Buck

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Buck Lake, which is located wholly within the Leech Lake Reservation, on August 4th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (LLBO) holds Clean Water Act jurisdiction over waters within the exterior boundaries of the Leech Lake Reservation, which allows LLBO to establish water quality standards to protect Reservation waters and culturally important aquatic resources. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 20.0 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 23.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 3.3 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 17.3 degrees C (63.1 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to August 24th) in 2024 also indicates suitable oxythermal habitat, when the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 3.3 feet thick, however the 2024 TDO3 was slightly warmer at 18.5 degrees C (65.3 degrees F). When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Buck Lake, which is located wholly within the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Indian Reservation, on July 30, 2024, 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. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 20.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 23.9 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 3.3 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 18.5 degrees C (65.3 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. This is the first survey completed on Buck Lake during the late summer thermal stress period. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Buck Lake, which is located wholly within the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Indian Reservation, on July 30, 2024, 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. Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 20.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 23.9 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 3.3 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 18.5 degrees C (65.3 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. This is the first survey completed on Buck Lake during the late summer thermal stress period. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rock Bass, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Walleye, and Bluegill in Buck. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Buck. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Buck has a maximum depth of 40 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Buck is from 1981. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Buck, 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.