Whiteface Reservoir

Whiteface Reservoir was established in 1923 as a hydropower water storage reservoir when earthen dams were constructed on the Whiteface River and Skunk Creek. Much of the reservoir basin is flooded forest. At summertime highs, the reservoir occupies 4,567 acres and has a maximum depth of 35 feet. The reservoir is located one mile east of Markham, MN. There is a back-in concrete boat ramp located on the south end near the outlet dam off of the Blais Road. Another public access with a boat ramp exists on the north end of the lake near the US Forest Service campground that is also open to public use. Special angling regulations designed to protect and improve Whiteface Reservoir's high quality sunfish and Black Crappie populations were implemented in 2021. The regulations are a daily limit of five sunfish, possession limit of 20 and a daily limit of five Black Crappie, possession limit 10. Walleye have not been stocked into Whiteface since 1970 because sufficient natural reproduction has been documented to sustain the Walleye fishery. Whiteface was last surveyed by DNR Fisheries in 2017. Whiteface was surveyed during the summer of 2022 to update information about fish populations. Walleye abundance of 9.6 per gillnet lift was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Walleye mean length was 12.5 inches and growth was slow when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. However, growth has historically been slow for Walleye in Whiteface and is likely a function of the low relative productivity of the reservoir compared to other Duluth Area lakes. Several strong year-classes of young Walleye were evident in the sample suggesting angling for Walleye should remain strong for the next few years as these year-classes mature. Bluegill abundance of 3.3 per trapnet lift was average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. Average length was large at 7.9 inches with fish over 10 inches sampled. The proportion of adult Bluegill that exceeded quality size (greater than 6 inches) was 82%, while the proportion that exceeded preferred size (greater than 8 inches) was 69%. Recruitment was consistent with all year-classes from 2013 to 2020 represented. Black Crappie abundance of 1.4 per trapnet lift was average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. Average length was 9.6 inches. The proportion of adult Black Crappie that exceeded quality size (greater than 8 inches) was 84%, while the proportion that exceeded preferred size (greater than 10 inches) was 52%. Recruitment was consistent with all year-classes from 2015 to 2021 represented. Northern Pike abundance of 2.3 per gillnet lift was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size was small at 19.5 inches. Channel Catfish may provide an incidental fishery as one large fish was captured.

Whiteface Reservoir is a 4,567 acre waterbody located one mile east of Markham, MN with 98% littoral area and a maximum depth of 35 feet. There is a back-in concrete boat ramp located on the south end near the outlet dam off of the Blais Road. Another public access with a boat ramp exists on the north end of the lake near the US Forest Service campground that is also open to public use. Whiteface has a history of producing large Bluegill and Black Crappie and new angling regulations to improve and protect these species are under consideration. The proposed regulation is a daily limit of 5 sunfish, possession limit of 20 and a daily limit of 5 Black Crappie, possession limit 10. The objective of this targeted survey was to obtain baseline information to describe Bluegill and Black Crappie size structure, age structure and growth prior to implementation of the reduced bag limit angling regulation change. Bluegill spring trapnet abundance was 16.7 per lift. Average length of Bluegill was 8.2 inches and maximum size was 9.7 inches. The proportion of adult Bluegill that exceeded quality size (greater than 6 inches) was 99%, while the proportion that exceeded preferred size (greater than 8 inches) was 67%. Recruitment was consistent with all year-classes from 2010 to 2019 represented. Black Crappie spring trapnet abundance was 2.1 per lift. Average length of Black Crappie was 9.7 inches and maximum size was 12.1 inches. The proportion of adult Black Crappie that exceeded quality size (greater than 8 inches) was 97%, while the proportion that exceeded preferred size (greater than 10 inches) was 33%. The proportion that exceeded memorable size (greater than 12 inches) was 4%. Recruitment was consistent with all year-classes from 2013 to 2018 represented.

Whiteface Reservoir was established in 1923 as a hydropower water storage reservoir when earthen dams were constructed on the Whiteface River and Skunk Creek. Much of the reservoir basin is flooded forest. At summertime highs, the reservoir occupies 5600 acres and has a maximum depth of 35 feet. The reservoir is located 1 mile east of Markham, MN. Whiteface was last assessed in 2012. Whiteface was surveyed during the summer of 2017 to update information about fish populations. Walleye is the primary management species for Whiteface Reservoir. Walleye have not been stocked into Whiteface since 1970 because sufficient natural reproduction has been documented to sustain the Walleye fishery. Walleye abundance of 7.1 per gillnet lift was down from 2012 (7.7) but was still average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Walleye mean length was 12.5 inches and growth was slow when compared to other Duluth Area lakes. However, growth has historically been slow for Walleye in Whiteface and is likely a function of the low relative productivity of the reservoir compared to other Duluth Area lakes. Several year-classes of young Walleye were evident in the sample suggesting angling for Walleye should remain strong for the next few years as these year-classes mature. Northern Pike abundance of 1.0 per gillnet lift was nearly unchanged from 2012 (0.9) and was below average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Average size was small at 18.7 inches but the catch was dominated by a strong 2014 year-class. Anglers should expect improved size of Northern Pike as this year-class matures in 2018 and beyond. Bluegill abundance of 5.2 per trapnet lift represents a historic high catch rate for Whiteface but remains average compared to other similar Minnesota lakes. Average length was large at 7.9 inches. The catch was dominated by a strong 2011 year-class. Black Crappie abundance of 1.8 per trapnet lift was average compared to other Minnesota lakes. Average length was 11.0 inches with fish up to 12.3 inches sampled.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rock Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Hybrid Sunfish in Whiteface Reservoir. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Whiteface Reservoir has a maximum depth of 35 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Whiteface Reservoir, covering crappie and sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.