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Frequently Asked Questions About Forest Lake, MN
- How big is Forest Lake?
- How deep is Forest Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Forest Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Forest Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Forest Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Forest Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Forest Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Forest Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Forest Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Forest Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Forest Lake?
How big is Forest Lake?
How deep is Forest Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Forest Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Emerald Shiner, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Forest Lake?
What are the closest cities to Forest Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Forest Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Forest Lake?
Are there boat launches on Forest Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Forest Lake?
Explore the Forest 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 Forest 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
Forest Lake is a 2,251 acre lake comprised of three distinct basins and assigned to lake class 24. There are three public boat accesses available on the lake resulting in high recreational use. Zebra Mussels were discovered in 2015. The primary management species in the lake are Walleye and Muskellunge both of which are maintained through stocking. Walleyes fingerlings are stocked every year on a variable schedule of either 995 lbs. or 1531 lbs. in order to assess density dependent effects on recruitment to the fishery. Muskellunge are currently stocked with a target quota of 766 fingerlings per year. The lake was sampled with gill nets in July 2023. The previous survey was conducted in 2021.
Walleye were sampled at a rate of 9.8 fish per gillnet, the highest catch ever recorded. This is above the 75th percentile for the lake class. Fish size was typical relative to previous surveys with a mean length of 18.6 inches which is larger than average for the lake class. Lengths ranged from 12.7 to 26.7 inches with the bulk of the fish between 16 and 24 inches and well distributed through that range. Ages of fish were mostly between 3 and 6 years of with a handful of fish ranging up to 11 years old. Growth appears to be adequate with age and size distributions offering quality angling opportunities. The management goals for size and abundance are being met.
Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 4.5 fish per gill net. This was substantially lower than the previous two surveys catch rates but slightly higher than average for the lake class and more in line with catch rates historically sampled from the lake. Average size was the largest in sampling history with a mean length of 25.3 inches. This exceed the 75th percentile for the lake class. Fish lengths ranged from 17 to 34.7 inches with several of those fish exceeding 30 inches in length.
Yellow Perch were sampled at a rate much lower than any other survey in recent history with a catch rate of only 6.3 fish per gill net. This rate is lower than average for the lake class but still within the interquartile range. Size was similar to previous surveys with a mean length of 6.3 inches and ranging from 5.6 to 8 inches.
No Muskellunge were sampled during this survey but they are sampled during a separate spring effort with other gears. Other species sampled were: Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.
What is the average air temp for Forest Lake?
Are there any state parks near Forest Lake?
William O'brien State Park
Interstate State Park
Interstate State Park
Wild River State Park
Willow River State Park
Forest Lake Reviews
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Forest Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Shields Lake | 1.5 mi | 30 | 27 ft |
| Cranberry Lake | 1.6 mi | 22 | |
| Elwell Lake | 2.4 mi | 10 | |
| School Lake | 2.6 mi | 44 | |
| Little Comfort Lake | 2.7 mi | 37 | 56 ft |
| Clear Lake | 2.9 mi | 429 | 28 ft |
| Lake Keewahtin | 2.9 mi | 92 | 34 ft |
| Birch Lake | 3.0 mi | 22 | |
| Comfort Lake | 3.3 mi | 218 | 47 ft |
| German Lake | 3.4 mi | 49 |
