Kimball

Temperature and dissolved oxygen profiles were collected in the deepest basin in Kimball Lake on August 14, 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 17.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 26.9 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 9.1 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present 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 12.5 degrees C (54.5 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2022 and 2023 during the late summer thermal stress period also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 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 Kimball Lake on August 14, 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 17.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 26.9 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 9.1 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present 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 12.5 degrees C (54.5 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2022 and 2023 during the late summer thermal stress period also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 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 Kimball Lake on August 14, 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 17.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 26.9 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 9.1 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present 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 12.5 degrees C (54.5 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of this survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2022 and 2023 during the late summer thermal stress period also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 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 Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Hybrid Sunfish, and Rock Bass in Kimball. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Kimball has a maximum depth of 77 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Kimball is from 2022.

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

No — Kimball 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.