Cedar Lake
Wright County, MinnesotaLimited DataOligotrophic
Cedar Lake carries a solid B grade — strong on most parameters, with measurements that hold up well across the summer season.
A TSI value of 39 puts Cedar Lake in the oligotrophic range, where biological productivity stays low and the water column remains clear. A maximum depth of 47 ft puts Cedar Lake in the middle of Minnesota's depth distribution. At 206 acres, Cedar Lake fits the Minnesota median for monitored lakes, with 4.6 miles of shoreline. Within Wright County's 64 graded waters, Cedar Lake sits at rank 15, near the top of the local distribution.
No invasive species are currently listed at Cedar Lake — the lake remains off the Minnesota infested-waters roster. The fishery is bass-led, with 11 documented species across the lake's records. The lake lacks a documented public access point, so visitor use is limited. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, last sampled 2024-10-10. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
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Swimming Safety
Good for swimming, clear water with low algae levels
Water Quality Grade: B, Good
Good clarity, visible to about 13.6 ft. Trophic State Index: 39.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 13.6 ft | B |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 39 | Oligotrophic |
Low nutrients, clear water, excellent for swimming
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 47 ft |
| Average Depth | 7.8 ft |
| Surface Area | 206.37 acres |
| Shoreline Length | 4.6 mi |
| Littoral Zone | 63% |
| Public Access | No |
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Cedar Lake (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Cedar Lake? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Cedar Lake fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Water Quality Trend: ↓ Declining
Based on 5 years of monitoring data (2020-2025).
| Metric | Trend | Change/Year | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity | ↓ Declining | -0.314 m/yr | 5 |
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #15 of 64 lakes in Wright County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Cedar Lake holds Grade B. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
Nearby Lakes in Wright County
More Minnesota Lake Rankings
State Parks Near Cedar Lake
Other Grade B Lakes in Minnesota
Oligotrophic Lakes in Minnesota
DNR Fisheries Survey Summary
5 surveys on file from MN DNR Fisheries. Most recent: 2020-06-29 (Standard Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg CPUE | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 81.80 | 0.1 lb |
| Black Bullhead | 9.23 | 0.45 lb |
| Yellow Bass | 9.17 | 0.31 lb |
| Pumpkinseed | 7.90 | 0.08 lb |
| Largemouth Bass | 7.57 | 0.91 lb |
| Brown Bullhead | 7.33 | 0.48 lb |
CPUE = catch per unit effort, averaged across surveys (excludes juvenile shoreline seining). Higher CPUE = more abundant in standardized sampling.
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.
Bluegill
Black Bullhead
Yellow Bass
Pumpkinseed
From the 2020-06-29 survey
Cedar Lake is a small, mostly shallow basin located three miles southwest of Monticello in northern Wright County. The only access on this lake is user-developed and located off of Aetna Avenue NE. Most development has occurred on the east side of the lake. Due to its shallowness and good water clarity, the aquatic…
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Cedar Lake. 2 reports on file.
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — CedarFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Aquatic Plant Report — Cedar (0165)Aquatic Plant Report · MN DNR LakeFinder
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Lake details from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder
Most recent sample: 2024-10-10
Monitoring stations: 2