Eagle

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Eagle Lake on July 29th, 2025. This was done 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 data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 78.1 feet), the water temperature decreased to 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 16.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 17.0 feet at the time of sampling. This layer in the water column was 0.1 feet, indicating oxythermal habitat for Cisco was present but marginal. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 21.1 degrees C (70.0 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were marginal for Cisco at the time of the survey as the layer was confined to less than 3 feet of suitable habitat at the time of the survey. This is the first Minnesota Department of Natural Resources temperature and dissolved oxygen survey completed on Eagle Lake during the period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th). When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Eagle Lake on July 29th, 2025. This was done 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 data collected from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth was 78.1 feet), the water temperature decreased to 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 16.8 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 17.0 feet at the time of sampling. This layer in the water column was 0.1 feet, indicating oxythermal habitat for Cisco was present but marginal. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 21.1 degrees C (70.0 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were marginal for Cisco at the time of the survey as the layer was confined to less than 3 feet of suitable habitat at the time of the survey. This is the first Minnesota Department of Natural Resources temperature and dissolved oxygen survey completed on Eagle Lake during the period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th). When adequate oxythermal habitat is not available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Eagle Lake is located seven miles north of Park Rapids in west-central Hubbard County. Eagle has a surface area of 424 acres and a maximum depth of 77 feet. A DNR owned public access is located on the west shore of the lake off US-71. Access is also available by small craft from Island Lake which lies to the north of Eagle or Potato which lies to the south. Eagle is a very popular lake for fishing and water recreation during the summer. Eagle provides angling opportunities for Walleye, and Northern Pike, and Panfish. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Eagle is in class 25. Class 25 lakes are generally deep, very clear, have hard water, and are irregularly shaped. Other class 25 lakes in the Park Rapids management include: Bad Axe, Belle Taine, Big Mantrap, Dead (Upper Ojibway), Island, Little Mantrap, Little Sand, Spider, Straight, Third Crow Wing, Two Inlets, and West Crooked. Walleye abundance was in line with recent surveys, and above the management goal. Most fish were spread out evenly in size from 12 - 20 inches. A strong class of 7.5 - 11 inch Walleye should provide good angling in future years. Walleye sampled had an average length of 15.2 inches with fish measuring up to 27.8 inches. Yellow Perch, an important forage species for Walleye were sampled in low numbers but some of the largest were a suitable size for anglers. Northern Pike abundance was up and was the fourth highest recorded number for all surveys on Eagle. Northern Pike numbers in past surveys have generally fluctuated in moderate numbers for this lake class. Anglers will find the Northern Pike population spread out from 14 - 30 inches in length, with around half of them from 18 - 22 inches. Northern Pike sampled had an average length of 21 inches and weighed 1.9 pounds. Eagle supports a good Black Crappie population and angling for them is popular year-round. Anglers will find Black Crappie in the 9.5 - 13 inch size range. Eagle also provides good fishing for Bluegill and Pumpkinseed; with some nicer fish up to 9 inches. Currently, no Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) have been identified in Eagle. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Walleye, Rock Bass, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass in Eagle. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Eagle has a maximum depth of 77 feet and a mean depth of 21 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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

No — Eagle 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.