Heidecke Lake

Heidecke Lake

Size
1,907ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
Yes
Boat Dock
No
Species in Heidecke Lake
Walleye
Walleye
Crappie
Crappie
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Bluegill
Bluegill
Muskellunge
Muskellunge
White bass
White bass
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Channel catfish
Channel catfish
Blue catfish
Blue catfish
Flathead catfish
Flathead catfish
Striped Bass
Striped Bass

Overview

This power plant cooling lake is one of the best hybrid striper lakes in the nation. Also walleye, catfish and bluegill.

Heidecke Lake Map

Features

Heidecke Lake was originally created to act as a power plant cooling lake by Midwest Generation Company. The power station has since shut down and changed fishing on the lake drastically. Historically, fishing was driven by currents resulting from power generation. Now, the best bite occurs when the wind is blowing. Fishing is excellent in the spring and drastically slows when the shad hatch occurs, typically when water temperatures reach around 78 degrees. The lake offers a diverse fishery. Black bass, temperate bass, catfish and walleye all provide excellent action. Smallmouth bass are the dominant black bass species. Heidecke has the potential to produce record hybrid striped bass. The lake is open for fishing from April 1st to ten days prior to the opening of waterfowl season in the north zone (this date varies annually). Water skiing, wading, swimming and sail boating are prohibited on the lake, adding to its appeal to anglers. The boat access is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to sunset. The bank fishing access on the center and eastern dikes opens at 6:30 and closes at sunset. During windy conditions, the site superintendent can close the lake to all fishing. Outboard motors are required with no size restrictions, however a 40 mph speed limit is in effect. Since dangerous conditions can be created by the wind, boats over 14 feet are recommended. There are no-wake areas near the boat landing and under the center dike bridge. Zebra mussels have been accidentally introduced into the lake. As a result, special precautions are required when leaving the lake to ensure the further spread of this invasive species. Make sure you check with posted regulations at the access. Special length and creel limits exist for walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, stripers and hybrid striped bass.

Forage

Gizzard shad are the primary forage for the larger predators. Crayfish, juvenile panfish, drum and a variety of minnow species also contribute.
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Fish Species

Blue catfish
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Bluegill
fish
8-28 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2023
Mar
2024
Sep
Channel catfish
fish
22-23 in
Length Range
23 in
Length Range
2022
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2022
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2021
Mar
2022
Sep
Crappie
fish
8-28 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Mar
2024
Sep
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized crappie based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202414
202114
Flathead catfish
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Largemouth bass
fish
8-28 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2023
Mar
2024
Sep
Muskellunge
fish
8-28 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Mar
2024
Sep
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized muskellunge based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202449
202349
202248
202148
Smallmouth bass
fish
8-28 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2023
Mar
2024
Sep
Striped Bass
fish
No survey data
Abundance (CPUE)
No abundance data
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
No Survey Data
Walleye
fish
8-28 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2024
Mar
2024
Sep
White bass
fish
8-28 in
Length Range
18 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2024
Surveyed
NA
Catch Method
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2022
Sep
2024
Sep
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized white-bass based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202219
201817