Fishing at St James Pit, Minnesota
124-acre lake · St. Louis County · 1 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, St James Pit is one of the most consistently productive lakes in St. Louis County. At 124 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 10 stocking events on record for St James Pit:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2024 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 875 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 875 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2022 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2021 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2020 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 1,050 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2017 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 2,100 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2016 | 🐟 Rainbow Trout | 750 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Rainbow Trout in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in St James Pit, 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 St James Pit
For rainbow trout, the best fishing on St James Pit 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 St James Pit:
- Sabin (Embarrass Mine) — 2.1 mi (156 ac)
- Wynne — 3.0 mi (279 ac)
- Whitewater — 3.7 mi (1,212 ac)
- Wynne Lake — 3.7 mi (609 ac)
- Embarrass — 3.8 mi (463 ac)
- Colby Lake — 3.9 mi (524 ac)
- Colby — 4.2 mi (518 ac)
- Sabin — 4.5 mi (312 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at St James Pit. 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 St James Pit?
St James Pit has been stocked with Rainbow Trout.
When was St James Pit last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2024, when 875 rainbow trout were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for St James Pit?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.