Today's Best Fishing Times
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Frequently Asked Questions About Detroit Lake, MN
- How big is Detroit Lake?
- How deep is Detroit Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Detroit Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Detroit Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Detroit Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Detroit Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Detroit Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Detroit Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Detroit Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Detroit Lake?
How big is Detroit Lake?
How deep is Detroit Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Detroit Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Creek Chub, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Spottail Shiner and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Detroit Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Detroit Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Detroit Lake?
Are there boat launches on Detroit Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Detroit Lake?
Explore the Detroit Lake area in a RV
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2021 Fleetwood Flair - "Frankie the Flair" - Family Friendly - 29 Feet
FARGO, ND
What aquatic invasive species are found in Detroit 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
Detroit Lake is a 3,067-acre lake within the city limits of Detroit Lakes. Visually, the lake has three parts, Big Detroit, Little Detroit, and Curfman Lake (a.k.a., Deadshot Bay). Curfman Lake is 120 acres, Little Detroit covers approximately 1,000 acres, and Big Detroit, the main basin, is over 2,000 acres in size. Fisheries assessments treat all three connected basins as one lake. The lake's primary inlet and outlet, the Pelican River, enters the north shore of Big Detroit and exits the southwest shore of Little Detroit. The Pelican River supports spawning runs for Northern Pike, Walleye, and White Sucker. A standard fisheries survey was completed in August 2023 to assess the fish populations in Detroit Lake.
Anglers will find a moderate number of Northern Pike in Detroit Lake, however, most of these fish will be on the small side. The average size of the pike captured in 2023 was 19 inches, but one 29-inch fish was measured. Additionally, although not the target of this survey, one 40-inch Muskellunge was measured in the survey. Detroit Lake has a very stable Walleye population and the 2023 survey captured Walleyes in good numbers and size. About 83% of the Walleye observed in 2023 were over 15 inches and 29% were over 20 inches. Anglers can expect to find good numbers of small Bluegills, but fish over eight inches are rare. Only two percent of the Bluegills sampled in 2023 were over eight inches. Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass were captured in low numbers in the nets, which is often the case with this sampling gear. Black Crappie up to 10.5 inches were measured and Largemouth Bass up to 19 inches were captured. Lake Sturgeon are present in Detroit Lake and the survey captured fish up to 35 inches. Other fish species observed were Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch.
What is the average air temp for Detroit Lake?
Are there any state parks near Detroit 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 Detroit Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Curfman Lake | 1.1 mi | 121 | 24 ft |
| Glawe Lake | 1.4 mi | 32 | |
| West Twin Lake | 1.7 mi | 11 | 68 ft |
| Slough Lake | 1.9 mi | 30 | |
| Abbey Lake | 2.0 mi | 267 | |
| Muskrat Lake | 2.1 mi | 67 | 18 ft |
| St. Clair Lake | 2.4 mi | 136 | |
| Leitheiser Lake | 2.5 mi | 292 | |
| Senical Lake | 2.5 mi | 114 | |
| Nottage Lake | 2.8 mi | 65 | 25 ft |
