Minnesota · Todd County
Little Sauk Lake Fishing guide
Little Sauk Lake is a 278-acre lake in Todd County, Minnesota, reaching 29 ft at its deepest point. Secchi readings average around 3.7 ft of visibility. The Minnesota DNR has surveyed the lake 16 times, most recently in 2024, with walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike and bluegill in the nets.
DNR survey data
Fish species
WalleyeExcellent numbers6.6per gill net19"Typical25"Biggest
Lengths measured · 36 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 2 fish
2024Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 33 fish
2022Lengths measured · 1 fish
2021Only 1 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 45 fish
2020No recent survey rating.
Northern pikeJust a few5per gill net23"Typical33"Biggest
Lengths measured · 32 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 5 fish
2024Only 5 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 25 fish
2022Lengths measured · 2 fish
2021Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 11 fish
2018BluegillPresent0.2per gill net8"Typical10"Biggest
Lengths measured · 139 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 55 fish
2024Lengths measured · 1 fish
2022Only 1 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 83 fish
2021Lengths measured · 29 fish
2020CrappiePresent24per gill net9"Typical13"Biggest
Lengths measured · 933 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 107 fish
2024Lengths measured · 120 fish
2022Lengths measured · 706 fish
2021Lengths measured · 29 fish
2020Yellow perchOne of the best around88.2per gill net6"Typical9"Biggest
Lengths measured · 459 fish
Recent · 2021 + 2022 + 2024Lengths measured · 16 fish
2024Lengths measured · 441 fish
2022Lengths measured · 2 fish
2021Only 2 fish measured that year — too few to read as a shape.
Lengths measured · 116 fish
2018Rates 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 Little Sauk Lake through the year
Walleye
- Spring
- Walleye are shallow, on and just off the spawning flats and the first green weeds. In 3.7 ft of visibility, they sit shallower than you think.
- 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.
- Fall
- Walleye are packing onto the sharpest breaks and points as the water cools, in big schools with short windows.
Northern pike
- Spring
- Pike are in the shallow bays and along new weed growth. In 3.7 ft of visibility, they sit shallower than you think.
- 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.
- Fall
- Pike are on the last green weeds and the breaks beside them, feeding heavily as the water drops.
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 | Walleye | Northern pike | Largemouth bass |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 22" | 33" | 7" |
| 2022 | 25" | 28" | — |
| 2021 | 22" | 26" | 17" |
| 2020 | 24" | — | — |
| 2018 | — | 37" | 8" |
| 2015 | 21" | 37" | 20" |
| 2012 | — | 31" | — |
| 2009 | 27" | 35" | 19" |
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:
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
Northern pike · Soft plastics
Paddletail Swimbait on Jighead
4–5" paddletail swimbait on a ball-head swimbait jighead
Northern pike · Jigs & bladed
Spinnerbait
3/8–1/2 oz safety-pin spinnerbait with tandem willow-leaf blades
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Texas-Rigged Worm
7" ribbon-tail or straight-tail plastic worm
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Wacky-Rigged Stickworm
5" stickworm
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Largemouth Bass | 282 adults |
MN DNR · in their words
From the 2024 survey
Fall Trap netting was performed September 17-18 to provide data on the Bluegill and Black Crappie size structures. "Conservation Regulations" were enacted in June of 2000 upon the development and opening of a public access site. The bag limits for sunfish and Black Crappie were reduced to 5 fish under these "Conservation Regulations". The 2024 Fall trap netting was the first and likely only time Fall trap netting will be used for evaluation purposes. This Fall sampling was conducted to provide a final set of data to help decide whether the 5 fish bag limit for crappie could be dropped or maintained. Secondarily this effort provided additional data on the Bluegill population and the possible responses to an apparent increase in submerged aquatic vegetation. Spring trap netting is the preferred method for evaluating panfish populations and has been conducted on the lake seven previous times since 2003. Future evaluations of the Bluegill and Black Crappie populations will incorporate trap netting to provide proper comparisons.
A total of 107 crappie were captured during fall trap netting in 2024. The percentage of fish over 10 inches (45.8%) and 12 inches (2.8%) were higher than any past Spring trap net results. Mean length in 2024 was 9.22 inches and maximum length was 12.4 inches. These metrics were quite similar to Spring trap netting in 2021 when crappie over 10 inches comprised 42% of the catch and 2.4% were over 12 inches. Mean length in 2021 was 9.62 inches and maximum length was 13.3 inches. Sample size in 2021 was 706 fish. The 2021 and 2024 assessments indicated a minor shift to improve d size structures compared to past surveys however fish over 12 inches still remain a relatively small component of the population. Thus, the 5 fish bag limit is unlikely to produce a substantial number of large crappie although total recruitment and abundance remain strong. Otoliths were not collected from Black Crappie in 2024. Otoliths were extracted from angler caught crappie during the winter of 2018-19. Crappies attained 9 inches by Age 4 and 10.2 inches by Age 6. Growth appears to slow down as fish reach 10 inches as Age 8 fish averaged 10.6 inches which may help to explain the relatively low number of fish attaining lengths over 12 inches. Despite the minimal impacts of the 5 fish bag it was apparent during the public input process that most anglers prefer the protections afforded by the lower limit and desire no return to the statewide bag limit of 10 fish.
Read the full DNR narrative
Spring trap netting in 2003 and 2007 produced relatively large samples of Bluegill . Since 2007 the density and distribution of submerged aquatic has declined dramatically, presumably due to expansion of the carp population in the Sauk River system. Spring trap net catches of Bluegill fell in response to this habitat change. From 2009 to 2021 sample sizes ranged from 61 to 133 fish. High quality size structures have been characteristic of most spring sampling efforts since 2003. Spring trap netting in 2021 captured 83 Bluegill all of which were measured. The 2021 size structure was the most desirable of any spring trap net assessment yet conducted. Bluegill in 2021 ranged from 6.8- 10.2 inches and mean length was 8.8 inches. Fish over 7 inches comprised 99% of the catch, fish greater than 8 inches made up 90% of the sample and over 37% exceeded 9 inches. The Fall trap net assessment completed in 2024 caught 55 fish despite it being just a one day effort. The bulk of the catch (67%) was between 4.5 and 6 inches long indicating measurable recruitment of younger fish. Quality fish were still present with 5 fish over 9 inches observed and the largest individual measuring 10.1 inches. Mean length was only 5.5 inches due to the increased representation of younger fish. An increase in submerged vegetation was noticed with moderate densities apparent in shallow water (<5 feet) and sparser Coontail found in depths up to 10 feet. If vegetation densities and distribution continue to improve a commensurate increase in Bluegill recruitment is expected.
No otoliths were extracted from Bluegill during the 2021 sampling. Otoliths were extracted in the 2018 spring trap net assessment with the fish displaying excellent growth reaching 8.1 inches by Age 4.
Five Northern Pike were caught in the Fall trap nets, 3 of which exceeded 30 inches. Two adult Walleye were also captured along with 3 Largemouth Bass under 8 inches.
Narrative text from the Minnesota DNR lake survey.
Recent reports
Little Sauk Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on Little Sauk 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
- Little Sauk Lake (trailer launch)
DNR bathymetry
Little Sauk Lake depth map
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- Juergens Lake · 117 ac · 2.5 mi
- Guernsey Lake · 121 ac · 2.9 mi
- Cedar Lake · 139 ac · 2.9 mi
- Long Lake · 107 ac · 3 mi
- Maple Lake · 388 ac · 3.6 mi
- Lily Lake · 66 ac · 3.7 mi
- Fairy Lake · 307 ac · 4.6 mi
- Sauk Lake · 2,126 ac · 5.7 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Little Sauk Lake?
Little Sauk Lake reaches 29 ft at its deepest point with a mean depth of 12 ft; about 58% of the lake is littoral (15 ft or shallower).
How big is Little Sauk Lake?
Little Sauk Lake covers 278 acres with about 4 miles of shoreline.
How clear is the water in Little Sauk Lake?
DNR Secchi readings on Little Sauk Lake average 3.7 ft of visibility, on the stained end for a Minnesota lake.
What fish are in Little Sauk Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys (most recently 2024) record walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch.
Is Little Sauk Lake stocked?
Yes. The DNR stocked largemouth bass in 2024.
Does Little Sauk Lake have a public access?
Yes. Little Sauk Lake has one public access site: Little Sauk Lake (trailer launch).
How big do walleye get in Little Sauk Lake?
The biggest walleye measured in recent DNR surveys taped 25"; the size-history table on this page tracks the biggest fish in each survey back to 2009.
When was Little Sauk Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed Little Sauk Lake in 2024, the most recent of 16 surveys on record.
Page updated .
Featured guide spot
Your guide service here
One featured guide per lake, with your photo, your writeup and a link straight to your booking page. Free through December 31, 2026.
Then $20 a month from January. Cancel any time.
The live map adds today's conditions and ranked spots for Little Sauk Lake, plus a trip plan you can share:
Open Little Sauk Lake on the live map → Fished it lately? Write a report