South Sturgeon Lake
About South Sturgeon Lake
South Sturgeon Lake is a 204-acre lake near Chisholm in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 43 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 10 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2016.
There are 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to South Sturgeon Lake
- 204 acres, up to 43 feet deep, near Chisholm
- 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 204 acres
- Max depth
- 43 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 45 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
- 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth)
Best For
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 10
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2016
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to South Sturgeon Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Sturgeon Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Chisholm272 acres
1.6 miles away
West Sturgeon Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Chisholm117 acres
1.9 miles away
Sturgeon Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Chisholm1,585 acres
3.1 miles away
Side Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Chisholm368 acres
3.3 miles away
Stingy Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Nashwauk361 acres
3.6 miles away
Perch Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Chisholm344 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Sturgeon Lake?
South Sturgeon Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Chisholm. It covers 204 acres and reaches 43 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Sturgeon Lake?
South Sturgeon Lake covers 204 acres with about 3.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 43 feet.
What fish can you catch at South Sturgeon Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on South Sturgeon Lake?
Yes. South Sturgeon Lake has 2 public boat launches (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at South Sturgeon Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South Sturgeon 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 South Sturgeon Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for South Sturgeon Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.