Wolf

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Wolf Lake, which is located partially within the Leech Lake Reservation, on August 7th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (oxythermal habitat) available to coldwater fish species such as 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 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F), and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. This layer can be characterized using a single variable, TDO3, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L. Based on data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 55.8 feet), the water temperature decreased to 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 19.5 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 19.0 feet at the time of sampling. Therefore, the water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen 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 21.5 degrees C (70.7 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable 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 2009 indicated suitable oxythermal habitat with a layer of 8.3 feet. However, surveys in 2019 and 2024 indicated marginal (i.e., 2.9 feet) or no suitable habitat, respectively. 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 Wolf Lake, which is located partially within the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Indian Reservation, on August 07, 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. 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 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 16.6 feet at the time of sampling. The water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen 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 22.6 degrees C (72.7 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for coldwater fish species at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2009 and 2019 indicate variability in oxythermal habitat in both years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, coldwater fish species 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 Wolf Lake, which is located partially within the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Indian Reservation, on August 07, 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. 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 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 16.6 feet at the time of sampling. The water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen 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 22.6 degrees C (72.7 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for coldwater fish species at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2009 and 2019 indicate variability in oxythermal habitat in both years, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, coldwater fish species are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Rock Bass, Black Crappie, Hybrid Sunfish, and Bluegill in Wolf. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Wolf has a maximum depth of 57 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Wolf is from 2019.

Yes — Wolf has confirmed starry stonewort and 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 Wolf, 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.