Artichoke Lake Fishing
Big Stone County and Swift County, 1,971 acres, 15.5 feet deep.
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Artichoke Lake in numbers
In Big Stone County and Swift County, Artichoke Lake spreads across 1,971 acres as a lake. It reaches 15.5 feet at its deepest point, with an average of 7.7 feet. Water shallower than 15 feet makes up 1,964 acres, or 100%. Census data put Correll nearest, around 9 miles away. The Ortonville DNR fisheries crew handles surveys here.
Expect walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass, going by DNR survey records. Public use comes through 3 public water accesses. A standard survey on August 30, 2021 is the newest on file. At 44.33 walleye per gill net, the catch ran above the 3.2-15.3 normal range. Ice usually leaves around April 7, the DNR median across 43 records.
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Read each row against its normal range; data from the standard survey on August 30, 2021.
| Species | Gear | Caught | Per set | Normal range | Avg lb | Normal lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Standard gill nets | 133 | 44.33 | 3.2-15.3 | 1.17 | 0.9-1.9 |
| Walleye | Standard trap nets | 14 | 1.08 | 0.3-1.7 | 1.66 | 0.9-2.4 |
| Northern pike | Standard gill nets | 4 | 1.33 | 1.2-7.8 | 3.72 | 1.5-3.0 |
| Northern pike | Standard trap nets | 2 | 0.15 | 4.29 | ||
| Yellow perch | Standard gill nets | 3 | 1 | 3.0-22.5 | 0.53 | 0.1-0.4 |
| Yellow perch | Standard trap nets | 1 | 0.08 | 0.3-2.6 | 0.51 | 0.1-0.3 |
| Black crappie | Standard gill nets | 45 | 15 | 0.8-11.1 | 0.35 | 0.2-0.4 |
| Black crappie | Standard trap nets | 76 | 5.85 | 1.0-12.3 | 0.75 | 0.2-0.5 |
| Bluegill | Standard trap nets | 5 | 0.38 | 1.0-14.9 | 0.51 | 0.2-0.4 |
| Bluegill | 1/4-in trap nets | 753 | 75.3 | |||
| Largemouth bass | Standard trap nets | 5 | 0.38 | 0.1-0.8 | 2.05 | 0.4-1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | 1/4-in trap nets | 5 | 0.5 |
What the Artichoke Lake gill nets held
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder lake survey data, survey report. Checked October 2026.
DNR notes on Artichoke Lake
“Artichoke Lake is located in western Minnesota approximately 14 miles northwest of Appleton.”
“It is a highly productive lake with a maximum depth of 15 feet and a surface area of 1,964 acres.”
“Artichoke has several shallow reefs and points that are not marked and anglers should study a contour map carefully before boating there.”
“An aeration system located near the "narrows" is usually operated during winter and it creates a substantial area of open water.”
Quoted from the DNR status of the fishery for Artichoke Lake (report). Checked October 2026.
Trailering a boat to Artichoke Lake
- Artichoke Lake (S) Access2 ramps, 30 trailer stalls, 2 docks, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Artichoke Lake (E) Access1 ramp, 6 trailer stalls, 1 dock, Artichoke Township
- Artichoke Lake (N) Access1 ramp, 20 trailer stalls, 1 dock, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
Fishing piers along Artichoke Lake
- Artichoke Lake Fishing Pierfishing pier, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
Landings neighboring Artichoke Lake
- Oliver Lake West AccessOliver (west portion), 5 miles east
- Oliver Lake East AccessOliver (east portion), 5 miles east
- Pomme de Terre River, Koosman AccessPomme de Terre River, 8 miles east
- Shible Lake AccessShible, 9 miles southeast
- Pomme De Terre River, Hwy 12 AccessPomme de Terre River, 9 miles southeast
- Marsh Lake, Correll Landing AccessMarsh, 10 miles south
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Public Fishing Sites layers and LakeFinder, checked October 2026.
The Artichoke Lake basin
Secchi disk readings on Artichoke Lake number 46, the first in 2006.
Artichoke Lake has lost its ice as soon as March 13, 2024 and as late as May 8, 2013.
DNR LakeFinder morphology and water clarity, DNR ice-out records (ice-out data), checked October 2026.
Gauge readings for Artichoke Lake
Gauge readers send the DNR the Artichoke Lake readings; the newest is shown with its date.
DNR lake level record (datum NGVD 29).
Artichoke Lake fish list
The list for Artichoke Lake follows the DNR LakeFinder record of fish caught in surveys over the last ten years or the latest survey.
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder species list and survey catch.
Keeping walleye and panfish from Artichoke Lake
Artichoke Lake has no lake-specific limit in the DNR tables.
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (not more than 2 over 26", all from 22-26" must be immediately released) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (North-central Zone) | 10 (either 2 northern pike over 26" and none from 22 to 26" or 1 from 22 to 26" and 1 over 26") | Nov. 15, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 except where prohibited |
| Largemouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Largemouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass (when smallmouth season is open) | May 23, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | March 1 – May 22, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | 6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth bass | May 23 – Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Smallmouth bass | Catch-and-release only | Sept. 14, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Crappie | 10 combined total | Continuous |
| Sunfish | 20 combined total | Continuous |
| Yellow perch | 20 daily, 40 in possession | Continuous |
| Muskellunge | 1 (minimum size 54") | June 6 – Nov. 30, 2026 |
| Channel catfish | 5 (only 1 over 24") | Continuous |
| Rock bass | 30 | Continuous |
| Cisco (tullibee) | 15 (over 7") | Continuous |
| Burbot (eelpout) | 4 | Continuous |
Zone rows for Artichoke Lake: North-central Zone.
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations and LakeFinder special regulations, checked October 2026. All Minnesota limits.
Lakes near Artichoke Lake, side by side
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Accesses | Walleye per gill net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artichoke Lake | 1,971 | 15.5 | 3 | 44.33 | |
| Long Lake, Big Stone County | 2 miles west | 395 | 10 | 0 | 31.5 |
| North Drywood Lake | 4 miles northeast | 404 | 0 | 0.2 | |
| Oliver Lake | 5 miles east | 686 | 18 | 2 | 13.5 |
| Shible Lake | 8 miles southeast | 340 | 8.5 | 1 | 6 |
| Otrey Lake | 10 miles west | 475 | 8 | 0 |
DNR LakeFinder morphology, access layer and latest survey per lake.
Near Artichoke Lake on the map
Lakes neighboring Artichoke Lake
- Long Lake, Big Stone County2 miles west
- North Drywood Lake4 miles northeast
- Oliver Lake5 miles east
- Shible Lake8 miles southeast
- Otrey Lake10 miles west
Where to grab leeches near Artichoke Lake
- Artie's Bait & Tacklebait and tackle shop, Ortonville, 15 miles
Lodging towns close to Artichoke Lake
- Correll9 miles
- Odessa12 miles
- Appleton12 miles
Artichoke Lake county pages
- Big Stone Countyseat: Ortonville
- Swift Countyseat: Benson
Piscifun tackle for a day on Artichoke Lake
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What Minnesota anglers ask about Artichoke Lake
Where in Minnesota is Artichoke Lake?
Big Stone County and Swift County holds it, managed from the Ortonville fisheries office, about 9 miles from Correll.
How many acres does LakeFinder list for Artichoke Lake?
About 1,971 acres, 15.5 feet at the deepest.
How many accesses does Artichoke Lake have?
3 public accesses, including Artichoke Lake (S) Access.
Which fish has the DNR found in Artichoke Lake?
DNR surveys list walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
How many walleye did the DNR net in Artichoke Lake?
On August 30, 2021, a standard survey. walleye ran 44.33 per gill net.
What are the limits on Artichoke Lake?
Nothing beyond statewide limits; it sits in the North-central Zone.
What does a license for Artichoke Lake cost?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
When does the ice go out on Artichoke Lake?
The DNR median is April 7, with the latest record March 28, 2026.
Which shop is nearest Artichoke Lake?
Try Artie's Bait & Tackle, around 15 miles off.
Get out on Artichoke Lake this season
Buy the Minnesota license online before the drive north.