White Earth

On September 23, 2025, DNR Fisheries used night electrofishing to sample young-of-year Walleyes in White Earth Lake. This sampling has been done annually for the past 15 years and is used to help determine the success of natural reproduction within White Earth Lake. During the 2025 assessment, 18 young-of-year Walleyes were sampled, indicating a small naturally produced year class. These young Walleyes had an average length of 6.8 inches. DNR Fisheries will continue to monitor White Earth's Walleye production with annual electrofishing and other survey methods.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basins in White Earth Lake, which is located wholly within the White Earth Indian Reservation, on August 7, 2025. This work was completed to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperatures were adequate around 30 feet, and the dissolved oxygen concentration never decreased to 3.0 mg/L. TDO3 values cooler than 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit (21.2 degrees C) generally indicate that oxythermal conditions are suitable for Cisco.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basins in White Earth Lake, which is located wholly within the White Earth Indian Reservation, on August 7, 2025. This work was completed to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperatures were adequate around 30 feet, and the dissolved oxygen concentration never decreased to 3.0 mg/L. TDO3 values cooler than 70.2 degrees Fahrenheit (21.2 degrees C) generally indicate that oxythermal conditions are suitable for Cisco.

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

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

White Earth has a maximum depth of 120 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in White Earth is from 2023.

Yes — White Earth has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

No — White Earth has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide walleye and sauger limit is: 6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20". Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.