Minnesota · Itasca County
Johnson Lake Fishing guide
Johnson Lake is a 434-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, reaching 88 ft at its deepest point. Secchi readings average around 14.5 ft of visibility. The Minnesota DNR has surveyed the lake 13 times, most recently in 2025, with walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and northern pike in the nets.
DNR survey data
Fish species
Largemouth bassPresent2.2per gill net14"Typical18"Biggest
Lengths measured · 28 fish
Recent · 2025Lengths measured · 28 fish
2025Lengths measured · 65 fish
2012Lengths measured · 4 fish
2005Only 4 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 12 fish
1997Northern pikeFair numbers6.9per gill net21"Typical29"Biggest
Lengths measured · 72 fish
Recent · 2025Lengths measured · 72 fish
2025Lengths measured · 81 fish
2014Lengths measured · 103 fish
2012Lengths measured · 88 fish
2005Last recorded in the 1976 survey and not seen since.
BluegillFair numbers36.2per trap net4"Typical7"Biggest
Lengths measured · 342 fish
Recent · 2025Lengths measured · 342 fish
2025Lengths measured · 2 fish
2014Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 169 fish
2012Lengths measured · 240 fish
2005CrappieJust a few2.2per trap net8"Typical12"Biggest
Lengths measured · 40 fish
Recent · 2025Lengths measured · 40 fish
2025Lengths measured · 6 fish
2017Only 6 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 48 fish
2014Lengths measured · 36 fish
2012Yellow perchGood numbers5.6per gill net6"Typical8"Biggest
Lengths measured · 50 fish
Recent · 2025Lengths measured · 50 fish
2025Lengths measured · 19 fish
2014Lengths measured · 37 fish
2012Lengths measured · 116 fish
2005Rock bassGood numbers0.7per trap net5"Typical6"Biggest
Lengths measured · 11 fish
Recent · 2025Lengths measured · 11 fish
2025Lengths measured · 1 fish
2014Only 1 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 13 fish
2012Lengths measured · 11 fish
2005Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear, so the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, only presence and size are listed. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey.
How to fish Johnson Lake through the year
Northern pike
- Spring
- Pike are in the shallow bays and along new weed growth. At 14.5 ft of clarity, fish them deeper and lighter than usual.
- Early summer
- Pike are on the outside weed edge and points.
- Summer
- Pike are on the deep weed edge and points near the coolest water they can find. On a lake that drops to 88 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Pike are on the last green weeds and the breaks beside them, feeding heavily as the water drops.
Walleye
- Spring
- Walleye are shallow, on and just off the spawning flats and the first green weeds. At 14.5 ft of clarity, fish them deeper and lighter than usual.
- Early summer
- Walleye are setting up on the outside weed edge, points and shallow structure.
- Summer
- Walleye are working the weed edge, points and any wind-blown structure. On a lake that drops to 88 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Walleye are packing onto the sharpest breaks and points as the water cools, in big schools with short windows.
Season patterns for each species. Open the live map for today's wind, light and water temp.
Size history
Biggest fish by survey year
| Survey year | Northern pike | Walleye | Largemouth bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 29" | 23" | 18" |
| 2014 | 35" | 20" | — |
| 2012 | 29" | 22" | 17" |
| 2005 | 44" | 26" | 6" |
| 1997 | 30" | 22" | 14" |
Longest fish measured by DNR survey crews in each year's nets. Survey gear samples the population, so the lake usually holds larger fish than any survey measured.
Suggested tackle
What to bring
Top presentations for this lake's structure and clarity:
Northern pike · Soft plastics
Paddletail Swimbait on Jighead
4–5" paddletail swimbait on a ball-head swimbait jighead
Northern pike · Muskie & pike
Soft Rubber (Bull Dawg / Medusa)
10" soft rubber body bait
Walleye · Live bait
Live-Bait (Lindy) Rig + Leech/Crawler
jumbo leech or half a nightcrawler
Walleye · Trolling
Leadcore Line + Crankbaits
4–5" mid-diving crankbait behind a long leadcore run
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Texas-Rigged Worm
7" ribbon-tail or straight-tail plastic worm
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Free Rig
Creature bait or magnum finesse worm
Full setups, including hooks, weights and line, are on the live map. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
DNR stocking records
Stocking history
| Year | Species | Stocked |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Walleye | 122,000 fry |
MN DNR · in their words
From the 2025 survey
Johnson Lake is a clear, deep lake covering about 492 acres and located roughly thirteen miles north of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 88 feet and has excellent water clarity, with visibility of about 17 feet during the 2025 survey. Shallow nearshore habitat makes up about 146 acres, and the shoreline extends for approximately 7.4 miles. During summer sampling, oxygen levels dropped to very low levels between about 65 and 75 feet, which means fish had suitable cold, oxygenated water above that depth. A concrete public boat access is available on the south shore and is open for public use.
The Lake Management Plan for Johnson Lake was last updated in 2015. The lake is primarily managed for Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie, with Northern Pike as a secondary focus. Management goals include maintaining strong bass numbers and providing Black Crappie large enough for anglers to harvest. No recent fish stocking has occurred, and none is currently recommended because fish populations are reproducing naturally. Fishing regulations follow statewide rules.
Read the full DNR narrative
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources surveyed the lake from June 18 through June 26, 2025, using gill nets, trap nets, and water quality equipment. Spring electrofishing for bass was not completed during this survey period due to workload limitations.
Even though bass electrofishing was not done during this survey, both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass were still caught in gill nets. Largemouth Bass were found at higher levels than what is typical for similar lakes. The Largemouth Bass that were sampled ranged from about 11 to 19 inches long, which means anglers can expect a good number of fish at desirable sizes. Only one Smallmouth Bass was caught, measuring about 15 inches, which suggests they are present but not common in the lake.
Black Crappie were present at moderate levels compared to similar lakes. Crappie up to 12 inches were present, with an average length near 8 inches. While some fish approached desirable harvest size, most crappies were under ten inches. The catch was too small to fully evaluate size or age structure, but results indicate ongoing reproduction but variable year-class strength.
Northern Pike were commonly caught in gill nets and were more abundant than what is typically seen in similar lakes. Pike ranged in length from about 14 to 29 inches, with an average length of 21.8 inches. Most pike were in the smaller to mid-size range, with many fish just reaching sizes that anglers consider good eating. Fewer large pike were present, and no very large fish were sampled. Growth rates were moderate, with pike reaching about 21.5 inches by age four. Anglers should expect consistent action for pike, especially smaller and medium-sized fish, but limited opportunities for trophy-sized individuals. Anglers can help improve size quality by limiting harvest to fish under 22 inches.
Johnson Lake has historically supported low numbers of Walleye, and that pattern continued in 2025. Walleye were caught at low levels compared to similar lakes. Fish ranged from about 15 to 24 inches, with an average length of 20.6 inches. Most Walleye sampled were older fish, and anglers may occasionally encounter a Walleye, but the population remains limited due to poor overall conditions for Walleye management.
Yellow Perch were present at levels typical for similar lakes. Perch ranged from about 5.6 to 8.7 inches, with an average length of 6.4 inches. Most perch were small and likely serve as prey for predator fish rather than providing consistent harvest opportunities for anglers.
Bluegill were very abundant in trap net catches and occurred at higher levels than in most similar lakes. Bluegill ranged from about 3.1 to 7.5 inches, with an average length of 4.6 inches. The population was dominated by small fish, which suggests strong reproduction but limited growth into larger sizes. Anglers should expect plenty of action but few large Bluegill.
Other fish species captured during the survey included Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, hybrid sunfish, and White Sucker.
Narrative text from the Minnesota DNR lake survey.
Recent reports
Johnson Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Johnson Lake from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Johnson Lake (trailer launch)
DNR bathymetry
Johnson Lake depth map
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Lucky Lake · 14 ac · 1.1 mi
- Pughole Lake · 158 ac · 1.3 mi
- Orange Lake · 104 ac · 1.5 mi
- Long Lake · 46 ac · 1.8 mi
- Bluewater Lake · 364 ac · 2.2 mi
- Little Long Lake · 305 ac · 2.3 mi
- Little Trout Lake · 86 ac · 2.4 mi
- Trout Lake · 1,743 ac · 2.5 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake reaches 88 ft at its deepest point; about 34% of the lake is littoral (15 ft or shallower).
How big is Johnson Lake?
Johnson Lake covers 434 acres with about 7.4 miles of shoreline.
How clear is the water in Johnson Lake?
DNR Secchi readings on Johnson Lake average 14.5 ft of visibility, clear water for a Minnesota lake.
What fish are in Johnson Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys (most recently 2025) record walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, rock bass.
Is Johnson Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked walleye in 2016.
Does Johnson Lake have a public access?
Yes. Johnson Lake has one public access site: Johnson Lake (trailer launch).
How big do northern pike get in Johnson Lake?
The biggest northern pike measured in recent DNR surveys taped 29"; the size-history table on this page tracks the biggest fish in each survey back to 1997.
When was Johnson Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Johnson Lake in 2025, the most recent of 13 surveys on record.
Page updated .
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