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Minnesota›Best lakes›Panfish›St. Louis County

MN · ranked by public data

Best Panfish Lakes by DNR Survey System and Lake-Scale Opportunity in St. Louis County, Minnesota

48 St. Louis County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence for panfish; 48 lakes with status, survey, or report evidence met our criteria, out of 848 documented lakes in the county. Updated July 2026.

  1. Ranked within standard summer june mn class 5 standard gill nets normal 1 7 to 14 1 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    199.8system score
    1,250 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Black Duck Lake

    available
    48.20, -92.821,250 acres | 30 ft maxVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    99.8 within-system score · 70,831.3 lake-scale opportunity index · 56.67 fish/net set · 2022 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 99.8/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 70,831.3 (56.67 fish/net set × 1,250 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 56.67 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2022
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  2. 285.6system score
    690 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Ash Lake

    available
    48.21, -92.94690 acres | 25 ft maxVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    85.6 within-system score · 32,412.1 lake-scale opportunity index · 47 fish/net set · 2013 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 85.6/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 32,412.1 (47 fish/net set × 690 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 47 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2013
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  3. 356.0system score
    403 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Bassett Lake

    available
    47.37, -91.91403 acres | 21 ft maxVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    56.0 within-system score · 9,436.7 lake-scale opportunity index · 23.44 fish/net set · 1988 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 56.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 9,436.7 (23.44 fish/net set × 403 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 23.44 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1988
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  4. 451.1system score
    728 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Elephant Lake

    limited
    48.19, -92.74728 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    51.1 within-system score · 10,615.1 lake-scale opportunity index · 14.58 fish/net set · 1986 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 51.1/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 10,615.1 (14.58 fish/net set × 728 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 14.58 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1986
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  5. 541.7system score
    263 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Leora Lake

    limited
    47.10, -92.40263 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    41.7 within-system score · 3,502.6 lake-scale opportunity index · 13.33 fish/net set · 1988 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 41.7/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 3,502.6 (13.33 fish/net set × 263 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 13.33 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1988
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  6. 633.7system score
    272 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Little Sturgeon Lake

    limited
    47.66, -93.05272 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    33.7 within-system score · 1,272.1 lake-scale opportunity index · 4.67 fish/net set · 2016 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 33.7/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,272.1 (4.67 fish/net set × 272 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 4.67 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2016
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  7. 731.7system score
    723 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Ely Lake

    limited
    47.45, -92.48723 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    31.7 within-system score · 1,366.6 lake-scale opportunity index · 1.89 fish/net set · 2012 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 31.7/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,366.6 (1.89 fish/net set × 723 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1.89 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2012
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  8. 830.4system score
    382 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Armstrong Lake

    available
    47.85, -92.08382 acres | 34 ft maxVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    30.4 within-system score · 1,445.2 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.78 fish/net set · 1997 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 30.4/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,445.2 (3.78 fish/net set × 382 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.78 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1997
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  9. 924.1system score
    169 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Bass Lake

    limited
    47.96, -91.85169 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    24.1 within-system score · 394.2 lake-scale opportunity index · 2.33 fish/net set · 2023 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 24.1/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 394.2 (2.33 fish/net set × 169 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 2.33 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2023
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  10. 108.6system score
    222 acres

    St. Louis County, MN

    Island Lake

    limited
    47.22, -93.03222 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    8.6 within-system score · 222.1 lake-scale opportunity index · 1 fish/net set · 1973 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 8.6/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 222.1 (1 fish/net set × 222 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1973
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 5, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 5 normal range 1.7-14.1 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
RankLakeCountyAcresSystem scorePrimary score signalSurvey measurementMetric yearDNR statusPanfish stocking
11Little Long LakeSt. Louis3225.2index 80.60.25 fish/net set1999No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 5 standard trap nets normal 3 2 to 21 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Long LakeSt. Louis32297.4index 42,355.2131.44 fish/net set2010No record—
2Ely LakeSt. Louis72377.2index 40,926.956.6 fish/net set2012No record—
3Armstrong LakeSt. Louis38263.7index 20,772.554.33 fish/net set1997No record—
4Ash LakeSt. Louis69054.3index 15,633.722.67 fish/net set2013No record—
5Leora LakeSt. Louis26352.3index 12,28446.75 fish/net set1988No record—
6Bass LakeSt. Louis16946.6index 6,165.636.44 fish/net set2023No record—
7Bassett LakeSt. Louis40339.8index 8,385.920.83 fish/net set1988No record—
8Black Duck LakeSt. Louis1,25025.9index 2,837.32.27 fish/net set2022No record—
9Little Sturgeon LakeSt. Louis27222.0index 2,119.37.78 fish/net set2016No record—
10Elephant LakeSt. Louis7283.5index 1,004.71.38 fish/net set1986No record—
11Island LakeSt. Louis2220.8index 9444.25 fish/net set1973No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 5 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 4 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Leora LakeSt. Louis26383.6index 2,95611.25 fish/net set1988No record—
2Ely LakeSt. Louis72383.0index 4,9176.8 fish/net set2012No record—
3Ash LakeSt. Louis69059.5index 2,068.93 fish/net set2013No record—
4Black Duck LakeSt. Louis1,25058.6index 2,162.31.73 fish/net set2022No record—
5Bass LakeSt. Louis16956.9index 864.65.11 fish/net set2023No record—
6Little Sturgeon LakeSt. Louis27242.1index 634.72.33 fish/net set2016No record—
7Armstrong LakeSt. Louis38239.5index 806.72.11 fish/net set1997No record—
8Little Long LakeSt. Louis32228.8index 357.71.11 fish/net set2010No record—
9Elephant LakeSt. Louis7280.0index 87.40.12 fish/net set1986No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 5 standard gill nets normal 1 7 to 14 1 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Elephant LakeSt. Louis72896.6index 5,664.37.78 fish/net set2009No record—
2Ely LakeSt. Louis72393.0index 4,8236.67 fish/net set2023No record—
3Leora LakeSt. Louis26376.3index 1,576.66 fish/net set2021No record—
4Armstrong LakeSt. Louis38250.4index 806.72.11 fish/net set2021No record—
5Little Long LakeSt. Louis32222.6index 161.10.5 fish/net set2015No record—
6Island LakeSt. Louis22212.7index 73.30.33 fish/net set2015No record—
7Long LakeSt. Louis2590.0index 51.80.2 fish/net set1982No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 5 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 4 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Elephant LakeSt. Louis72896.6index 2,125.92.92 fish/net set2009No record—
2Ely LakeSt. Louis72392.5index 1,807.72.5 fish/net set2023No record—
3Leora LakeSt. Louis26375.5index 625.42.38 fish/net set2021No record—
4Little Long LakeSt. Louis32252.1index 357.71.11 fish/net set2022No record—
5Island LakeSt. Louis22248.6index 277.61.25 fish/net set2015No record—
6Long LakeSt. Louis25912.6index 85.40.33 fish/net set1982No record—
7Armstrong LakeSt. Louis3829.5index 42.10.11 fish/net set2021No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 5 standard trap nets normal 3 2 to 21 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Long LakeSt. Louis32299.8index 14,036.843.56 fish/net set2022No record—
2Armstrong LakeSt. Louis38258.0index 6,373.616.67 fish/net set2021No record—
3Ely LakeSt. Louis72353.7index 6,869.49.5 fish/net set2023No record—
4Elephant LakeSt. Louis72829.4index 3,276.34.5 fish/net set2009No record—
5Leora LakeSt. Louis26310.5index 1,2144.62 fish/net set2021No record—
6Island LakeSt. Louis22210.0index 1,221.65.5 fish/net set2015No record—
7Long LakeSt. Louis2590.0index 1,1654.5 fish/net set1982No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 5 standard gill nets normal 1 7 to 14 1 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Elephant LakeSt. Louis72892.6index 47,964.665.88 fish/net set2019No record—
2Black Duck LakeSt. Louis1,25089.2index 80,617.964.5 fish/net set1985No record—
3Bassett LakeSt. Louis40347.8index 9,082.422.56 fish/net set2022No record—
4Armstrong LakeSt. Louis38213.6index 1,697.64.44 fish/net set2012No record—
5Bass LakeSt. Louis1697.6index 1,2697.5 fish/net set1997No record—
6Dewey LakeSt. Louis2016.5index 1,040.75.17 fish/net set2007No record—
7Long LakeSt. Louis2595.6index 1,079.64.17 fish/net set2004No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 5 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 4 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Bass LakeSt. Louis16993.2index 3,38420 fish/net set1997No record—
2Black Duck LakeSt. Louis1,25052.4index 2,712.32.17 fish/net set1985No record—
3Armstrong LakeSt. Louis38239.1index 1,020.82.67 fish/net set2012No record—
4Long LakeSt. Louis25932.4index 691.22.67 fish/net set2019No record—
5Elephant LakeSt. Louis72828.5index 669.80.92 fish/net set2019No record—
6Bassett LakeSt. Louis40327.1index 579.71.44 fish/net set2022No record—
7Dewey LakeSt. Louis2016.8index 277.81.38 fish/net set2007No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 12 standard gill nets normal 2 2 to 14 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Ed Shave LakeSt. Louis9092.0index 2,849.831.5 fish/net set1985No record—
2Hobo LakeSt. Louis7442.1index 629.38.5 fish/net set1981No record—
3Grassy LakeSt. Louis25730.4index 513.42 fish/net set1975No record—
4Ban LakeSt. Louis38928.7index 260.80.67 fish/net set2025No record—
5Johnson LakeSt. Louis45627.1index 378.50.83 fish/net set1988No record—
6Everett LakeSt. Louis1137.2index 75.80.67 fish/net set2011No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 12 standard gill nets normal 2 2 to 14 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Ban LakeSt. Louis38990.0index 22,901.958.83 fish/net set1987No record—
2Johnson LakeSt. Louis45630.4index 1,044.22.29 fish/net set2002No record—
3Everett LakeSt. Louis11325.3index 4724.17 fish/net set2007No record—
4Grassy LakeSt. Louis25719.0index 2130.83 fish/net set2019No record—
5Ed Shave LakeSt. Louis9015.4index 151.11.67 fish/net set2016No record—
6Hobo LakeSt. Louis7410.1index 741 fish/net set2023No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 13 standard gill nets normal 2 5 to 14 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Franklin LakeSt. Louis15697.5index 1,564.410 fish/net set2013No record—
2Coe LakeSt. Louis5459.4index 3266 fish/net set2018No record—
3Joseph LakeSt. Louis7646.9index 254.63.33 fish/net set2025No record—
4Janette LakeSt. Louis13332.6index 2662 fish/net set1977No record—
5Little LakeSt. Louis7124.9index 125.11.75 fish/net set2000No record—
6Indian LakeSt. Louis573.8index 42.50.75 fish/net set1995No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 5 standard trap nets normal 3 2 to 21 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Armstrong LakeSt. Louis38296.0index 24,087.463 fish/net set2012No record—
2Bass LakeSt. Louis16945.9index 6,54338.67 fish/net set1997No record—
3Elephant LakeSt. Louis72838.6index 7,338.810.08 fish/net set2019No record—
4Bassett LakeSt. Louis40324.1index 3,667.69.11 fish/net set2022No record—
5Long LakeSt. Louis25916.0index 2,588.910 fish/net set2019No record—
6Dewey LakeSt. Louis2014.3index 1,912.49.5 fish/net set2007No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 11 standard gill nets normal 2 to 16 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Cadotte LakeSt. Louis29499.4index 5,911.920.14 fish/net set2020No record—
2Little Stone LakeSt. Louis16959.7index 1,185.27 fish/net set2022No record—
3Colby LakeSt. Louis51851.5index 2,200.34.25 fish/net set1991No record—
4Dark LakeSt. Louis23124.9index 154.80.67 fish/net set2016No record—
5Dinham LakeSt. Louis2028.7index 34.30.17 fish/net set2018No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 11 standard trap nets normal 1 8 to 9 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Dinham LakeSt. Louis20292.1index 1,713.18.5 fish/net set2018No record—
2Colby LakeSt. Louis51876.2index 2,645.55.11 fish/net set1991No record—
3Dark LakeSt. Louis23162.0index 898.53.89 fish/net set2016No record—
4Little Stone LakeSt. Louis16955.8index 592.63.5 fish/net set2022No record—
5Cadotte LakeSt. Louis2940.0index 73.40.25 fish/net set1989No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 11 standard trap nets normal 2 4 to 16 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Stone LakeSt. Louis169100.0index 6,857.540.5 fish/net set2022No record—
2Dinham LakeSt. Louis20270.6index 3,627.718 fish/net set2018No record—
3Colby LakeSt. Louis51849.6index 3,163.36.11 fish/net set1991No record—
4Dark LakeSt. Louis23128.4index 4622 fish/net set2016No record—
5Cadotte LakeSt. Louis2949.4index 111.50.38 fish/net set2020No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 7 standard gill nets normal 1 9 to 7 1 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Crane LakeSt. Louis2,92195.3index 28,242.59.67 fish/net set2016No record—
2Birch LakeSt. Louis7,07462.9index 21,221.63 fish/net set2012No record—
3Bear Island LakeSt. Louis2,36248.2index 5,126.62.17 fish/net set2023No record—
4Elbow LakeSt. Louis1,69538.5index 4,525.92.67 fish/net set2008No record—
5Bear Head LakeSt. Louis6626.7index 443.50.67 fish/net set2018No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 7 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 8 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Bear Head LakeSt. Louis66291.1index 13,623.520.58 fish/net set2018No record—
2Bear Island LakeSt. Louis2,36283.1index 25,207.610.67 fish/net set2023No record—
3Elbow LakeSt. Louis1,69571.3index 16,391.79.67 fish/net set2008No record—
4Birch LakeSt. Louis7,07410.4index 565.90.08 fish/net set1993No record—
5Crane LakeSt. Louis2,9217.7index 233.70.08 fish/net set2016No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 7 standard trap nets normal 1 6 to 3 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Crane LakeSt. Louis2,92193.4index 8,031.72.75 fish/net set2016No record—
2Birch LakeSt. Louis7,07463.6index 9,408.21.33 fish/net set1993No record—
3Bear Island LakeSt. Louis2,36241.8index 3,000.31.27 fish/net set2023No record—
4Bear Head LakeSt. Louis66226.2index 1,211.41.83 fish/net set2018No record—
5Elbow LakeSt. Louis1,69510.3index 1,474.70.87 fish/net set2008No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 12 standard gill nets normal 2 2 to 14 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Johnson LakeSt. Louis45692.7index 1,194.72.62 fish/net set2022No record—
2Ed Shave LakeSt. Louis9060.5index 271.43 fish/net set2021No record—
3Everett LakeSt. Louis11356.8index 339.63 fish/net set2000No record—
4Grassy LakeSt. Louis25721.8index 300.31.17 fish/net set2007No record—
5Hobo LakeSt. Louis7420.9index 148.12 fish/net set2011No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 12 standard trap nets normal 0 3 to 6 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Ban LakeSt. Louis389100.0index 8,782.422.56 fish/net set2025No record—
2Grassy LakeSt. Louis25739.7index 2,759.310.75 fish/net set1975No record—
3Johnson LakeSt. Louis45616.1index 1,627.83.57 fish/net set1988No record—
4Everett LakeSt. Louis11316.0index 9438.33 fish/net set2011No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 12 standard trap nets normal 1 to 7 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Ban LakeSt. Louis38999.3index 996.62.56 fish/net set2025No record—
2Johnson LakeSt. Louis45688.6index 1,044.22.29 fish/net set1988No record—
3Grassy LakeSt. Louis25737.8index 192.50.75 fish/net set1975No record—
4Everett LakeSt. Louis1137.2index 24.90.22 fish/net set2011No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 13 standard gill nets normal 2 5 to 14 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Franklin LakeSt. Louis156100.0index 3,480.822.25 fish/net set2021No record—
2Joseph LakeSt. Louis7616.2index 76.51 fish/net set2001No record—
3Little LakeSt. Louis716.1index 17.90.25 fish/net set2013No record—
4Janette LakeSt. Louis1333.4index 22.60.17 fish/net set2003No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 12 standard trap nets normal 1 to 7 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Ban LakeSt. Louis38990.0index 3,764.49.67 fish/net set1987No record—
2Johnson LakeSt. Louis45674.9index 2,7866.11 fish/net set2002No record—
3Grassy LakeSt. Louis25753.9index 998.53.89 fish/net set2019No record—
4Everett LakeSt. Louis1139.1index 138.11.22 fish/net set2016No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 13 standard trap nets normal 0 6 to 17 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Coe LakeSt. Louis5497.6index 1,255.823.11 fish/net set2018No record—
2Joseph LakeSt. Louis7688.6index 1,256.816.44 fish/net set2025No record—
3Janette LakeSt. Louis13320.8index 340.52.56 fish/net set2013No record—
4Indian LakeSt. Louis571.9index 209.93.7 fish/net set1995No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 12 standard trap nets normal 0 3 to 6 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Johnson LakeSt. Louis456100.0index 10,843.223.78 fish/net set2022No record—
2Grassy LakeSt. Louis25773.9index 4,106.916 fish/net set2007No record—
3Everett LakeSt. Louis11341.0index 654.35.78 fish/net set2000No record—
4Ed Shave LakeSt. Louis909.5index 100.11 fish/net set2021No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 7 standard gill nets normal 1 9 to 7 1 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Birch LakeSt. Louis7,07486.9index 26,880.63.8 fish/net set1997No record—
2Bear Head LakeSt. Louis66237.8index 2,647.94 fish/net set2004No record—
3Bear Island LakeSt. Louis2,36224.0index 4,724.92 fish/net set2013No record—
4Johnson LakeSt. Louis1,73613.3index 3,038.81.75 fish/net set2022No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 16 standard gill nets normal 4 7 to 15 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake JeanetteSt. Louis61290.0index 19,597.832 fish/net set1989No record—
2Big LakeSt. Louis1,90451.1index 16,031.48.42 fish/net set2019No record—
3Grand LakeSt. Louis1,66510.0index 10,224.36.14 fish/net set2019No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 11 standard gill nets normal 2 to 16 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Cadotte LakeSt. Louis29490.0index 6,393.321.78 fish/net set2003No record—
2Colby LakeSt. Louis51824.2index 631.61.22 fish/net set2025No record—
3Little Stone LakeSt. Louis1692.6index 282.81.67 fish/net set2007No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 11 standard trap nets normal 2 4 to 16 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Stone LakeSt. Louis16991.8index 8,823.352.11 fish/net set2007No record—
2Colby LakeSt. Louis51852.8index 2,992.45.78 fish/net set2025No record—
3Cadotte LakeSt. Louis2940.0index 196.70.67 fish/net set2003No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 12 standard trap nets normal 0 3 to 6 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Grassy LakeSt. Louis257100.0index 6,560.725.56 fish/net set2019No record—
2Johnson LakeSt. Louis45647.5index 3,848.58.44 fish/net set2002No record—
3Everett LakeSt. Louis1138.2index 629.45.56 fish/net set2016No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 13 standard trap nets normal 1 7 to 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Coe LakeSt. Louis54100.0index 349.96.44 fish/net set2018No record—
2Janette LakeSt. Louis13328.1index 89.10.67 fish/net set2013No record—
3Indian LakeSt. Louis570.2index 39.70.7 fish/net set1995No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 16 standard gill nets normal 4 7 to 15 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Grand LakeSt. Louis1,66590.0index 90,836.154.55 fish/net set1955No record—
2Caribou LakeSt. Louis53913.2index 6,942.212.89 fish/net set2015No record—
3Lake JeanetteSt. Louis61210.0index 6,191.710.11 fish/net set2024No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 7 standard gill nets normal 1 9 to 7 1 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Johnson LakeSt. Louis1,73690.0index 11,582.26.67 fish/net set1993No record—
2Elbow LakeSt. Louis1,69535.4index 3,525.82.08 fish/net set2023No record—
3Bear Head LakeSt. Louis66210.0index 1,3242 fish/net set2023No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 12 standard trap nets normal 1 to 7 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Johnson LakeSt. Louis456100.0index 2,886.46.33 fish/net set2022No record—
2Grassy LakeSt. Louis25726.1index 541.62.11 fish/net set2007No record—
3Everett LakeSt. Louis1130.0index 201.51.78 fish/net set2000No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 13 standard gill nets normal 2 5 to 14 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little LakeSt. Louis7190.0index 232.23.25 fish/net set1988No record—
2Indian LakeSt. Louis5783.2index 1562.75 fish/net set2009No record—
3Joseph LakeSt. Louis7610.0index 25.20.33 fish/net set2011No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 16 standard gill nets normal 4 7 to 15 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake JeanetteSt. Louis61292.6index 9,95216.25 fish/net set1993No record—
2Big LakeSt. Louis1,90463.6index 9,995.85.25 fish/net set1982No record—
3Caribou LakeSt. Louis53910.0index 899.41.67 fish/net set2023No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 7 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 8 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Bear Island LakeSt. Louis2,362100.0index 51,974.322 fish/net set2013No record—
2Bear Head LakeSt. Louis66221.8index 7,665.711.58 fish/net set2004No record—
3Birch LakeSt. Louis7,0742.9index 8,488.61.2 fish/net set1997No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 7 standard trap nets normal 1 6 to 3 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Bear Island LakeSt. Louis2,36271.2index 3,614.61.53 fish/net set2013No record—
2Birch LakeSt. Louis7,07455.0index 4,739.50.67 fish/net set1997No record—
3Bear Head LakeSt. Louis66239.4index 1,489.52.25 fish/net set2004No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 10 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Astrid LakeSt. Louis120100.0index 39.70.33 fish/net set1988No record—
2Fenske LakeSt. Louis1080.0index 27.10.25 fish/net set1986No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 13 standard trap nets normal 0 6 to 17 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Joseph LakeSt. Louis7690.0index 297.43.89 fish/net set2001No record—
2Janette LakeSt. Louis13310.0index 2662 fish/net set2019No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 16 standard trap nets normal 0 3 to 4 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Grand LakeSt. Louis1,665100.0index 6,993.84.2 fish/net set2019No record—
2Big LakeSt. Louis1,90410.0index 514.10.27 fish/net set2019No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 16 standard trap nets normal 0 9 to 8 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Grand LakeSt. Louis1,665100.0index 13,1057.87 fish/net set2019No record—
2Big LakeSt. Louis1,9040.0index 152.30.08 fish/net set2009No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 19 standard gill nets normal 4 5 to 19 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Embarrass LakeSt. Louis463100.0index 3,034.76.56 fish/net set2023No record—
2Carey LakeSt. Louis1450.0index 872.46 fish/net set1988No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 19 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 3 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Embarrass LakeSt. Louis46365.0index 1,952.24.22 fish/net set2023No record—
2Carey LakeSt. Louis14535.0index 799.75.5 fish/net set1988No record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 19 standard trap nets normal 2 3 to 7 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Embarrass LakeSt. Louis463100.0index 1,540.53.33 fish/net set2023No record—
2Carey LakeSt. Louis1450.0index 472.63.25 fish/net set1988No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 10 standard gill nets normal 0 5 to 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Astrid LakeSt. Louis120100.0index 39.70.33 fish/net set2016No record—
2Fenske LakeSt. Louis10835.0index 35.80.33 fish/net set1997No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 10 standard trap nets normal 4 3 to 34 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Fenske LakeSt. Louis108100.0index 1,72315.89 fish/net set2017No record—
2Astrid LakeSt. Louis1200.0index 80.50.67 fish/net set2016No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 11 standard trap nets normal 1 8 to 9 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Colby LakeSt. Louis518100.0index 2,241.74.33 fish/net set2025No record—
2Little Stone LakeSt. Louis1690.0index 582.53.44 fish/net set2007No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 16 standard trap nets normal 0 3 to 4 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Grand LakeSt. Louis1,66590.0index 115,031.369.08 fish/net set1955No record—
2Caribou LakeSt. Louis53910.0index 1,707.33.17 fish/net set2015No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 16 standard trap nets normal 0 9 to 8 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Grand LakeSt. Louis1,66555.0index 9,991.16 fish/net set1955No record—
2Caribou LakeSt. Louis53945.0index 8,794.816.33 fish/net set2015No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 17 standard gill nets normal 3 3 to 18 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Blueberry LakeSt. Louis12590.0index 1,619.313 fish/net set2020No record—
2Agassa LakeSt. Louis7210.0index 252.63.5 fish/net set2024No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 7 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 8 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Bear Head LakeSt. Louis662100.0index 16,38424.75 fish/net set2023No record—
2Elbow LakeSt. Louis1,69510.0index 13,8498.17 fish/net set2023No record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 7 standard trap nets normal 1 6 to 3 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Elbow LakeSt. Louis1,69565.0index 4,102.22.42 fish/net set2023No record—
2Bear Head LakeSt. Louis66245.0index 2,2643.42 fish/net set2023No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 13 standard trap nets normal 0 6 to 17 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Joseph LakeSt. Louis76100.0index 1,367.717.89 fish/net set2018No record—
2Indian LakeSt. Louis570.0index 296.15.22 fish/net set2009No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 16 standard trap nets normal 0 9 to 8 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Caribou LakeSt. Louis539100.0index 9,602.717.83 fish/net set2023No record—
2Big LakeSt. Louis1,9040.0index 4,283.92.25 fish/net set1982No record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 17 standard gill nets normal 3 3 to 18 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Agassa LakeSt. Louis7290.0index 2,02128 fish/net set1977No record—
2Blueberry LakeSt. Louis12510.0index 1,183.39.5 fish/net set2007No record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 10 standard trap nets normal 1 6 to 6 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fenske LakeSt. Louis108——0.17 fish/net set1986No record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 10 standard trap nets normal 4 3 to 34 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fenske LakeSt. Louis108——10.67 fish/net set1986No record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 13 standard trap nets normal 1 7 to 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Janette LakeSt. Louis133——0.22 fish/net set2019No record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 17 standard gill nets normal 3 3 to 18 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Agassa LakeSt. Louis72——10 fish/net set2019No record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 10 standard trap nets normal 1 6 to 6 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fenske LakeSt. Louis108——0.78 fish/net set2017No record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 17 standard trap nets normal 0 6 to 6 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Blueberry LakeSt. Louis125——6.44 fish/net set2020No record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 17 standard trap nets normal 0 7 to 3 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Blueberry LakeSt. Louis125——4.78 fish/net set2020No record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 19 standard gill nets normal 4 5 to 19 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Carey LakeSt. Louis145——0.83 fish/net set2012No record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 19 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 3 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Carey LakeSt. Louis145——1.33 fish/net set2012No record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 19 standard trap nets normal 2 3 to 7 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Carey LakeSt. Louis145——2.67 fish/net set2012No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 10 standard trap nets normal 1 6 to 6 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fenske LakeSt. Louis108——1.44 fish/net set2007No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 10 standard trap nets normal 4 3 to 34 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fenske LakeSt. Louis108——18.67 fish/net set2007No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 13 standard trap nets normal 1 7 to 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Indian LakeSt. Louis57——4.78 fish/net set2009No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 17 standard trap nets normal 0 6 to 6 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Blueberry LakeSt. Louis125——7.56 fish/net set2007No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 17 standard trap nets normal 0 7 to 3 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Blueberry LakeSt. Louis125——1.22 fish/net set2007No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 19 standard gill nets normal 4 5 to 19 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Embarrass LakeSt. Louis463——5.56 fish/net set2002No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 19 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 3 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Embarrass LakeSt. Louis463——0.22 fish/net set2002No record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 19 standard trap nets normal 2 3 to 7 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Embarrass LakeSt. Louis463——6.89 fish/net set2002No record—
Documented species evidence — unranked and alphabetical
—Burntside LakeSt. Louis7,314————No record—
—Kabetogama LakeSt. Louis24,034————No record—

Methodology

How this list is built

County ranks use the same statewide exact-family contract; systems with at least two eligible county peers restart at #1. The score is 55% survey rate × acreage, 35% survey rate, and 10% recency. Catch-per-effort × acreage is only an opportunity index, never a literal fish count. Documented acreage plus verified public or shore access are eligibility gates. Unsupported methods stay documented but unranked. See the complete definitions on the statewide panfish ranking.

FAQ

St. Louis County panfish fishing FAQ

Which panfish lakes receive a numeric county rank?

46 lakes receive at least one peer-backed, exact-lake numeric rank. Catch-per-effort systems separate species, phase, gear, unit, and sampled population; standardized adult-density estimates form their own system, so systems with at least two eligible county peers can each have a #1 in St. Louis County.

How many St. Louis County lakes have panfish?

48 St. Louis County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence. Numeric rank still requires an exact comparable family plus the acreage and access gates.

Best panfish lakes statewideBest musky in St. Louis CountyBest walleye in St. Louis CountyBest smallmouth bass in St. Louis CountyBest largemouth bass in St. Louis CountyBest northern pike in St. Louis CountyAll St. Louis County lakes

Source data: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder fisheries surveys, lake classes, morphology, and public-access records. Rankings are LakeList's computed opinion from public agency data, not a DNR endorsement. Conditions and regulations change — verify access and rules before you go.