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Frequently Asked Questions About Stump Lake, MN
- How big is Stump Lake?
- How deep is Stump Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Stump Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Stump Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Stump Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Stump Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Stump Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Stump Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Stump Lake?
How big is Stump Lake?
How deep is Stump Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Stump Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Stump Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Stump Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Stump Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Stump Lake?
Explore the Stump Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
What aquatic invasive species are found in Stump Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Stump Lake is a 323 acre impoundment of the Mississippi River located approximately four miles downstream of Lake Bemidji in Beltrami County. The maximum depth is 24 feet but most of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. There are no public boat ramps on Stump Lake but many access the lake via the Mississippi River from Lake Bemidji. This stretch of the river has a no-wake restriction on boat speed which results in a lengthy trip. Stump Lake is a popular destination for canoeists navigating the Mississippi to Stump Lake and exiting by portage around the Ottertail Power Dam off of County Hwy 12. There is a remote campsite on Stump available on a first come, first served basis. Anglers who make the effort to access Stump Lake often find it worthwhile, as accessibility tends to keeps fishing pressure at low levels.
Largemouth Bass is one of the most popular species in Stump Lake. The 2022 survey only captured 8 which isn't unusual for mid-summer surveys. The largest captured was just below 16 inches in length, but they are known to achieve much larger sizes in Stump. Bass habitat is abundant as much of the shoreline is comprised of waterlily, wild rice, and various other emergent and submerged vegetation.
A number of Black Crappie were captured during the survey with some exceeding 13 inches in length. The low angling pressure allows crappies a chance to achieve quality sizes. The deep weed lines and steep drops in Stump provide anglers the opportunity to target them while they congregate on these habitat transitions.
Bluegills are present in average numbers but size quality is higher than most lakes in the area. The largest captured in 2022 was just short of 10 inches and lengths over 8 inches were not uncommon. Because of the time required to traverse the river, Stump has remained an out-of-the-way refuge for a great panfish population.
On occasion, Walleyes will travel downstream from Lake Bemidji but the resident population is relatively low. Few fish were captured in 2022 but lengths were measured up to almost 25 inches.
If you're fishing Stump Lake during the day, there is a good chance you'll encounter Northern Pike. The population is doing well and pike captured in the survey averaged over 2 lbs./fish with fish observed over 34 inches in length.
The Yellow Perch catch was higher than the previous gill net survey and sizes have improved. About 30% of Perch measured were over 9 inches in length and the largest was over 12 inches. Perch are not only popular with anglers, but also one of the most important forage species for Walleye and pike.
Other species captured in this survey were Rock Bass, White Sucker, Bowfin, Bullhead species, and a variety of sunfish species.
What is the average air temp for Stump Lake?
Are there any state parks near Stump Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Stump Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Unnamed Lake | 1.6 mi | 22 | |
| Little Bass Lake | 1.9 mi | 363 | 22 ft |
| School Lake | 2.6 mi | 42 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 2.7 mi | 10 | |
| Big Bass Lake (east basin) | 3.3 mi | 337 | 17 ft |
| Swenson Lake | 3.5 mi | 412 | 76 ft |
| Buck Lake | 3.9 mi | 271 | 40 ft |
| Big Bass Lake (west basin) | 3.9 mi | 52 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 4.0 mi | 35 | |
| Ose Lake | 4.2 mi | 59 |
