Lac qui Parle Fishing
Lac qui Parle County, Chippewa County and Swift County, 5,741 acres, 15 feet deep.
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First look at Lac qui Parle
The DNR lists Lac qui Parle as a lake covering 5,741 acres in Lac qui Parle County, Chippewa County and Swift County. Soundings put the deepest water at 15 feet. About 100% of the lake, 5,741 acres, is under 15 feet deep. About 4 miles separate the lake from Milan. Surveys come from the Ortonville area fisheries office.
DNR surveys have recorded walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. Anglers launch from 9 public water accesses, 8 of them trailer launches. The newest catch data come from a standard survey on May 16, 2016. Walleye numbers, 14.42 per gill net, landed within the range the DNR expects (3.2-15.3).
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These rows come from the standard survey on May 16, 2016; the normal range is the DNR range for lakes of the same class.
| Species | Gear | Caught | Per set | Normal range | Avg lb | Normal lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Standard gill nets | 173 | 14.42 | 3.2-15.3 | 1.1 | 0.9-1.9 |
| Walleye | Standard trap nets | 36 | 2.57 | 0.3-1.7 | 0.96 | 0.9-2.4 |
| Northern pike | Standard gill nets | 48 | 4 | 1.2-7.8 | 4.33 | 1.5-3.0 |
| Northern pike | Standard trap nets | 15 | 1.07 | 4.28 | ||
| Yellow perch | Standard gill nets | 3 | 0.25 | 3.0-22.5 | 0.28 | 0.1-0.4 |
| Yellow perch | Standard trap nets | 1 | 0.07 | 0.3-2.6 | 0.25 | 0.1-0.3 |
| Black crappie | Standard gill nets | 152 | 12.67 | 0.8-11.1 | 0.78 | 0.2-0.4 |
| Black crappie | Standard trap nets | 663 | 47.36 | 1.0-12.3 | 0.24 | 0.2-0.5 |
| Bluegill | Standard trap nets | 11 | 0.79 | 1.0-14.9 | 0.52 | 0.2-0.4 |
| Sunfish | Fall electrofishing | 71 | 35.5 | |||
| Largemouth bass | Standard trap nets | 4 | 0.29 | 0.1-0.8 | 3.51 | 0.4-1.5 |
| Largemouth bass | Fall electrofishing | 10 | 5 |
Gill net totals, Lac qui Parle
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder lake survey data, survey report. Checked October 2026.
The Lac qui Parle fishery in the DNR report
“Lac qui Parle Lake (LQP) is located three miles southwest of Milan in western Minnesota.”
“It is an impoundment of the Minnesota River and its water level is controlled by Churchill Dam.”
“LQP is a highly productive lake that measures 5,589 acres and has a maximum depth of 15 feet.”
“Watersheds that ultimately drain into LQP include the Upper Minnesota, Yellow Bank, Lac qui Parle, Pomme de Terre and a portion of the Chippewa.”
Quoted from the DNR status of the fishery for Lac qui Parle (report). Checked October 2026.
Where trailers back down on Lac qui Parle
- Lac Qui Parle Lake, Milan Bridge Access2 ramps, 12 trailer stalls, 1 dock, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Lac Qui Parle Lake, Voldin's Pit Access Access2 ramps, 24 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Lac qui Parle Lake, Boyd Landing Access2 ramps, 20 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Lac qui Parle Lake, Hantho Landing Access2 ramps, 20 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Lac Qui Parle Lake, Englebretzen Access1 ramp, 20 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Lac Qui Parle Lake, SPK (NW) Access1 ramp, 10 trailer stalls, 1 dock, toilet, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Lac Qui Parle Lake, Watson Sag Access1 ramp, 6 trailer stalls, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Minnesota River, Twin Bridges Access1 ramp, 8 trailer stalls, 1 dock, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
- Lac Qui Parle Lake, WMA (W) Access1 ramp, DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife
Fishing Lac qui Parle from shore
- Lac Qui Parle Lake Shore Fishing Siteshore fishing site, DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, Lac qui Parle Lake, Boyd Landing Public Water Access Site
- Lac Qui Parle Lake Fishing Pierfishing pier, Lac Qui Parle Lake Association, Lac Qui Parle Lake, Milan Bridge Public Water Access Site
- Lac Qui Parle Lake/Minnesota River Fishing Siteshore fishing site, DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, Minnesota River, Twin Bridges Public Water Access Site
- Lac Qui Parle Lake Fishing Platformshore fishing site, DNR Division of Parks and Trails
Lac qui Parle sub-basins
- Lac qui Parle (NW Bay)DNR 37004602
- Lac qui Parle (SE Bay)DNR 37004601
Accesses a short drive from Lac qui Parle
- Lac Qui Parle River, Lac Qui Parle Co Park AccessLac Qui Parle River, 7 miles south
- Lac Qui Parle Lake, Dam AccessMinnesota River, 8 miles southeast
- Pomme De Terre River, #2 AccessPomme de Terre River, 8 miles northwest
- Minnesota River, Marsh Lake AccessMinnesota River, 8 miles northwest
- Pomme de Terre River, Appleton AccessPomme de Terre River, 8 miles north
- Marsh Lake (SE) Marsh #2 AccessMarsh, 8 miles northwest
Minnesota DNR Public Water Access Sites and Public Fishing Sites layers and LakeFinder, checked October 2026.
Depth and shape of Lac qui Parle
Since 2006, 34 Secchi readings have been recorded on Lac qui Parle.
DNR LakeFinder morphology and water clarity, DNR ice-out records (ice-out data), checked October 2026.
Lac qui Parle elevation
US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District (CWMS), reading for Oct 18, 2026. Retrieved Oct 22, 2026 1:35 am ET. Not updated since Oct 18, 2026.
USACE St. Paul District series Lac Qui Parle at Hwy 40 Bridge, Lac qui Parle lake gauge; datum NGVD-29. Reading on file 933.68 ft on 2026-10-19.
US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District (CWMS), reading for Oct 18, 2026. Retrieved Oct 22, 2026 1:35 am ET. Not updated since Oct 18, 2026.
USACE St. Paul District series Lac qui Parle Dam, Lac qui Parle Dam pool; datum NGVD-29. Reading on file 933.62 ft on 2026-10-19.
Fish on record for Lac qui Parle
Species for Lac qui Parle come from DNR survey nets, so small or rare fish may be missing.
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder species list and survey catch.
Bag and size limits on Lac qui Parle
Special and experimental regulations on Lac qui Parle:
| Species | Regulation | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Daily limit five. | Upstream to Marsh Lake Dam, including the Watson Sag upstream to the diversion dam (Lac Qui Parle and Chippewa counties) |
| Walleye | Possession limit four. | Upstream to Marsh Lake Dam, including the Watson Sag upstream to the diversion dam (Lac Qui Parle and Chippewa counties) |
| Species | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye and sauger | 6 combined total (only 1 walleye over 20" in possession) | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (Southern Zone) | 2 (minimum size 24") | May 9, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027 |
| Northern pike (Southern Zone) | 2 (minimum size 24") | 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 |
Map position places Lac qui Parle in the Southern Zone for pike and bass.
2026 Minnesota Fishing Regulations and LakeFinder special regulations, checked October 2026. All Minnesota limits.
Lac qui Parle compared with its neighbors
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Max depth ft | Accesses | Walleye per gill net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lac qui Parle | 5,741 | 15 | 9 | 14.42 | |
| Marsh, Big Stone County | 11 miles northwest | 4,462 | 5 | 5 | 7.75 |
| Shible Lake | 11 miles north | 340 | 8.5 | 1 | 6 |
| Oliver Lake | 17 miles north | 686 | 18 | 2 | 13.5 |
| Big Stone NWR East Pool | 19 miles northwest | 1,286 | 0 | 1.6 | |
| Artichoke Lake | 19 miles northwest | 1,971 | 15.5 | 3 | 44.33 |
DNR LakeFinder morphology, access layer and latest survey per lake.
Close by Lac qui Parle
Lakes a short haul from Lac qui Parle
- Marsh, Big Stone County11 miles northwest
- Shible Lake11 miles north
- Oliver Lake17 miles north
- Big Stone NWR East Pool19 miles northwest
- Artichoke Lake19 miles northwest
Bait counters serving Lac qui Parle
- Runningsfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Montevideo, 17 miles
- Runningsfarm and general store with fishing supplies, Benson, 23 miles
- Mike's Guns And Sporting Goodssporting goods store, Benson, 24 miles
Places to bunk near Lac qui Parle
- Milan3 miles
- Appleton7 miles
- Louisburg10 miles
Minnesota counties sharing Lac qui Parle
- Lac qui Parle Countyseat: Madison
- Chippewa Countyseat: Montevideo
- Swift Countyseat: Benson
Spinning and baitcasting picks for Lac qui Parle
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Species in the nets at Lac qui Parle
Photo: Fizzishin, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Engbretson Eric, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain
Photo: Ryan Somma, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Nick Loveland, CC0
Answers before you launch on Lac qui Parle
Where does Lac qui Parle sit on a Minnesota map?
The lake point falls in Lac qui Parle County, Chippewa County and Swift County, managed from the Ortonville fisheries office, about 4 miles from Milan.
What acreage does LakeFinder give Lac qui Parle?
5,741 surface acres, 15 feet at the deepest.
Where is the public access on Lac qui Parle?
The DNR layer lists 9 public accesses; Lac qui Parle Lake, Boyd Landing Access is a good start.
Is Lac qui Parle a good panfish lake?
walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, per DNR surveys.
Is Lac qui Parle above normal for walleye?
A standard survey on May 16, 2016; walleye ran 14.42 per gill net.
Is Lac qui Parle under experimental regulations?
Crappie: Daily limit five.; Walleye: Possession limit four.
Do I need a Minnesota license for Lac qui Parle?
Minnesota residents 16 to 89 need an angling license ($25 for the year); nonresidents 16 and older pay $51.
When does Lac qui Parle freeze and thaw?
LakeFinder lists 1.5 feet average clarity.
Where can I buy minnows near Lac qui Parle?
Closest on our list: Runnings, 17 miles.
Hook up the trailer for Lac qui Parle
The license page lists every Minnesota limit.