Borden

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Borden Lake on July 31st, 2025, 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 (maximum sampled depth 81.0 feet), the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 15.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 16.0 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 0.2 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present but marginal 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 20.8 degrees C (69.4 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were marginal for Cisco at the time of the survey as the layer was confined to less than 3 feet of suitable habitat 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 Aug 24th) in 2023 and 2024 indicate marginal (i.e., 1.1 feet) and unsuitable (i.e., 0.0 feet) oxythermal 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 (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Borden Lake on July 31st, 2025, 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 (maximum sampled depth 81.0 feet), the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 15.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 16.0 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 0.2 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present but marginal 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 20.8 degrees C (69.4 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were marginal for Cisco at the time of the survey as the layer was confined to less than 3 feet of suitable habitat 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 Aug 24th) in 2023 and 2024 indicate marginal (i.e., 1.1 feet) and unsuitable (i.e., 0.0 feet) oxythermal 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 (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Borden Lake on July 31st, 2025, 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 (maximum sampled depth 81.0 feet), the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 15.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 16.0 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 0.2 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present but marginal 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 20.8 degrees C (69.4 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were marginal for Cisco at the time of the survey as the layer was confined to less than 3 feet of suitable habitat 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 Aug 24th) in 2023 and 2024 indicate marginal (i.e., 1.1 feet) and unsuitable (i.e., 0.0 feet) oxythermal habitat, respectively. 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 Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, and Walleye in Borden. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Borden has a maximum depth of 84 feet and a mean depth of 22 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Borden is from 2024.

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

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Borden, covering crappie and 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.