Minnesota · ranked from DNR surveys
Best smallmouth bass lakes in Meeker County
The DNR has surveyed smallmouth bass in 8 lakes in Meeker County. The 5 ranked below are the ones that earn a grade on this site. Grades come from survey catch rates, fish size and trophy history, scored the same way for every lake on the live map.
Manuella Lake is first at B−. Its biggest smallmouth bass in the survey was 19 inches. Washington Lake is second at B−. 31% of its smallmouth bass measured over 15 inches. Ripley (west portion) Lake is third at B−, and its biggest smallmouth bass was 18 inches.
| # | Lake | Grade | Acres | Survey catch rate | Over 15" | Biggest Surveyed | Avg wt | Surveyed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuella Lake | B− | 293 | — | 50% | 19" | 1.8 lb | 2025 |
| 2 | Washington Lake | B− | 2,438 | — | 31% | 18" | 1.5 lb | 2025 |
| 3 | Ripley (west portion) Lake | B− | 614 | — | 100% | 18" | 3.7 lb | 2023 |
| 4 | Big Swan Lake | C+ | 684 | — | 13% | 16" | 1 lb | 2025 |
| 5 | Stella Lake | C | 599 | 1.3/hr in electrofishing | 48% | 19" | 1.8 lb | 2025 |
Also ranked in Meeker County: Walleye · Northern pike · Largemouth bass · Crappie · Bluegill · Yellow perch
All of Minnesota: Best smallmouth bass lakes in Minnesota
Grades are based on Minnesota DNR survey data: how many fish the DNR caught (scaled by lake size), how many reached quality size, and the biggest fish measured. Each lake's page has the numbers behind its grade. The table shows each lake's most recent survey year.