Fishing Devils Lake

Devils Lake offers excellent bluegill fishing with a population rated 'very good' on the state scale and fish averaging 8.25 inches in recent creel surveys. While young bluegills grow slowly due to limited nursery habitat, mature fish (age 4+) grow a half-inch above state average, producing impressive results. Yellow perch are abundant and grow well above average, with 75% reaching keeper size over 7 inches. The lake's unique feature is a self-sustaining white bass population that produces quality fish averaging nearly 15 inches. Black crappies grow over an inch above average with 97% reaching keeper size. The large, deep lake (1300 acres, 63 feet max depth) has sand and gravel shallows transitioning to marl substrates and pulpy peat in the depths. Limited aquatic vegetation and intensely developed shoreline create few nursery areas, explaining why small fish grow slowly but survivors thrive. Walleye stocking shows promise with surviving fish averaging over 20 inches and growing 1.4 inches above average. The lake receives intense fishing pressure requiring early morning efforts, but anglers report consistent success for bluegills, perch, and bass. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass populations exist with above-average growth rates despite low numbers in survey nets. A concrete dam maintains water levels 12 inches above Bean Creek, and the lake connects to Round Lake via a shallow channel.