Fishing at Staring, Minnesota
167-acre lake · Hennepin County · 3 species stocked
If you're looking for somewhere to wet a line in Minnesota, Staring is one of the most consistently productive lakes in Hennepin County. At 167 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 5 stocking events on record for Staring:
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Black Crappie | 40 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 28 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2023 | 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 29 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2019 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 200 | 0.0″ |
| Jan 1, 2018 | 🐟 Bluegill Sunfish | 300 | 0.0″ |
Species You Can Catch
Where to Catch Black Crappie in Minnesota
If you're targeting one of the species stocked in Staring, 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
Best Time to Fish Staring
For black crappie, the best fishing on Staring 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 Staring:
- Staring Lake — 0.1 mi (151 ac)
- Mitchell — 2.4 mi (114 ac)
- Anderson Lakes — 2.7 mi (183 ac)
- Bryant Lake — 3.1 mi (170 ac)
- Bryant — 3.1 mi (180 ac)
- Riley — 3.3 mi (296 ac)
- Riley Lake — 3.3 mi (277 ac)
- Fisher Lake — 3.4 mi (259 ac)
Fishing Regulations
A valid Minnesota fishing license is required at Staring. 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 Staring?
Staring has been stocked with Black Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish, Largemouth Bass.
When was Staring last stocked?
The most recent stocking on record was Jan 1, 2023, when 40 black crappie were planted.
Do I need a fishing license for Staring?
Yes — a valid Minnesota fishing license is required. Purchase one online from the Minnesota DNR.