Traverse Lake

How big is Traverse Lake?

How deep is Traverse Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Traverse Lake?

What are the closest cities to Traverse Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Traverse Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Traverse Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Traverse Lake (Central)

Traverse Lake (East)

Traverse Lake (West)

Are there boat launches on Traverse Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Traverse Lake?

Traverse Lake is in western Minnesota, north of Browns Valley on the Minnesota-South Dakota border. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks comanage the fishery and Border Waters fishing regulations apply. The lake is 16 miles long, up to two miles wide, 11,528 acres and it has a maximum depth of 12 feet. A contour map should be studied before boating because many shallow reefs and points exist, especially near the islands and in the northwest portion of the lake. Anglers commonly target walleyes, bluegills, channel catfish, crappies, freshwater drum, northern pike, smallmouth bass and white bass.

This 2023 Targeted Survey was conducted to collect routine fish population data using gill nets, shoreline seining and fall night electrofishing. These data can be compared to historical Standard and Targeted Survey data from Traverse Lake.

Traverse Lake has been a good walleye fishery for many years. Walleyes were abundant in this survey with a wide range of sizes present, averaging 16 inches. Walleye growth has been very good, with the exception of the 2018 year class. Natural reproduction has been primarily responsible for maintaining the walleye population during recent years.

Low numbers of yellow perch were caught but many were in the 9 to 12-inch range. Perch numbers are not likely to increase substantially unless the number of predators decreases.

The bluegill catch was relatively low, but fish over 9 inches were present. Anglers have reported catching large bluegills at times near rock reefs and weed lines. High numbers of young bluegills are frequently present, but most of them are likely eaten by walleyes, northern pike and white bass due to limited cover.

Lake Traverse has a trophy channel catfish population with high numbers of large fish. Channel catfish were 14-32 inches, averaging 25 inches.

A moderate number of black crappies were present, plus a lower number of white crappies. Crappie numbers have increased during recent years including some up to 13 inches.

Northern pike numbers have increased due to a few years with good spawning conditions. Pike naturally reproduce in Traverse Lake and its tributaries. They can also migrate into Traverse Lake from Mud Lake during high flows. The 2023 catch rate was above average for Traverse Lake and was similar to catch rates from recent surveys. Pike mean length was 21 inches and the largest was 35 inches. Anglers have reported some good catches of pike in recent years. They grow fast and die young. Few pike over four years old have ever been sampled.

Smallmouth bass were first caught in DNR sampling in 2012 and their numbers had increased substanitally. It appears that many smallmouth bass may have died during the severe winter of 2022-23 and anglers reported catching very few in 2023. Smallmouth bass probably entered the lake from downstream sources such as the Ottertail River. Smallmouth bass are becoming more abundant in many Minnesota lakes, likely, in part, due to milder winters. Largemouth Bass are also found in low numbers in Traverse Lake but have been increasing in recent years as well.

Traverse Lake has often provided good fishing for white bass and freshwater drum. White bass numbers have been relatively low due to a die-off in 2018. Drum numbers were moderate in 2023. White bass and drum have white meat and are good to eat. Their flavor can be improved by keeping the fillets out of the slime when cleaning, and by trimming away the reddish meat from the outside of the fillets. Many good drum recipes can be found on the internet.

What is the average air temp for Traverse Lake?

Are there any state parks near Traverse Lake?