluegill | 14.29 | 0.13 lb |
| Black Crappie | 8.62 | 0.15 lb |
| Channel Catfish | 3.92 | 2 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.
Length Distributions
Number of fish caught at each inch class in the most recent survey that recorded lengths. Red dashed line marks an approximate trophy threshold for that species.
Largemouth Bass
Black Bullhead
Bluegill
Black Crappie
From the 2022-06-23 survey
Carlson Lake (19-0066-00), as it's now officially known is located in the city of Eagan. The lake drops off rather quickly to a maximum of 19 feet with approximately 26% of the surface area over 15 feet. Although an aeration system is operated (as needed) to prevent winterkill, city staff report it is not often…
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Carlson Lake. 2 reports on file.
These links open on the official state DNR websites (Wisconsin DNR survey PDFs · Minnesota DNR LakeFinder).
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — CarlsonFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Fish Stocking History — CarlsonFish Stocking History · MN DNR LakeFinder
Common questions
What fish are in Carlson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys at Carlson Lake average 36.84 largemouth bass per unit of sampling effort (CPUE) across 6 surveys. The most recent is a Targeted Survey dated June 23, 2022. Length samples in the latest survey that recorded them ran 4–11 inches. Minnesota DNR lists 6 species for the lake in total. Those are survey results, not a catch report: a net set on one date measures what was in that net.
When was Carlson Lake last surveyed?
The most recent fisheries survey on file for Carlson Lake is dated June 23, 2022. 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 Carlson Lake stocked?
Minnesota DNR publishes a stocking history for Carlson 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 Carlson Lake fishes?
A DNR fisheries survey reports fish abundance and catch rates, not a water-quality grade. LakeQuality grades Carlson Lake C from EPA Water Quality Portal chemistry, 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 Carlson Lake
Top-rated places to stay near Carlson Lake
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