Lightning

Grant County, Minnesota — DOW #26028200

110 Surveys

540.5

Acres

11 ft

Max Depth

7 ft

Mean Depth

Fish Species

Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Lightning. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Northern Pike

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-16	Standard gill nets	5.3 (normal)	1.1 – 8.0	2.15 lb	48
2008-06-16	Standard trap nets	2.8	—	2.45 lb	25
2023-05-04	Single-frame trap nets	1.0	—	1.98 lb	3
1979-06-11	Standard gill nets	1.5 (normal)	1.1 – 8.0	3.57 lb	3
1979-06-11	Standard trap nets	1.3	—	1.25 lb	5
1984-06-11	Standard gill nets	0.8 (below normal)	1.1 – 8.0	2.75 lb	4
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.1	—	2.80 lb	1
1995-06-12	Standard gill nets	1.0 (below normal)	1.1 – 8.0	4.00 lb	9
2022-08-09	Standard gill nets	15.3 (above normal)	1.1 – 8.0	2.04 lb	46
2018-06-11	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	1.1 – 8.0	3.17 lb	20
2018-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.3	—	4.00 lb	3
1999-06-07	Standard gill nets	14.5 (above normal)	1.1 – 8.0	2.10 lb	87
1999-06-07	Standard trap nets	2.6	—	2.21 lb	23
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	5.8 (normal)	1.1 – 8.0	2.67 lb	23
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	1.1	—	2.29 lb	10

Black Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	1.4 – 13.8	0.34 lb	1
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.9 (below normal)	1.2 – 20.5	0.28 lb	11
1995-06-12	Survey seining	0.3	—	—	1
1995-06-12	Standard gill nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.4 – 13.8	0.19 lb	2
1995-06-12	Standard trap nets	2.1 (normal)	1.2 – 20.5	0.06 lb	19
2022-08-09	Standard gill nets	4.0 (normal)	1.4 – 13.8	0.14 lb	12
1999-06-07	Standard trap nets	2.0 (normal)	1.2 – 20.5	0.57 lb	18

Black Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-16	Standard gill nets	44.7 (normal)	30.3 – 150.6	0.31 lb	402
2008-06-16	Standard trap nets	147.8 (above normal)	11.5 – 132.6	0.12 lb	1330
2023-05-04	3/8-in trap nets	528.5	—	—	1057
2023-05-04	Single-frame trap nets	133.3	—	0.03 lb	400
1979-06-11	Standard gill nets	2.0 (below normal)	30.3 – 150.6	0.68 lb	4
1979-06-11	Standard trap nets	14.0 (normal)	11.5 – 132.6	0.78 lb	56
1984-06-11	Standard gill nets	36.6 (normal)	30.3 – 150.6	0.21 lb	183
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	79.0 (normal)	11.5 – 132.6	0.14 lb	948
2019-04-22	3/8-in trap nets	2.0	—	0.61 lb	4
1995-06-12	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	11.5 – 132.6	1.34 lb	2
1995-06-12	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	30.3 – 150.6	1.87 lb	1
2022-08-09	Standard gill nets	17.0 (below normal)	30.3 – 150.6	0.33 lb	51
2018-06-11	Standard gill nets	30.8 (normal)	30.3 – 150.6	0.43 lb	185
2018-06-11	Standard trap nets	25.1 (normal)	11.5 – 132.6	0.30 lb	226
1999-06-07	Standard gill nets	303.2 (above normal)	30.3 – 150.6	0.09 lb	1819
1999-06-07	Standard trap nets	257.6 (above normal)	11.5 – 132.6	0.19 lb	2318
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	370.5 (above normal)	30.3 – 150.6	0.02 lb	1482
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	122.0 (normal)	11.5 – 132.6	0.07 lb	1098

White Sucker

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-16	Standard gill nets	6.3 (normal)	0.8 – 6.5	0.63 lb	57
2008-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.9 (normal)	0.3 – 2.6	1.44 lb	8
2023-05-04	3/8-in trap nets	1.5	—	2.15 lb	3
2023-05-04	Single-frame trap nets	3.7	—	1.96 lb	11
1979-06-11	Standard gill nets	5.5 (normal)	0.8 – 6.5	1.14 lb	11
1984-06-11	Standard gill nets	1.2 (normal)	0.8 – 6.5	2.48 lb	6
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.7 (normal)	0.3 – 2.6	2.30 lb	8
1995-06-12	Standard gill nets	0.7 (below normal)	0.8 – 6.5	2.18 lb	6
2022-08-09	Standard gill nets	13.7 (above normal)	0.8 – 6.5	2.18 lb	41
2018-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.3 – 2.6	2.82 lb	1
1999-06-07	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 2.6	2.21 lb	5

Common Carp

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-16	Standard gill nets	0.1 (below normal)	1.0 – 13.8	1.74 lb	1
2008-06-16	Standard trap nets	2.8 (normal)	1.0 – 5.5	4.27 lb	25
1979-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.5 (below normal)	1.0 – 5.5	6.70 lb	2
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	1.0 – 5.5	11.10 lb	2
1995-06-12	Standard trap nets	1.0 (normal)	1.0 – 5.5	7.98 lb	9
2022-08-09	Standard gill nets	1.0 (normal)	1.0 – 13.8	5.79 lb	3
2018-06-11	Standard gill nets	12.7 (normal)	1.0 – 13.8	1.93 lb	76
2018-06-11	Standard trap nets	11.8 (above normal)	1.0 – 5.5	2.81 lb	106
1999-06-07	Standard trap nets	0.8 (below normal)	1.0 – 5.5	7.16 lb	7
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	6.8 (normal)	1.0 – 13.8	1.56 lb	27
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	4.6 (normal)	1.0 – 5.5	3.40 lb	41

Walleye

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.0	5.38 lb	1
1979-06-11	Standard gill nets	8.5 (normal)	2.3 – 18.1	1.06 lb	17
1979-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.0	4.38 lb	2
1984-06-11	Standard gill nets	1.0 (below normal)	2.3 – 18.1	2.88 lb	5
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	1.5 (normal)	0.5 – 3.0	1.77 lb	18
2019-04-22	Single-frame trap nets	0.7	—	0.54 lb	2
1995-06-12	Standard gill nets	7.3 (normal)	2.3 – 18.1	1.74 lb	66
1995-06-12	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.0	1.92 lb	3
2022-08-09	Standard gill nets	25.3 (above normal)	2.3 – 18.1	0.68 lb	76
2018-06-11	Standard gill nets	30.0 (above normal)	2.3 – 18.1	1.10 lb	180
2018-06-11	Standard trap nets	4.0 (above normal)	0.5 – 3.0	1.35 lb	36
1999-06-07	Standard gill nets	3.3 (normal)	2.3 – 18.1	2.24 lb	20
1999-06-07	Standard trap nets	0.1 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.0	6.75 lb	1
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	5.0 (normal)	2.3 – 18.1	3.01 lb	20
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	0.3 (below normal)	0.5 – 3.0	1.18 lb	3

Yellow Perch

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2008-06-16	Standard gill nets	1.7 (below normal)	2.7 – 25.0	0.16 lb	15
2023-05-04	3/8-in trap nets	8.0	—	0.04 lb	16
2023-05-04	Single-frame trap nets	1.0	—	0.18 lb	3
1979-06-11	Standard trap nets	29.8 (above normal)	0.3 – 3.8	0.16 lb	119
1979-06-11	Standard gill nets	59.0 (above normal)	2.7 – 25.0	0.20 lb	118
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	3.8 (normal)	0.3 – 3.8	0.10 lb	45
1984-06-11	Standard gill nets	12.6 (normal)	2.7 – 25.0	0.17 lb	63
1995-06-12	Standard trap nets	13.9 (above normal)	0.3 – 3.8	0.15 lb	125
1995-06-12	Survey seining	0.3	—	—	1
1995-06-12	Standard gill nets	31.8 (above normal)	2.7 – 25.0	0.39 lb	286
2022-08-09	Standard gill nets	7.0 (normal)	2.7 – 25.0	0.38 lb	21
2018-06-11	Standard gill nets	31.2 (above normal)	2.7 – 25.0	0.32 lb	187
1999-06-07	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 3.8	0.52 lb	5
1999-06-07	Standard gill nets	2.3 (below normal)	2.7 – 25.0	0.33 lb	14
2003-06-16	Standard gill nets	9.3 (normal)	2.7 – 25.0	0.26 lb	37

Hybrid Sunfish

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.2	—	0.55 lb	2

Pumpkinseed

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.4 (normal)	0.3 – 4.9	0.16 lb	5
2018-06-11	Standard gill nets	0.2	—	0.10 lb	1
2018-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.3 – 4.9	0.19 lb	5

Yellow Bullhead

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1984-06-11	Standard trap nets	1.4 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.69 lb	17
1995-06-12	Standard trap nets	0.2 (below normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.72 lb	2
2003-06-16	Standard trap nets	1.6 (normal)	0.5 – 2.5	0.47 lb	14

Golden Shiner

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
1995-06-12	Survey seining	0.3	—	1

Fathead Minnow

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
1995-06-12	Survey seining	33.3	—	133

Iowa Darter

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
1995-06-12	Survey seining	0.5	—	2

Bluegill

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
1995-06-12	Survey seining	5.0	—	—	20
1995-06-12	Standard gill nets	0.3	—	1.53 lb	3
1995-06-12	Standard trap nets	1.1 (below normal)	1.2 – 20.0	0.28 lb	10
2022-08-09	Standard gill nets	0.7	—	0.11 lb	2
2018-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.8 (below normal)	1.2 – 20.0	0.35 lb	7

White Crappie

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Total Catch
1995-06-12	Survey seining	1.3	—	5

Largemouth Bass

Date	Gear	CPUE	Normal Range	Avg Weight	Total Catch
2018-06-11	Standard trap nets	0.6 (normal)	0.2 – 0.7	1.29 lb	5
1999-06-07	Standard electrofishing	4.0	—	1.46 lb	3

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Marinas

Advanced Docks & Lifts

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 495-2811

★ 4.3

Ark & Spark

Underwood, MN

(218) 864-5969

★ 4.6

Battle Lake Boat Works

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 864-5567

★ 3.8

Delagoon Park

Fergus Falls, MN

★ 4.4

DJ's Dock Service

Fergus Falls, MN

(218) 531-0124

★ 4.7

Enclave Dock & Lift

Battle Lake, MN

(218) 282-5000

★ 4.9

Resorts & Lodges Near Lightning

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Lightning.

Barrett Lake Resort-Campground

Fishing Resort Barrett

(320) 528-2598

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Lightning. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black Bullhead Black Crappie Bluegill Common Carp Largemouth Bass Northern Pike Pumpkinseed Walleye White Sucker Yellow Perch

Other Lakes in Grant County

Nelson

Plan Your Trip to Lightning

Weather forecast for Lightning — check wind, rain, and temperature before you go
GPS: 46.0695°N, 96.0849°W — Get Directions
View on MN DNR LakeFinder for the latest survey data and lake info
Review Minnesota fishing regulations for season dates and limits
A Minnesota fishing license is required for ages 16+ — buy online at dnr.state.mn.us

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.

Lightning

DNR Fish Surveys

Northern Pike

Black Crappie

Black Bullhead

White Sucker

Common Carp

Walleye

Yellow Perch

Hybrid Sunfish

Pumpkinseed

Yellow Bullhead

Golden Shiner

Fathead Minnow

Iowa Darter

Bluegill

White Crappie

Largemouth Bass

Depth Maps & Lake Info

Map & Directions

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Chumpy's Bait Shop

Ben's Bait Shop

Bosek Fisheries and Wholesale Live Bait

Carr's Lake Country Super Market

Dunham's Sports

Elizabeth General Store

Flagman Products

JK-Outdoors

Nearby Marinas

Advanced Docks & Lifts

Ark & Spark

Battle Lake Boat Works

Delagoon Park

DJ's Dock Service

Enclave Dock & Lift

Resorts & Lodges Near Lightning

Fish Species

Other Lakes in Grant County

Barrett

Cottonwood

Elk

Graham

Lower Elk

Nelson

Plan Your Trip to Lightning