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The lake has a maximum depth of 20 feet and an average depth of 6 feet. It is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, which provide a picturesque backdrop for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, which are popular targets for anglers.
Lac qui Parle Lake is also an important ecological resource, providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The lake is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to protect and conserve the area's natural resources.
In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Lac qui Parle Lake is surrounded by several parks, campgrounds, and resorts, making it a popular vacation destination. The area also offers hiking and biking trails, hunting opportunities, and other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
The lake is also known for its historical significance, as it is the location of the Lac qui Parle Mission, which was established in the early 19th century as one of the first missions in the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lac qui Parle Lake, MN
- How big is Lac qui Parle Lake?
- How deep is Lac qui Parle Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Lac qui Parle Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Lac qui Parle Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Lac qui Parle Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Lac qui Parle Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Lac qui Parle Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Lac qui Parle Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Lac qui Parle Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Lac qui Parle Lake?
How big is Lac qui Parle Lake?
How deep is Lac qui Parle Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Lac qui Parle Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include American Eel, Blackside Darter, Bluntnose Minnow, Brassy Minnow, Brook Stickleback, Common Shiner, Emerald Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Freshwater Drum, Golden Redhorse, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Orangespotted Sunfish, Quillback, Sand Shiner, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Slenderhead Darter, Spotfin Shiner, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Lac qui Parle Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Lac qui Parle Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Lac qui Parle Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Lac qui Parle Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Lac qui Parle Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Lac qui Parle Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?
Explore the Lac qui Parle Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Lac qui Parle 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
Lac qui Parle Lake (LQP) is located three miles southwest of Milan in western Minnesota. It is an impoundment of the Minnesota River and its water level is controlled by Churchill Dam. LQP is a highly productive lake that measures 5,589 acres and has a maximum depth of 15 feet. Watersheds that ultimately drain into LQP include the Upper Minnesota, Yellow Bank, Lac qui Parle, Pomme de Terre and a portion of the Chippewa. LQP is operated as a flood control reservoir and some years water levels will fluctuate by more than five feet. Depending on the timing and extent of the water level fluctuations, fish may experience good or poor natural reproduction.
LQP often provides good Walleye fishing. Fourteen Walleyes were caught per gill net in 2016, indicating a moderate population. The Walleyes were primarily from the 2013 and 2014 year classes and were 13-16 inches. Natural reproduction, downstream migration and fingerling/yearling stockings have contributed to the population. Walleyes have grown slower than normal during recent years, likely due to low food availability. Stomach analyses have indicated that young Walleyes have struggled at times to find adequate forage to insure good growth and condition. LQP experiences extremely high sediment suspension during strong winds, which limits the ability of important food organisms to reproduce and grow. In addition, the highly fluctuating water levels likely affect the ability of many fish species to successfully spawn. These factors impact the production of food that is important for successful growth and recruitment of young Walleyes.
Crappie fishing has been very good for many years. The crappie population has typically been higher when the Walleye population has been lower. High crappie numbers from a wide range of sizes were present in 2016, with many fish over 11 inches. Good fishing for crappies is expected to continue.
Northern Pike were abundant and growing fast with fish sampled up to 38 inches. Anglers reported good catches of pike during 2016. Spearers have also reported good success during recent years.
High numbers of Freshwater Drum were sampled. Smaller drum are important food for other game fish, however larger drum compete with them for resources. Anglers are encouraged to harvest drum. They are good to eat, especially if the small amounts of red meat are trimmed from the fillets. Excellent recipes for cooking drum can be found on the internet by searching "drum recipes".
Channel Catfish were moderately abundant with many fish over 20 inches. Very little angling for catfish has been known to occur. Considering their high numbers and large sizes, catfish enthusiasts should consider a trip to LQP Lake.
Management activities for LQP Lake include annual fish surveys, forage evaluations, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen concentrations, annual ice-house counts and Walleye stocking. Zebra mussels were confirmed to be present during 2016. Anglers are reminded to drain all water from their boat, ballast tanks, bait containers, motor, bilge, livewell and baitwell before leaving the lake. Keep drain plugs out and water-draining devices open while transporting watercraft.
What is the average air temp for Lac qui Parle Lake?
Are there any state parks near Lac qui Parle 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 Lac qui Parle Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Lac Qui Parle Lake | 0.5 mi | 5,993 | 15 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 9.0 mi | 19 | 13 ft |
| Lake | 11.6 mi | 4,428 | 5 ft |
| Shible Lake | 12.0 mi | 340 | 8.5 ft |
| Lake Oliver | 17.2 mi | 671 | 35 ft |
| Big Stone NWR East Pool | 19.5 mi | 1,286 | 0 ft |
