Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys · latest July 19, 1993
Swenson Lake FishingAWater-quality grade A
Minnesota DNR surveys at Swenson Lake average 22.43 largemouth bass per unit of sampling effort (CPUE) across 1 survey. The most recent is a Standard Survey dated July 19, 1993. Length samples in the latest survey that recorded them ran 5–18 inches. In Beltrami County, Minnesota, Swenson Lake carries an overall water-quality grade of A. Water clarity averages 20.7 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 Swenson Lake
10 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 Swenson 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 Swenson Lake average 22.43 largemouth bass per unit of sampling effort (CPUE) across 1 survey. The most recent is a Standard Survey dated July 19, 1993. Length samples in the latest survey that recorded them ran 5–18 inches.
A DNR fisheries survey reports fish abundance and catch rates, not a water-quality grade. LakeQuality grades Swenson Lake A from EPA Water Quality Portal chemistry, and the water-quality trend over 6 years of monitoring is stable. 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: 1993-07-19 (Standard Survey).
Top Species by Catch Rate
| Species | Avg catch rate (CPUE) | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 31.38 | 0.17 lb |
| Largemouth Bass | 22.43 | 0.73 lb |
| Yellow Perch | 18.14 | 0.21 lb |
| Northern Pike | 7.54 | 2.91 lb |
| Rock Bass | 7.37 | 0.21 lb |
| Pumpkinseed | 5.44 | 0.21 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.
Bluegill
Largemouth Bass
Yellow Perch
Northern Pike
From the 1993-07-19 survey
The fish community of Swenson lake is diverse with most preferred species well represented. The exception to this is probably the apparent loss of a Smallmouth Bass fishery. One smallmouth was observed while scuba diving, though none were captured.The Walleye population is good with a history of consistant natural…
DNR Reports & Resources
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder publishes lake survey, fish stocking, water access, and aquatic plant data for Swenson Lake. 2 reports on file.
These links open on the official state DNR websites (Wisconsin DNR survey PDFs · Minnesota DNR LakeFinder).
- —Fisheries Lake Survey — SwensonFisheries Lake Survey · MN DNR LakeFinder
- —Fish Stocking History — SwensonFish Stocking History · MN DNR LakeFinder
Common questions
What fish are in Swenson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys at Swenson Lake average 22.43 largemouth bass per unit of sampling effort (CPUE) across 1 survey. The most recent is a Standard Survey dated July 19, 1993. Length samples in the latest survey that recorded them ran 5–18 inches. Minnesota DNR lists 10 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 Swenson Lake last surveyed?
The most recent fisheries survey on file for Swenson Lake is dated July 19, 1993. 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 Swenson Lake stocked?
Minnesota DNR publishes a stocking history for Swenson 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 Swenson Lake fishes?
A DNR fisheries survey reports fish abundance and catch rates, not a water-quality grade. LakeQuality grades Swenson Lake A from EPA Water Quality Portal chemistry, and the water-quality trend over 6 years of monitoring is stable. 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 Swenson Lake
Top-rated places to stay near Swenson Lake
Planning a trip to Swenson Lake?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Swenson Lake — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.