Chow

Lake County

Near Happy Wanderer

DOW: 38077000

Northern PikeGood · 62Yellow PerchGood · 56

A 48-acre lake near Happy Wanderer in Lake County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 1985.

Fish Species (3)

Northern Pike

Good · 62

Above-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1985

Last surveyed 1985 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.29 lbs

Catch rate: 21.0 per gill net · typical 3.9–9.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 18, 1985	21.00	-	1.29 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 18, 1985	1.00	-	1.50 lbs	Standard trap nets

Yellow Perch

Good · 56

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1985

Last surveyed 1985 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.12 lbs

Catch rate: 16.0 per gill net · typical 2–23 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 18, 1985	4.60	-	0.11 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 18, 1985	16.00	-	0.12 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Average · 32

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1985

Last surveyed 1985 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.00 lbs

Catch rate: 0.5 per gill net · typical 2.6–17.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 18, 1985	0.50	-	2.00 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Northern Pike

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).

Perch

20 daily and 40 in possession

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").

Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers

no limit

Biologist Notes

July 18, 1985Northern Pike catch in gillnets was 5 times the area average. With fish averaging small to moderate in size. Yellow Perch catch in gillnets was 16/lif…

Northern Pike catch in gillnets was 5 times the area average. With fish averaging small to moderate in size. Yellow Perch catch in gillnets was 16/lift, indicating a good forage base is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Chow?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike and Yellow Perch in Chow. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Chow?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Chow. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Chow?

Chow has a maximum depth of 11 feet and a mean depth of 6 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Chow last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Chow is from 1985. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Chow have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Chow?

No — Chow 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.