Centerville

Centerville Lake is a productive (eutrophic; maximum depth of 19 feet) basin assigned to lake class 24, having a surface acreage of 455 acres, of which 276 are littoral. A winter aeration system is in place to prevent major winterkills. Walleye and Bluegill are the primary management species in the lake. A special regulation of a 5 fish bag-limit was placed on Bluegill in 2020. Bluegill are assessed by independent spring surveys. Walleye have been stocked at variable rates in the past but since 2020 they are stocked at a rate of 0.65 lb of fingerlings per littoral-acre annually (180 lbs). The lake was sampled using gill nets in July 2025 to assess the Walleye population. The previous survey was conducted in 2019. Walleye were sampled at a rate of 3.7 fish per gill net. This is the highest catch rate since the 2007 survey and a notable reversal in decreasing catches since the 2002 survey. Walleye size was typical relative to both the lake and the lake class with a mean length of 17.2 inches. Lengths ranged from 11 to 24.7 inches. Year classes were

Crappie were collected as part of a broad research project investigating populations across Minnesota. Springtime trap net surveys collected a total of 162 fish. Individuals averaged 7.2 inches with the largest individual being 9.1 inches. Growth was slow and individuals averaged 5.4 and 7.5 inches at age 3 and 6, respectively. Maximum age was 11.

Centerville Lake is a 455-acre lake with a maximum depth is 19 feet. A winter aeration system is in place to prevent major winterkills. Walleye and Bluegill are the primary management species in the lake. The 2021 spring trap netting survey was conducted to provide baseline information on Bluegill for the new 5-fish bag limit experimental fishing regulation that went into effect in 2021. The goal of this regulation on Centerville Lake is to increase the size structure of Bluegill. Nine trap nets were set on April 27, 2021 and lifted on April 28, 2021 catching a total of 230 Bluegill. Bluegill ranged in size from 3.4 inches up to 8.5 inches in length, with an average size of 6.6 inches. Aging structures (otoliths) were collected from 89 Bluegill. Most of the fish were from three different years, 2018 (3 years old), 2016 (5 years old) and 2015 (6 years old). The oldest Bluegill sampled in 2021 was determined to be from the 2013 year-class (8 years old). The size structure of Bluegill found in Centerville Lake is below average for East Metro-area lakes, with 8% of fish 7 inches or larger.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, and White Crappie in Centerville. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Centerville. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Centerville has a maximum depth of 19 feet and a mean depth of 12 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Centerville is from 2025.

Yes — Centerville has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Centerville, covering sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.