Little Sugar Bush Lake
About Little Sugar Bush Lake
Little Sugar Bush Lake is a 221-acre lake near Richwood in Becker County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (asphalt surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Little Sugar Bush Lake
- 221 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Richwood
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 10.4 feet
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 221 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 99 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (asphalt)
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Little Sugar Bush Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Little Sugar Bush Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Buffalo Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood418 acres
2.4 miles away
Big Sugar Bush Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood522 acres
2.9 miles away
Rice Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood231 acres
3.6 miles away
Rock Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Detroit Lakes1,196 acres
5.4 miles away
Strawberry Lake
73 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · White Earth1,498 acres
5.9 miles away
Winter Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreBecker · Richwood117 acres
6.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Little Sugar Bush Lake is in Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. It covers 221 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Little Sugar Bush Lake covers 221 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Yes. Little Sugar Bush Lake has 1 public boat launch (asphalt), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Little Sugar Bush Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Little Sugar Bush Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Little Sugar Bush Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Little Sugar Bush Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five.
Can you camp at Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.