Upper Maple Lake Fishing guide

Emergent and floating-leaf vegetation were not mapped in 2025 but occur along much of the shoreline. Common species include cattail, white waterlily, and arrowhead. Past submerged vegetation surveys found plants growing out to a depth of 15 feet with coontail, star duckweed, and northern milfoil being the most common submersed species observed. Maple Lake is known to contain three aquatic invasive species: Eurasian watermilfoil (found in 2007), flowering rush (2015), and zebra mussels (2019). Lake users should remain vigilant to prevent the spread of these species to other lakes.

Walleye are a primary managed species in the lake and the population is sustained through fingerling stocking during even numbered years. Walleye catches have historically been low and 2025 was no exception. While the Walleye catch was low, it was similar to 2020 and within the range of expected values for the lake. Walleye lengths ranged from 14 to 24 inches with an average length and weight of 19 inches and 3 pounds. Walleye ages ranged from 1 to 10 years with most fish being less than 7 years old. While Walleye abundance is low, growth is fast, reaching 20 inches in 4 years. High Northern Pike abundance likely limits Walleye survival and prevents population growth beyond current levels.

Northern Pike catches in Maple have historically been high and dominated by small fish and that remained the case in 2025. Only 11% of the pike sampled were 26 inches or longer and 2% were longer than 30 inches. Northern Pike sampled in 2025 ranged in length from 13 to 33 inches with an average length and weight of 21 inches and 2 pounds. Anglers have the opportunity for good Northern Pike fishing and are encouraged to harvest small pike ( 26 inches) to help improve the size structure.

Largemouth Bass were sampled by daytime electrofishing in spring 2025. The catch rate was 31 fish per hour, less than the 2015 nighttime rate of 73 fish per hour. Because bass are more susceptible to capture at night, the lower catch rate likely reflects sampling conditions rather than an actual population decline. Largemouth Bass ranged from 5 to 18 inches, averaging 11 inches and 1 pound. Forty-one percent of the bass sampled were over 12 inches, and 16% were larger than 15 inches. The size structure of the bass population remains favorable and provides good opportunities for anglers seeking quality-sized fish.

Bluegill abundance is average for the lake class, and fish exceeding 9 inches in length can be found. The catch in 2025 was similar to 2020 and within the range of expected values for similar lakes. Bluegill sampled ranged in length from 3 to 9 inches with an average length of 5.5. Thiry-four percent of the Bluegill sampled were longer than 6 inches, and 5% were longer than 8 inches. Recent regulation changes reducing the daily bag limit should help maintain or improve the size structure of the Bluegill population in coming years.

Anglers have the opportunity for good crappie fishing. The Black Crappie catch rate in 2025 was similar to 2020 with crappies ranging in length from 5 to 12 inches with an average of 9 inches. Sixty-five percent of those caught were over 8 inches, and 30% were larger than 10 inches, offering anglers the chance at quality-sized fish.

Yellow Perch abundance has historically been low in Maple Lake. Only one Yellow Perch was sampled in 2025 and only two were sampled in the previous three surveys between 2009 and 2020. Only in 1980 and 1994 did any significant number of Yellow Perch appear in the surveys. The scarcity of perch is likely due to predation from abundant Northern Pike.

Other species sampled included: Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead, Bowfin (Dogfish), Common Carp, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker.

Overall, Maple Lake continues to provide diverse angling opportunities for Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. Water quality remains good, and aquatic vegetation conditions support healthy fish habitat. Continued management focus on predator balance, habitat protection, and angler harvest regulations should help sustain and enhance the lake's fishery for years to come.