South Temperance
A 214-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County — best known for walleye and pike. Last surveyed 1986.
Fish Species (5)
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 5.5 per gill net · typical 3–13.2 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 1986 | 5.50 | - | 1.75 lbs |
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 7.5 per gill net · typical 1.2–3.9 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 1986 | 7.50 | - | 1.50 lbs |
Average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 10.0 per gill net · typical 0.2–0.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 1986 | 10.00 | - | 0.94 lbs |
Typical numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.5 per gill net · typical 0.5–2.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 1986 | 0.50 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Other species in this lake (1)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 1986
Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 4.0 per gill net · typical 2.6–11.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 1986 | 4.00 | - | 3.06 lbs |
Fishing Regulations
Statewide limits
Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.
Walleye and Sauger
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20"
Northern Pike
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Northeast zone
Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 8, 2026
Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.
Catch-and-release only
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.
6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth
Perch
20 daily and 40 in possession
More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)
Northern Pike
Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Northeast zone
Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").
Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers
no limit
Biologist Notes
September 4, 1986ABUNDANCE AND SIZE OF WALLEYES IS GOOD. THERE APPEARS TO BE FAIRLY RELIABLE NATURAL REPRODUCTION GROWTH RATES ARE GOOD. SMALLMOUTH BASS ARE PRESENT IN…
ABUNDANCE AND SIZE OF WALLEYES IS GOOD. THERE APPEARS TO BE FAIRLY RELIABLE NATURAL REPRODUCTION GROWTH RATES ARE GOOD. SMALLMOUTH BASS ARE PRESENT IN GOOD NUMBERS. GROWTH IS GOOD, AND THERE ARE SOME LARGE INDIVIDUALS PRESENT. A SMALL NORTHERN CISCO POPULATION IS PRESENT, AND THERE ARE GOOD NUMBERS OF SMALL NORTHERN PIKE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in South Temperance?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch in South Temperance. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at South Temperance?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for South Temperance. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is South Temperance?
South Temperance has a maximum depth of 24 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in South Temperance last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in South Temperance is from 1986. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does South Temperance have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for South Temperance in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on South Temperance?
No — South Temperance 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.
More lakes in Cook County
View allLake Details
- Surface Area
- 214.3 acres
- Max Depth
- 24 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.09 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed