Western

St. Louis County

Near Burntside Lake

DOW: 69037900

Yellow PerchExcellent · 87Northern PikeGood · 74WalleyeGood · 67

A 131-acre lake near Burntside Lake in St. Louis County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1976.

Fish Species (4)

Yellow Perch

Excellent · 87

Above-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1976

Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.21 lbs

Catch rate: 34.3 per gill net · typical 2.2–14.6 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 25, 1976	34.33	-	0.21 lbs	Standard gill nets

Northern Pike

Good · 74

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1976

Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

6.00 lbs

Catch rate: 1.3 per gill net · typical 2–6.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 25, 1976	1.33	-	6.00 lbs	Standard gill nets

Walleye

Good · 67

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1976

Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.25 lbs

Catch rate: 9.3 per gill net · typical 3–9.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 25, 1976	9.33	-	1.25 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

Good · 52

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1976

Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.06 lbs

Catch rate: 5.3 per gill net · typical 3.6–14.1 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 25, 1976	5.33	-	2.06 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best yellow perch lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Walleye and Sauger

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20"

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

August 25, 1976Composed of above average populations of walleyes, yellow perch, and white suckers. Northern pike are present in below average numbers. Reproduction f…

Composed of above average populations of walleyes, yellow perch, and white suckers. Northern pike are present in below average numbers. Reproduction for walleyes appears to be lacking in some years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Western?

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

Is there public access at Western?

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

How deep is Western?

Western has a maximum depth of 12 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Western last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Western is from 1976. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Western have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Western?

No — Western 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.