Mahnomen

The test netting on Mahnomen Lake indicated average populations of bowfin, northern pike, white sucker, rock bass, pumpkinseed, bluegill and walleye when compared with the area medians. Low populations of black and yellow bullheads, black crappie and yellow perch were indicated by the test netting. The northern pike sample indicated age classes two thru eight were present, with the two and three year old fish comprising 73% of aged fish. Growth rates appear to be good. There were some com- plaints that all the northerns are small but it appears most are just young fish. Age classes 1 to 4 were sampled for bluegill sunfish. Ages three and four were strongest comprising 61% of fish taken. Growth rates of ages one and two were average, while ages three and four appear to be somewhat stunted. Only three largemouth bass were taken during the survey, two four year olds and a five year old. Growth rates were average. Fall 1/4 inch trap netting produced a high catch of young-of-year largemouth bass. Largemouth bass reproduction was apparently excellent in 1988. Trapnet catches indicated a low population of black crappies. Most age classes were represented with only the six year age class missing. The two, three and four year old fish have slow growth rates while the five, seven and eight year olds indicate average growth rates. A low population of yellow perch was indicated when compared to catch rates of similar lakes in the area. Age classes two thru six were represented with ages 2, 3 and 4 making up 87% of the fish sampled. Growth rates appear to be average. The walleye population was average for lake group 5 in the Brainerd area. Age classes five and six were represented and showed average growth rates.

Test netting indicated a good population of northern pike, bluegills and yellow perch. Walleyes, black crappies, bowfin and bullheads were present but in small numbers.

Bass-Panfish.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch in Mahnomen. 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 Mahnomen. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Mahnomen has a maximum depth of 25 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Mahnomen is from 1988. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Yes — Mahnomen has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

No — Mahnomen has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.