Manuel Mine

Manuel Mine Pit Lake is a former open pit iron mine that has filled with water and is managed as a designated stream trout lake for Rainbow Trout. The dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles were measured on August 12, 2020 to monitor habitat for trout. Optimal thermal and oxygen conditions for Rainbow Trout (11-19° C [52-66° F] and greater than or equal to 5 ppm DO) occurred in about 8 vertical ft from a depth of 24 to 31 ft. At the maximum depth measured, 49 ft, the temperature was 6° C (42° F) with 10.1 ppm dissolved oxygen. The coldwater habitat index value of the temperature at a dissolved oxygen concentration of 3 ppm (TDO3) value was likely several degrees less than the 6° C minimum temperature measured. Manuel is normally stocked with about 3,000 yearling Rainbow Trout each spring with additional surplus yearling or adult Rainbow Trout occasionally stocked in the fall, winter, or spring when available. Manuel is located in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Consult State Recreation Area regulations for vehicle permit and other use information. Designated stream trout lakes have additional angling regulations. Be sure to consult the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations book for regulations, seasons, and possession limits before fishing designated trout waters.

Manuel Mine Pit Lake is a former open pit iron mine that has filled with water and is managed as a designated stream trout lake for Rainbow Trout. The dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles were measured on August 12, 2020 to monitor habitat for trout. Optimal thermal and oxygen conditions for Rainbow Trout (11-19° C [52-66° F] and greater than or equal to 5 ppm DO) occurred in about 8 vertical ft from a depth of 24 to 31 ft. At the maximum depth measured, 49 ft, the temperature was 6° C (42° F) with 10.1 ppm dissolved oxygen. The coldwater habitat index value of the temperature at a dissolved oxygen concentration of 3 ppm (TDO3) value was likely several degrees less than the 6° C minimum temperature measured. Manuel is normally stocked with about 3,000 yearling Rainbow Trout each spring with additional surplus yearling or adult Rainbow Trout occasionally stocked in the fall, winter, or spring when available. Manuel is located in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Consult State Recreation Area regulations for vehicle permit and other use information. Designated stream trout lakes have additional angling regulations. Be sure to consult the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations book for regulations, seasons, and possession limits before fishing designated trout waters.

Manuel Mine Pit Lake is a former open pit iron mine that has filled with water and is managed as a designated stream trout lake for Rainbow Trout. The dissolved oxygen and temperature profiles were measured on August 12, 2020 to monitor habitat for trout. Optimal thermal and oxygen conditions for Rainbow Trout (11-19° C [52-66° F] and greater than or equal to 5 ppm DO) occurred in about 8 vertical ft from a depth of 24 to 31 ft. At the maximum depth measured, 49 ft, the temperature was 6° C (42° F) with 10.1 ppm dissolved oxygen. The coldwater habitat index value of the temperature at a dissolved oxygen concentration of 3 ppm (TDO3) value was likely several degrees less than the 6° C minimum temperature measured. Manuel is normally stocked with about 3,000 yearling Rainbow Trout each spring with additional surplus yearling or adult Rainbow Trout occasionally stocked in the fall, winter, or spring when available. Manuel is located in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Consult State Recreation Area regulations for vehicle permit and other use information. Designated stream trout lakes have additional angling regulations. Be sure to consult the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations book for regulations, seasons, and possession limits before fishing designated trout waters.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, and Bluegill in Manuel Mine. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Manuel Mine has a maximum depth of 160 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Manuel Mine is from 2009. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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

No — Manuel Mine has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.