Minnesota Fishing Guide

Vails

Stearns County, Minnesota — DOW #73015100

220 Surveys
160.64
Acres
20 ft
Max Depth
8.6 ft
Mean Depth
16
Fish Species
4
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-06-10 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 5.5 1.96 lb 1
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.6 – 5.2 0.82 lb 5
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 3.3 (normal) 0.6 – 5.2 1.02 lb 30
2003-06-16 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 5.5 1.14 lb 1
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.6 – 5.2 2.14 lb 1
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 5.5 1.96 lb 2

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-06-10 Standard gill nets 8.3 (normal) 2.3 – 9.2 2.49 lb 50
1995-06-13 Standard gill nets 1.8 (below normal) 2.3 – 9.2 2.29 lb 7
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 1.6 — 4.54 lb 8
1980-06-11 Standard gill nets 4.0 (normal) 2.3 – 9.2 1.86 lb 8
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 1.0 — 1.32 lb 5
2003-06-16 Standard gill nets 7.2 (normal) 2.3 – 9.2 3.11 lb 43
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 0.2 — 0.27 lb 2
2013-06-10 Standard gill nets 7.0 (normal) 2.3 – 9.2 2.31 lb 42
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 0.8 — 3.06 lb 7
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.3 — — 2
1985-07-08 Standard gill nets 3.5 (normal) 2.3 – 9.2 2.29 lb 7
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.4 — 1.19 lb 2
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 9.0 (normal) 2.3 – 9.2 2.96 lb 54

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-06-10 Standard gill nets 7.5 (normal) 0.8 – 8.4 0.06 lb 45
1995-06-13 Standard trap nets 0.8 (below normal) 0.9 – 8.0 0.35 lb 4
1990-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.8 – 8.4 0.10 lb 1
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 39.2 (above normal) 0.9 – 8.0 0.21 lb 196
1980-06-11 Standard gill nets 4.5 (normal) 0.8 – 8.4 0.17 lb 9
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 53.6 (above normal) 0.9 – 8.0 0.28 lb 268
2003-06-16 Standard electrofishing 4.7 — 0.53 lb 5
2003-06-16 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.8 – 8.4 0.19 lb 1
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 8.2 (above normal) 0.9 – 8.0 0.22 lb 74
2013-06-10 Standard gill nets 10.2 (above normal) 0.8 – 8.4 0.17 lb 61
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 15.0 (above normal) 0.9 – 8.0 0.41 lb 135
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 7.3 — — 51
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 1.3 — — 4
1985-07-08 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 0.8 – 8.4 0.32 lb 2
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 37.8 (above normal) 0.9 – 8.0 0.29 lb 189
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 21.3 (above normal) 0.8 – 8.4 0.31 lb 128
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 1.4 (normal) 0.9 – 8.0 0.50 lb 13

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-06-10 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 1.92 lb 3
1995-06-13 Standard gill nets 6.8 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 1.67 lb 27
1995-06-13 Special trap nets 1.0 — — 1
1995-06-13 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.3 4.10 lb 1
1990-06-18 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.86 lb 5
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 9.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.3 2.41 lb 45
1980-06-11 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 2.17 lb 3
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 3.00 lb 5
2003-06-16 Standard gill nets 13.8 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 2.68 lb 83
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.3 3.20 lb 1
2013-06-10 Standard gill nets 5.5 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 1.70 lb 33
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 2.94 lb 3
2018-08-07 Backpack electrofishing 2.1 — — 2
1985-07-08 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 5.27 lb 3
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 1.81 lb 4

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-06-10 Standard gill nets 1.2 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.3 0.75 lb 7
1995-06-13 Standard gill nets 3.8 (normal) 1.2 – 5.3 1.15 lb 15
1990-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.3 4.70 lb 2
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 0.8 4.05 lb 4
1980-06-11 Standard gill nets 1.0 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.3 0.88 lb 2
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.8 1.00 lb 1
2003-06-16 Standard electrofishing 9.5 — 0.38 lb 10
2003-06-16 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.3 2.93 lb 3
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.8 0.86 lb 1
2013-06-10 Standard gill nets 2.2 (normal) 1.2 – 5.3 2.30 lb 13
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.8 3.26 lb 1
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 1.2 – 5.3 3.73 lb 3

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-06-10 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 0.10 lb 1
1995-06-13 Special trap nets 1.0 — — 1
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 1.8 (normal) 1.5 – 9.1 0.11 lb 9
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 3.8 (normal) 1.5 – 9.1 0.18 lb 19
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 3.8 (normal) 1.5 – 9.1 0.12 lb 34
2019-06-17 Backpack electrofishing 2.9 — — 4
2019-06-17 50-ft beach seine 3.7 — — 22
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 1.5 – 9.1 0.23 lb 21
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.9 — — 6
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 3.8 (normal) 1.5 – 9.1 0.16 lb 19
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 9.0 (normal) 1.5 – 9.1 0.14 lb 81

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-06-10 Standard gill nets 0.5 — 0.03 lb 3
1995-06-13 Special trap nets 3.0 — — 3
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 0.2 — 0.10 lb 1
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 2.0 — 0.28 lb 10
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 0.4 — 0.12 lb 4
2019-06-17 50-ft beach seine 0.2 — — 1
2019-06-17 Backpack electrofishing 1.5 — — 2
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 0.3 — — 1
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 1.2 — 0.15 lb 6
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.4 — 0.10 lb 4

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-06-10 Standard gill nets 0.5 — 0.15 lb 3
1995-06-13 Special trap nets 2.0 — — 2
1995-06-13 Standard trap nets 2.6 (below normal) 5.9 – 43.3 0.30 lb 13
1990-06-18 Standard gill nets 0.8 — 0.07 lb 3
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 36.8 (normal) 5.9 – 43.3 0.11 lb 184
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 8.2 (normal) 5.9 – 43.3 0.33 lb 41
2003-06-16 Standard electrofishing 2.8 — 0.33 lb 3
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 31.4 (normal) 5.9 – 43.3 0.22 lb 283
2019-06-17 Backpack electrofishing 9.6 — — 13
2019-06-17 15-ft beach seine 0.5 — — 1
2019-06-17 50-ft beach seine 35.5 — — 213
2013-06-10 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 0.08 lb 2
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 43.1 (normal) 5.9 – 43.3 0.14 lb 388
2018-08-07 Backpack electrofishing 60.6 — — 58
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 17.9 — — 125
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 5.3 — — 16
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 63.4 (above normal) 5.9 – 43.3 0.17 lb 317
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 8.8 — 0.12 lb 53
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 37.4 (normal) 5.9 – 43.3 0.15 lb 337

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2024-06-10 Standard gill nets 36.0 (above normal) 3.7 – 28.4 0.13 lb 216
1995-06-13 Standard gill nets 53.5 (above normal) 3.7 – 28.4 0.05 lb 214
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 3.7 0.10 lb 3
1990-06-18 Standard gill nets 11.8 (normal) 3.7 – 28.4 0.08 lb 47
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.7 0.20 lb 1
1980-06-11 Standard gill nets 29.5 (above normal) 3.7 – 28.4 0.18 lb 59
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 3.7 0.17 lb 7
2003-06-16 Standard gill nets 89.2 (above normal) 3.7 – 28.4 0.11 lb 535
2019-06-17 Backpack electrofishing 1.5 — — 2
2019-06-17 15-ft beach seine 2.0 — — 4
2019-06-17 50-ft beach seine 0.7 — — 4
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.7 0.16 lb 2
2013-06-10 Standard gill nets 16.2 (normal) 3.7 – 28.4 0.14 lb 97
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 5.3 — — 37
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 0.7 — — 2
2018-08-07 Backpack electrofishing 1.1 — — 1
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 2.0 (normal) 0.5 – 3.7 0.14 lb 10
1985-07-08 Standard gill nets 12.0 (normal) 3.7 – 28.4 0.12 lb 24
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 3.7 0.20 lb 5
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 16.2 (normal) 3.7 – 28.4 0.14 lb 97

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1995-06-13 Standard trap nets 1.2 (normal) 1.0 – 29.9 0.85 lb 6
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 528.2 (above normal) 1.0 – 29.9 0.08 lb 2641
1990-06-18 Standard gill nets 93.5 (above normal) 3.1 – 47.6 0.07 lb 374
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 34.8 (above normal) 1.0 – 29.9 0.45 lb 174
1980-06-11 Standard gill nets 26.5 (normal) 3.1 – 47.6 0.41 lb 53
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 8.0 (normal) 1.0 – 29.9 0.56 lb 72
2003-06-16 Standard gill nets 2.3 (below normal) 3.1 – 47.6 0.63 lb 14
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 1.8 (normal) 1.0 – 29.9 0.78 lb 16
2018-08-07 Backpack electrofishing 2.1 — — 2
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 2.1 — — 15
1985-07-08 Standard gill nets 19.0 (normal) 3.1 – 47.6 0.44 lb 38
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 3.0 (normal) 1.0 – 29.9 0.66 lb 15
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 1.0 – 29.9 0.45 lb 9
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 8.3 (normal) 3.1 – 47.6 0.53 lb 50

Spottail Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1995-06-13 Special trap nets 4.0 — 4
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.7 — 5

Fathead Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1995-06-13 Special trap nets 34.0 — 34
2019-06-17 Backpack electrofishing 0.7 — 1
2018-08-07 Backpack electrofishing 1.1 — 1
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.4 — 3

Common Carp

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1995-06-13 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.5 6.69 lb 2
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 5.2 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.5 4.41 lb 26
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 4.6 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.5 6.87 lb 23
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.5 8.01 lb 4
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.5 9.92 lb 4
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 0.3 — — 1
2018-08-07 Backpack electrofishing 5.2 — — 5
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.7 — — 5
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.5 12.75 lb 2

Common Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1995-06-13 Special trap nets 1.0 — 1

BST

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1995-06-13 Special trap nets 1.0 — 1
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.4 — 3
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 2.3 — 7

Green Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1995-06-13 Special trap nets 1.0 — — 1
2019-06-17 Backpack electrofishing 14.0 — — 19
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 0.3 — — 1
2018-08-07 Backpack electrofishing 46.0 — — 44
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 1.1 — — 8
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.2 0.21 lb 1

Bowfin

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1995-06-13 Standard trap nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 4.72 lb 10
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 2.6 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 5.00 lb 13
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 4.60 lb 5
2003-06-16 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.5 2.51 lb 1
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 2.2 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 4.08 lb 20
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 1.1 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 4.40 lb 10
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 2.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 3.41 lb 12
1985-07-08 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 0.3 – 1.5 3.50 lb 3
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 1.8 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.1 3.22 lb 16

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 2.4 (normal) 2.4 – 9.1 1.23 lb 12
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 10.4 (above normal) 2.4 – 9.1 0.62 lb 52
2003-06-16 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 8.0 1.36 lb 1
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 1.4 (below normal) 2.4 – 9.1 0.68 lb 13
2019-06-17 Backpack electrofishing 2.2 — — 3
2013-06-10 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 1.0 – 8.0 0.76 lb 9
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 9.4 (above normal) 2.4 – 9.1 0.99 lb 85
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.6 — — 4
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 8.2 (normal) 2.4 – 9.1 0.32 lb 41
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 1.0 – 8.0 0.83 lb 9
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 3.8 (normal) 2.4 – 9.1 0.93 lb 34

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-06-18 Standard trap nets 1.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.0 1.87 lb 7
2003-06-16 Standard electrofishing 40.7 — 1.30 lb 43
2003-06-16 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.77 lb 1
2019-06-17 50-ft beach seine 0.7 — — 4
2013-06-10 Standard electrofishing 47.0 — 0.88 lb 45
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.0 1.47 lb 3
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 43.3 — — 303
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 7.7 — — 23
2018-08-07 Backpack electrofishing 68.0 — — 65
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.50 lb 4
2018-06-11 Standard electrofishing 46.2 — 1.75 lb 31
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.5 0.60 lb 1
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.08 lb 2

Golden Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1980-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 1.1 0.10 lb 1
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 1.1 0.07 lb 5
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 1.7 — — 12
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.1 0.08 lb 1

Brook Trout

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2019-06-17 50-ft beach seine 0.2 — 1
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 1.0 — 3
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 4.1 — 29

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2019-06-17 Backpack electrofishing 2.2 — 3
2019-06-17 15-ft beach seine 0.5 — 1
2018-08-07 Backpack electrofishing 8.4 — 8
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.9 — 6

Iowa Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2019-06-17 15-ft beach seine 2.5 — 5
2018-08-07 15-ft beach seine 2.0 — 6
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 8.6 — 60

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2019-06-17 50-ft beach seine 0.2 — 1
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 0.4 — 3

Tadpole Madtom

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2019-06-17 50-ft beach seine 0.2 — 1
2018-08-07 50-ft beach seine 1.0 — 7

Channel Catfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2013-06-10 Standard gill nets 3.3 — 3.52 lb 20
2013-06-10 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 3.06 lb 1
2018-06-11 Standard gill nets 4.7 — 8.07 lb 28
2018-06-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 6.87 lb 1

CRP

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1985-07-08 Standard trap nets 2.0 — 4.96 lb 10

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Fletcher's Bait Shop

Sauk Centre, MN

(320) 352-2155

★ 4.8

Sierra

St Cloud, MN

(320) 253-5194

★ 4.5

Albion Acres Bait

Annandale, MN

★ 5

Cedar Mills Outfitters

Hutchinson, MN

(320) 583-6075

★ 4.3

Clear Waters Outfitting Company

Clearwater, MN

(320) 558-8123

★ 4.8

Crow River Custom Rods

Hutchinson, MN

(320) 761-5887

★ 4.5

Frozen Flights Outfitters,LLC

Spicer, MN

(320) 979-6032

★ 1

FUYU Outdoors

Hutchinson, MN

(218) 389-8423

★ 5

Nearby Marinas

BK's Dock's

Cold Spring, MN

(612) 597-3914

★ 5

Butler Park

St Cloud, MN

★ 4.2

Channel Marine & Sports Inc

Richmond, MN

(320) 597-5975

★ 4.3

Lake George Boat House

St Cloud, MN

(320) 257-5959

★ 5

Marina E. Bahmer, CNS

St Cloud, MN

(320) 252-5010

Miller Marine

St Cloud, MN

(320) 434-8389

★ 4.7

Resorts & Lodges Near Vails

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Vails.

Loch Nest Resort
Fishing Resort Kimball

320-271-6880
Maple Hill Resort
Fishing Resort South Haven

(612) 590-3630
Ruegemer's Island View Resort, Inc.
Fishing Resort Richmond

(320) 597-2000
Aunt Kay's Cabin
Fishing Resort Richmond

(320) 266-2802

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

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

Black BullheadBlack CrappieBluegillBowfin (Dogfish)Brown BullheadChannel CatfishCommon CarpGreen SunfishHybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedWalleyeWhite SuckerYellow BullheadYellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Vails

Central MN Fishing Adventures
Fishing Guide

(320) 266-8238
J Rev Outdoors LLC
Fishing Guide

(320) 761-0685
predator guide service
Fishing Guide

(320) 253-7535
Slab Seeker Fishing Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(320) 428-5174

Other Lakes in Stearns County

Achman

46.91 acres

Beaver

111.91 acres

Becker

221.38 acres

Big Fish

557.31 acres

Big Spunk

415.27 acres

Big

457.67 acres

Plan Your Trip to Vails

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