Sturgeon Lake

On the LakeGrade rubric, Sturgeon Lake pulls an A: clarity at 16.0 ft and phosphorus readings still being added put it in the top bracket for Minnesota.

Trophically, Sturgeon Lake reads as oligotrophic — nutrient-poor, clear, and ecologically more sensitive to disturbance than richer lakes. Sturgeon Lake reaches 40 ft at its deepest point — typical for Minnesota mid-sized lakes, with seasonal stratification but limited cold-water refuge. Sturgeon Lake covers 1,706 acres alongside 9.6 miles of shoreline, large enough that conditions can vary meaningfully between bays. Sturgeon Lake ranks 1 of 19 in Pine County, putting it in the upper tier of locally monitored lakes.

Sturgeon Lake carries an invasive watermilfoil record — boat-launch decontamination and shoreline care matter more here than at uninfested lakes. The fishery includes walleye among the lake's 15 documented species — a notable draw for Minnesota anglers. Public access is available — the lake is on the Minnesota PCA public-access list. Ice-out has been recorded 5 times at Sturgeon Lake, with a median around Apr 25. The grade is based on limited monitoring — fewer than three independent measurement years contribute, so future updates may shift the letter.