Spring

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Spring Lake on August 1, 2024 to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 19.7 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 41.5 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 21.9 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 7.6 degrees C (45.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress in 2019, 2016, 2014, and 2009 also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Spring Lake on August 1, 2024 to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 19.7 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 41.5 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 21.9 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 7.6 degrees C (45.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress in 2019, 2016, 2014, and 2009 also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected in the deepest basin in Spring Lake on August 1, 2024 to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased to below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 19.7 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 41.5 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 21.9 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 7.6 degrees C (45.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress in 2019, 2016, 2014, and 2009 also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

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

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

Spring has a maximum depth of 60 feet and a mean depth of 32.7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Spring is from 2024.

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

No — Spring 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.