Size
7,293ac
Boat Launch
Carry-in Launch
Toilet
Yes
Boat Dock
Species in Crab Orchard Lake
Crappie
Bluegill
Largemouth bass
Flathead catfish
Channel catfish
White bass
Blue catfish
Striped Bass
Overview
Weeds and wood are key to finding largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. Good lakeside facilities. 6,695 acres
Crab Orchard Lake Map
Features
Located within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, the lake is an impoundment of Crab Orchard Creek. The area east of the Wolf Creek Road is closed to all shore fishing except from the causeways at Highway 148 and Wolf Creek Road. Boats are permitted in this area from March 15th through September 30th only. A 40 mph speed limit is in effect.
Special size res-trictions are in place for white, hybrid striped, and largemouth bass. Consult the most current regulations booklet to ensure compliance. A health advisory exists for carp and channel catfish taken from waters east of Wolf Creek Road and for carp west of Wolf Creek Road.
Forage
Gizzard shad are the primary prey species in terms of numbers, but young-of-the-year bluegill are the most important food for bass. Brook silverside, golden shiner and crayfish are all part of the forage base.
Seasonal Movements
During spring, white bass are attracted to the flowing inlets to spawn. Later in the spring, rough fish make a similar run.
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Top Fish Species
Crappie
5-15 in
Length Range
8 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
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
