Zephyr

Cook County

Near Prairie Portage

DOW: 16081300

Northern PikeExcellent · 77WalleyeGood · 68Smallmouth BassGood · 50

A 140-acre lake near Prairie Portage in Cook County — best known for pike and walleye. Last surveyed 1976.

Fish Species (4)

Northern Pike

Excellent · 77

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1976

Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

4.00 lbs

Catch rate: 1.3 per gill net · typical 1.2–3.9 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 20, 1976	1.33	-	4.00 lbs	Standard gill nets

Walleye

Good · 68

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1976

Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.11 lbs

Catch rate: 6.3 per gill net · typical 3–13.2 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 20, 1976	6.33	-	2.11 lbs	Standard gill nets

Smallmouth Bass

Good · 50

Large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1976

Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.50 lbs

Catch rate: 1.3 per gill net · typical 0.2–0.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 20, 1976	1.33	-	2.50 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Good · 64

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1976

Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

3.85 lbs

Catch rate: 3.3 per gill net · typical 2.6–11.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 20, 1976	3.33	-	3.85 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

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

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

July 20, 1976Test netting sampling indicate low populations of Whitefish, Suckers, N Pike and SM Bass present, and a fairly good Walleye population with various ag…

Test netting sampling indicate low populations of Whitefish, Suckers, N Pike and SM Bass present, and a fairly good Walleye population with various ages of fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Zephyr?

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

Is there public access at Zephyr?

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

How deep is Zephyr?

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

When were the main sport fish in Zephyr last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Zephyr is from 1976. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Zephyr have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Zephyr?

No — Zephyr 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.