Fishing at McQuade, Minnesota
173-acre lake · St. Louis County · 1 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, McQuade is one of the most consistently productive lakes in St. Louis County. At 173 acres, it offers small lake fishing across specialized habitat — exactly the kind of water that rewards anglers who pay attention to stocking schedules and seasonal patterns.
Recent Stocking Reports
The most recent 4 stocking events on record for McQuade:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Walleye | 157,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 157,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Walleye | 157,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 200,000 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Walleye in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in McQuade, the state-level guide ranks the top lakes by stocking volume — a good supplement to this page when planning a trip:
Best Time to Fish McQuade
For walleye, the best fishing on McQuade 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 McQuade:
- McQuade Lake — 0.0 mi (169 ac)
- Carey — 2.7 mi (145 ac)
- Carey Lake — 2.7 mi (141 ac)
- Iron Chief Complex — 5.7 mi (207 ac)
- Longyear — 6.8 mi (151 ac)
- Elbow Lake — 6.9 mi (168 ac)
- West Two Rivers Reservoir — 7.1 mi (967 ac)
- Mashkenode Lake — 9.6 mi (123 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at McQuade. 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 McQuade?
McQuade has been stocked with Walleye.
When was McQuade last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2023, when 157,000 walleye were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for McQuade?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.