Cavanaugh

Cavanaugh Lake is a small, 67 acre bass-panfish lake located about 4 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, MN. The area was impacted by mining activity in the 1950-1960's. The north shore of the lake was altered with rock from mining operations as was the inlet from Little Cavanaugh. This assessment was conducted to determine the current status of the fishery and what if anything could be done to restore the inlet from Little Cavanaugh at the request of a private landowner. Northern pike were sampled in good numbers at 8.0/gill net. Although the average length of those sampled was only 20.9 inches, some nice pike were captured. The largest was 34.8 inches. Black crappie are often difficult to sample during summer assessments since they suspend over deep water. This was the case in this assessment since most were sampled in the gill net. Most of the crappies sampled were less than 8 inches. Bluegill were also sampled in good numbers in the gill nets. The bluegill sampled indicate a population of poor quality and poor growth. All were under 8 inches. More largemouth bass were sampled in Cavanaugh Lake than in other lakes that are similiar. They varied in length from 6.8-19.6 inches. Growth rates were good. An important forage species, yellow perch, was sampled in low numbers at 3.0/gill net. Brown bullhead and pumpkinseed sunfish were also sampled.

Perch and bluegill populations are at quite high levels. The pumpkinseed population has declined since the 1973 survey. Stocking appears to have increased the largemouth bass population to an acceptable level.

None.

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

Cavanaugh has a maximum depth of 48 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Cavanaugh is from 2000. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Cavanaugh in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

No — Cavanaugh 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.