Fishing at Nelson, Minnesota
293-acre lake · Pope County · 4 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Nelson is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Pope County. At 293 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 9 stocking events on record for Nelson:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 120 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 61 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 60 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Walleye | 267,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Walleye | 267,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Walleye | 267,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Walleye | 267,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Walleye | 30,000 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Walleye | 240,000 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Black Crappie in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Nelson, 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 Bluegill Sunfish lakes in Minnesota
- Top Largemouth Bass lakes in Minnesota
- Top Walleye lakes in Minnesota
Best Time to Fish Nelson
For black crappie, the best fishing on Nelson 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 Nelson:
- Lake Ben — 2.5 mi (329 ac)
- Lake Hanson — 2.9 mi (182 ac)
- Lake Linka — 4.4 mi (173 ac)
- Linka — 4.5 mi (178 ac)
- Gilchrist — 5.0 mi (336 ac)
- Swenoda Lake — 6.2 mi (290 ac)
- Lake Minnewaska — 6.5 mi (7,935 ac)
- Scandinavian — 6.8 mi (417 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Nelson. 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 Nelson?
Nelson has been stocked with Black Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye.
When was Nelson last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2023, when 120 black crappie were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Nelson?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.