Shabbona Lake

Shabbona Lake

Size
311ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
Yes
Boat Dock
No
Species in Shabbona Lake
Walleye
Walleye
Perch
Perch
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Crappie
Crappie
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Muskellunge
Muskellunge
Bluegill
Bluegill
Channel catfish
Channel catfish

Overview

Shabbona Lake Map

Features

Shabbona Lake was created in 1975 when the Shabbona Dam was constructed across Indian Creek. The 1,550-acre Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area surrounds the lake. There is no entrance fee, and hours of operation vary depending on the time of year. The Upper Fishing Area and Lower Refuge Area at the west end of the lake are designated no-wake areas, and the use of gas engines is prohibited. Gas motors over 10 horsepower are not permitted on Shabbona Lake. Bank fishing and boat access is prohibited in the Lower Refuge Area from October 1 to freeze-up. During periods of severe weather, condition warning flags are displayed at the access sites. Boating is prohibited from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Five earthen fishing piers have been built along the west shore. Each pier is surrounded by fish cribs placed in water approximately 10 feet deep.

Forage

Gizzard shad are utilized by the larger predator species. A variety of minnow species are also present, mainly brook silverside, golden shiner and bluntnose minnow. White sucker, bullhead and crayfish also contribute to the forage base.
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Fish Species

Bluegill
fish
17-22 in
Length Range
19 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
Sep
2024
Sep
Channel catfish
fish
17-22 in
Length Range
19 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
Sep
2024
Sep
Crappie
fish
17-22 in
Length Range
19 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
Sep
2024
Sep
Largemouth bass
fish
17-22 in
Length Range
19 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
Sep
2024
Sep
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized largemouth-bass based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202421
202321
202220
202120
201921
Muskellunge
fish
34-39 in
Length Range
36 in
Length Range
2023
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Unknown
2023
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
2023
Mar
Perch
fish
17-22 in
Length Range
19 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
Sep
2024
Sep
Smallmouth bass
fish
17-22 in
Length Range
19 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
Sep
2024
Sep
Walleye
fish
17-22 in
Length Range
19 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
Sep
2024
Sep
Trophy Potential
This lake has a history of supporting trophy sized walleye based on past surveys.
Survey YearLargest Fish (in)
202329