Fishing at Buffalo, Minnesota
127-acre lake · Murray County · 4 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Buffalo is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Murray County. At 127 acres, it offers small lake fishing across diverse habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 7 stocking events on record for Buffalo:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Northern Pike | 601 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 75 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Yellow Perch | 1,307 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 40 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 4,548 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Northern Pike | 184 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Northern Pike | 864 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Northern Pike in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Buffalo, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
- Top Northern Pike lakes in Minnesota
- Top Black Crappie lakes in Minnesota
- Top Yellow Perch lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Buffalo
For northern pike, the best fishing on Buffalo 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 Buffalo:
- Fox — 5.2 mi (172 ac)
- Robbins Slough — 5.3 mi (120 ac)
- Bloody — 5.8 mi (274 ac)
- Armstrong Slough — 6.9 mi (3,911 ac)
- Lake Louisa — 7.1 mi (206 ac)
- Louisa — 7.1 mi (230 ac)
- Shetek — 7.3 mi (3,462 ac)
- Lime — 9.8 mi (326 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Buffalo. 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 Buffalo?
Buffalo has been stocked with Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Walleye.
When was Buffalo last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 601 northern pike were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Buffalo?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.