Horseshoe

Special Problems or Concerns Affecting Fish or Fishing: Confusion and disagreement exists on who owns access on the east shore. Information that we obtained indicates that individual from Iowa owns the landing. Public does use the access at no charge and with acknowledgment of the owner. The average northern pike size has been decreasing over the years, locals blame winter spearing pressure. Population at present is made up of young fish, so no conclusion should be made at present time as why size decreased.Additional Field Notes: Observed 2 adult loons with two young. Panfish nest observed but no fish on the nest. Observed one active beaver house, also observed very heavy snail population around the entire lake (heaviest snail population I have ever observed).Present Fish Population Status: Northern pike abundance (10.5 per gill net) is excellent with majority of the northern pike belonging to the II and III age class groups. The size range of northern pike is skewed to the small side but the growth rate is good. Bluegill abundance is extremely high with a few large fish present but growth rate is slow. Largemouth bass abundance is excellent with all size groups present and exhibiting a good growth rate. The abundance of black crappie is good and the population is made up mainly if II, III and IV year old fish which shows a good growth rate. Yellow perch as forage food are present in good numbers. Walleye numbers are almost non-existant.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rock Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Walleye in Horseshoe. 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 Horseshoe. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Horseshoe has a maximum depth of 26 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Horseshoe is from 1985. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Horseshoe in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

No — Horseshoe has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide rock bass limit is: 30. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.