Tanners

Bluegills are the most abundant species in Tanners Lake. The population is considered average when comparing similar lakes. The average size found was 5.26 inches. Only 27.8% of the bluegills sampled exceeded 6 inches in length. Black crappies were also sampled in average abundance. Their average size was 6.17 inches. Only 2 walleye were sampled during this survey and were both stocked the previous year. Neither fish exceeded 12 inches in length. Northern pike were sampled in average abundance and size. Individuals up to 27 inches were sampled during the survey. Pumpkinseed sunfish, green sunfish and hybrid sunfish were each sampled in average numbers. Channel catfish were not sampled during this survey. Annual stocking of this species continues

Bluegills are the most abundant species in Tanners Lake. The population is considered average when comparing similar lakes. The average size found was 5.34 inches. Only 24% of the bluegills sampled were larger than 6 inches. Black crappies were sampled in low abundance and small size, 6.4 inches. Walleye were found in moderate numbers and size, 16 inches. Northern pike abundance is low but the average size sampled, 26.4 inches, is above the metro average. Channel catfish have been stocked since 1996. The population has increased each successive survey. Individuals up to 22.8 inches were sampled. Largemouth bass were sampled in good abundance and a variety of sizes. Individuals up to 16.8 inches in length were found. Pumpkinseed sunfish were found in high abundance for this type of lake. Green sunfish and hybrid sunfish were found in average abundance. Black bullhead were sampled in low numbers, while yellow bullhead were sampled in average numbers.

Tanners Lake is a small lake (70 acres) located on the north side of I-94, east of Century Avenue. Surface use ordinance limits speeds on the lake to 10 mph or less.Bluegill, hybrid, and pumpkinseed sunfish dominated the catch. Most fish were small, although a few bluegill were over 7 inches long. Black crappie numbers, after reaching historic highs in 1995, dropped to low levels. Fish were small, with few over 8 inches. Yellow perch were moderately abundant and small in size.Northern pike, largemouth bass, and walleye were present in low numbers. Channel catfish were sampled for the first time in this lake, with fish ranging from 14-17 inches long. Yellow bullhead, white sucker, and black bullhead were also sampled in low numbers.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Walleye, Hybrid Sunfish, and Pumpkinseed in Tanners. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Tanners has a maximum depth of 46 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Tanners is from 2011. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Yes — Tanners has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

No — Tanners has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide channel catfish limit is: 5, only 1 fish over 24". Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.