Fishing at Artichoke, Minnesota
1,971-acre lake · Big Stone County · 6 species stocked
Stretching across 1,971 acres in Big Stone County, Artichoke is a lake known to anglers throughout Minnesota for its mixed warmwater and coldwater fishery. Whether you're casting from a kayak or running deeper structure from a boat, the data on this page will help you plan your next trip.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 10 stocking events on record for Artichoke:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 95 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 32 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,000,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Spo | 15,500 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 124 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,002,310 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,000,418 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 1,000,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Yellow Perch | 44,375 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 15,509 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Black Crappie in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Artichoke, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Black Crappie lakes in Minnesota
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
- Top Spo lakes in Minnesota
- Top Yellow Perch lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Artichoke
For black crappie, the best fishing on Artichoke is typically in spring and fall, when surface temperatures fall in the 55–70°F range. That window matches the active feeding period for the species and aligns with lake thermal turnover, putting fish in predictable depths and structure. Check the recent stocking dates above — fish are easiest to locate in the first two to four weeks after a planting.
Nearby Lakes
Other stocked waters within ~75 miles of Artichoke:
- Long — 1.9 mi (395 ac)
- Large Henry Lake — 2.4 mi (159 ac)
- Griffin Lake — 3.3 mi (139 ac)
- Dry Wood Lake — 3.7 mi (626 ac)
- North Drywood — 4.2 mi (404 ac)
- Oliver (west portion) — 4.6 mi (218 ac)
- Oliver — 5.4 mi (686 ac)
- Oliver (east portion) — 5.9 mi (467 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Artichoke. Buy one online and check current regulations at the Minnesota DNR. Always confirm seasonal closures, size limits, and creel limits before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are stocked in Artichoke?
Artichoke has been stocked with Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Spo, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike.
When was Artichoke last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 95 black crappie were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Artichoke?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.