Heritage Center Ponds

Stearns County

Near Waite Park

DOW: 73075200

Largemouth BassAverage · 41BluegillPoor · 0Black CrappiePoor · 0

A 12-acre lake near Waite Park in Stearns County — best known for bass and panfish. Last surveyed 2016.

Fish Species (6)

Largemouth Bass

Average · 41

Typical numbers

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Avg Size

8.1"

Avg Weight

0.60 lbs

Catch rate: 25.8 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	25.82	8.1"	0.60 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Bluegill

Poor · 0

Small fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Avg Size

4.8"

Avg Weight

0.16 lbs

Catch rate: 23.7 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable bluegill0% keeper-size (8"+)

3–7" · 100%Largest sampled 7"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	23.67	4.8"	0.16 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Black Crappie

Poor · 0

Small fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Avg Size

6.1"

Avg Weight

0.19 lbs

Catch rate: 30.1 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable black crappie0% keeper-size (10"+)

5–9" · 100%Largest sampled 8"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	30.13	6.1"	0.19 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Pumpkinseed

Poor · 0

Small fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Avg Size

5.8"

Avg Weight

0.20 lbs

Catch rate: 10.8 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable pumpkinseed0% keeper-size (8"+)

3–7" · 100%Largest sampled 7"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	10.76	5.8"	0.20 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Green Sunfish

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Avg Size

4.8"

Avg Weight

0.11 lbs

Catch rate: 8.6 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	8.61	4.8"	0.11 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Hybrid Sunfish

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Avg Size

7.0"

Avg Weight

0.44 lbs

Catch rate: 2.1 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	2.15	7.0"	0.44 lbs	Standard electrofishing

See the best largemouth bass lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Largemouth Bass

Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 22, 2026

Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones

Catch-and-release only

Largemouth Bass

Season: May 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones

6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth (when smallmouth season is open)

Crappie

10 combined total

Sunfish

20 combined total

Biologist Notes

June 7, 2016Heritage Center Ponds are located in Heritage Park within the city limits of St. Cloud. The largest pond is 11.6 acres in size and approximately 7 fee…

Heritage Center Ponds are located in Heritage Park within the city limits of St. Cloud. The largest pond is 11.6 acres in size and approximately 7 feet deep. Daytime electrofishing was conducted on June 7, 2016 to assess the fishery and to consider using the pond as a shore fishing site. The shoreline was circled except for the northwest arm, which was not accessible by boat. The water was clear and Secchi depth exceeded bottom depth. Submerged vegetation was dense and collecting fish was difficult. Small sunfish species and Largemouth Bass were numerous and many were not captured. Largemouth Bass lengths ranged from 3.8 to 18.9 inches, Black Crappie lengths ranged from 4.5 to 9.0 inches, and Bluegill lengths ranged from 2.4 to 8.0 inches. Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, and Pumpkinseed were also captured. The lack of bullheads was noteworthy. Suitable shore access is available on the north end of the pond. The deepest part of the pond is located here and aquatic vegetation is not as dense as elsewhere. Other sites could be used, but dense submerged vegetation would make angling difficult. The frequency of winterkill is unknown, but the presence of larger adult fish suggests that the fishery may persist. Following the survey, 152 adult Channel Catfish were stocked to provide additional angling opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Heritage Center Ponds?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Pumpkinseed in Heritage Center Ponds. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Heritage Center Ponds?

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

How deep is Heritage Center Ponds?

Heritage Center Ponds has a maximum depth of 5 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Heritage Center Ponds last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Heritage Center Ponds is from 2016. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Heritage Center Ponds have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Heritage Center Ponds?

No — Heritage Center Ponds has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.