Nokomis

Lake Nokomis is a 201-acre lake with a maximum depth of 33 feet. All land surrounding Lake Nokomis is owned by the city of Minneapolis, and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board maintains the property. There is a boat access on the northern shore of the lake, as well as two fishing piers and two swimming beaches on the lake. Gas motors are prohibited on Nokomis, and the lake is popular among canoers and kayakers. Nokomis is primarily managed for Walleye and Tiger Muskellunge; each is stocked on an every-other-year basis. Lake Nokomis is infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. In 2023, Walleye were abundant, and of good-quality size. Fish ranged in length from 12.8 - 24.6 inches, with an average size of 18.2 inches and 2.16 pounds. There aren't many Northern Pike in Nokomis, but they tend to be large. The average pike was 27.4 inches and 4.86 pounds, and the largest was 35.2 inches long. Consistently low Northern Pike abundances have allowed for establishment and continuation of Tiger Muskellunge management. Tiger Muskellunge and Largemouth Bass are both present in Lake Nokomis. However, targeted sampling was not attempted in 2023. One bass was sampled in the gill net, and it was 3.4 inches. Three Tiger Muskies were captured in the gill nets and trap nets, measuring 24.4, 36.3, and 31.8 inches. Gill nets and trap nets do not effectively sample bass or muskies, so these samples do not accurately reflect the size structure of these populations, and only document their presence. Good numbers of panfish were sampled in 2023, and plenty of harvestable-size fish were observed. Forty-two percent of the Bluegill sample exceeded 6 inches, and the average size was 6.0 inches and 0.17 pounds. The largest Bluegill was 8.1 inches. Black Crappie were abundant, and good sized fish were sampled. Eleven percent of the catch exceeded 9 inches, and the largest crappie was 10.4 inches. Yellow Perch were highly abundant, and 13% of the catch exceeded 8 inches.

Lake Nokomis is a 201-acre lake with a maximum depth of 33 feet. All land surrounding Lake Nokomis is owned by the city of Minneapolis, and Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board maintains the property. There is a boat access on the northern shore of the lake, as well as two fishing piers and two swimming beaches on the lake. Gas motors are prohibited on Nokomis, and the lake is popular among canoers and kayakers. Nokomis is primarily managed for Walleye and Tiger Muskellunge; each is stocked on an every-other-year basis. Lake Nokomis is infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. In 2018, Walleye were abundant, and of good-quality size. Fish ranged in length from 14.8-26.2 inches, with an average size of 18.9 inches and 2.56 pounds. There aren't many Northern Pike in the lake, but they tend to be large. The average pike was 27.3 inches and 4.45 pounds. In 2018, a new Northern Pike regulation took effect; as part of the North-Central management zone, anglers are allowed to harvest up to ten Northern Pike smaller than 22 inches in Long, and one over 26 inches, while respecting a 22-26 inch protected slot. Due to the larger size of Lake Nokomis pike, anglers won't have a great opportunity for harvesting ten fish; however 50% of the sampled fish exceeded 26 inches, so harvesting a larger fish is possible. Consistently low Northern Pike abundances have allowed for establishment and continuation of Tiger Muskellunge management. Tiger Muskellunge and Largemouth bass are both present in Lake Nokomis. However, targeted sampling was not made in 2018 for lack of time and staff. Four bass were sampled in the gill nets and trap nets, ranging in size from 5.9 to 13.4 inches, and two Tiger Muskies were captured in the gill nets, measuring 23.2 and 23.5 inches. Gill nets and trap nets do not effectively sample these species, so these samples do not accurately reflect the size structure of the fish in the lake, and only document their presence. Good numbers of panfish were sampled in 2018, and plenty of harvestable-size Bluegill were present. Thirty-six percent of the Bluegill sample exceeded 6 inches, and the average size of fish was 5.8 inches and 0.15 pounds. The largest Bluegill was 7.8 inches. Black Crappie were modestly sized, but they were plentiful. Yellow Perch were highly abundant, but also not of desirable size. These smaller-sized Yellow Perch do support the predator fishes of Walleye, Tiger Muskie, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike populations.

Lake Nokomis is a 201-acre lake with a maximum depth of 33 feet, located in southeast Minneapolis. Lake Nokomis provides ample recreational opportunities. Fishing and sailing are very popular. No gas-powered outboard motors can be used on Lake Nokomis. Electric motors are allowed. Ice augers are legal to use; holes are limited to 10 inches in diameter. Beaches provide swimming opportunities. Water quality in Lake Nokomis is poor compared to other West Metro lakes. Despite degraded water quality, a thriving fish community exists. Fishing in water deeper than 13 feet in mid-to-late summer could yield very few fish, based on oxygen levels measured at the time of this survey. Keep in mind most regional lakes mix twice yearly (spring and fall), and oxygen and temperatures levels adjust according to weather and season. Boaters should also keep in mind all rules related to preventing spread of invasive aquatic organisms. The predator community in Lake Nokomis is maintained through stocking. Both walleye and hybrid (tiger) muskellunge are stocked. Walleye average length was 18.6 inches, average weight was 2.82 pounds. Abundance was above average, weight was also above average for this type of lake. The largest walleye sampled was 27.6 inches in length. Six hybrid (tiger) muskellunge were sampled. Average length was 26.6 inches. One individual exceeded 40 inches in length. Northern pike numbers are very low in Lake Nokomis. Only one northern pike was sampled. This is an improvement compared to the past three surveys. In the 2010 population assessment largemouth bass abundance was low. Standard lake survey gear does not consistently provide an accurate estimate of largemouth bass abundance. Six species of panfish are present in Lake Nokomis. Yellow perch abundance in Lake Nokomis decreased to the lowest value ever recorded. Mean weight of yellow perch was below average. Average length was 5.8 inches. Pumpkinseed were sampled at a below average abundance. Hybrid sunfish were also sampled. Black crappie abundance is average. Few large fish were sampled. Average black crappie length was 6.6 inches. White crappie are also present. Bluegill abundance increased compared to the 2007 survey. The 2010 abundance was a new all time high. Average weight decreased slightly to a below average value. Only 21.7% of sampled bluegill were greater than 6 inches. Most panfish species displayed stunted growth. In the Metro area, stunting in size is likely due to overpopulation and size selective harvest by anglers. Overpopulation reduces the amount of food available to all fish, reducing growth rates. Harvest of larger (keeper size) fish by anglers reduces the number of quality fish in a lake. Harvesting large fish also removes the spawning stock and reduces the biological incentive to grow large. Larger fish compete for spawning habitat and food more effectively. Thus, fish have more incentive to grow large if large fish are present in a lake. Harvesting smaller fish preserves spawning stock and increases the biological incentive to grow large which promotes big fish genetics. Rough fish are present in low numbers. Common carp abundance decreased slightly since the 2007 survey. Black bullhead were also sampled at low levels. White sucker abundance was low and the fish sampled were large. Golden shiner abundance is high. Average weight was also above average. Nearshore seining and backpack electrofishing found both Iowa and Johnny darters. Darters are intolerant of very poor water quality. Their presence in a Minneapolis lake is a positive sign. Spotfin shiner and bluntnose minnows were other species captured during nearshore sampling. Overall, Lake Nokomis contains a fair forage base.

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

Nokomis has a maximum depth of 33 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Nokomis is from 2023.

Yes — Nokomis has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil and 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 Nokomis, covering muskellunge and tiger muskellunge. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.