Mitchell

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basin in Mitchell Lake on August 2, 2024, 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. 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, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 14.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 12.5 feet at the time of sampling. The water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen 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 23.7 degrees C (74.6 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. A report of approximately 30 dead Cisco on July 22, 2024, corroborate these findings. Data collected by the MNDNR during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress in 2022 and 2023 indicated suitable oxythermal habitat during those years. Other noteworthy information includes a repeat survey completed by MNDNR staff on August 8, 2024, which indicated 3.1 feet of suitable habitat at that time compared to no suitable habitat during this August 2 survey. Local weather conditions between sampling events likely contributed to the increase in oxythermal habitat observed during the August 8 survey. Including data from all available surveys, the least favorable conditions as measured by TDO3 were recorded on August 2, 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basin in Mitchell Lake on August 2, 2024, 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. 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, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 14.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 12.5 feet at the time of sampling. The water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen 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 23.7 degrees C (74.6 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. A report of approximately 30 dead Cisco on July 22, 2024, corroborate these findings. Data collected by the MNDNR during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress in 2022 and 2023 indicated suitable oxythermal habitat during those years. Other noteworthy information includes a repeat survey completed by MNDNR staff on August 8, 2024, which indicated 3.1 feet of suitable habitat at that time compared to no suitable habitat during this August 2 survey. Local weather conditions between sampling events likely contributed to the increase in oxythermal habitat observed during the August 8 survey. Including data from all available surveys, the least favorable conditions as measured by TDO3 were recorded on August 2, 2024. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basin in Mitchell Lake on August 2, 2024, 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. 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, the water temperature decreased to below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 14.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 12.5 feet at the time of sampling. The water column did not contain a layer of water with sufficient temperature and dissolved oxygen 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 23.7 degrees C (74.6 degrees F). TDO3 values warmer than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were unsuitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. A report of approximately 30 dead Cisco on July 22, 2024, corroborate these findings. Data collected by the MNDNR during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress in 2022 and 2023 indicated suitable oxythermal habitat during those years. Other noteworthy information includes a repeat survey completed by MNDNR staff on August 8, 2024, which indicated 3.1 feet of suitable habitat at that time compared to no suitable habitat during this August 2 survey. Local weather conditions between sampling events likely contributed to the increase in oxythermal habitat observed during the August 8 survey. Including data from all available surveys, the least favorable conditions as measured by TDO3 were recorded on August 2, 2024. 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, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, and Walleye in Mitchell. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Mitchell has a maximum depth of 78 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Mitchell is from 2020.

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

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Mitchell, covering northern pike. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.