page_title: Graham Lakes (Minnesota)
section_title: Fishing
hierarchical_section_title: Graham Lakes (Minnesota) / Fishing
caption_attribution_description: Pomoxis nigromaculatus
context_page_description: The Graham Lakes are a pair of lakes located in the northeastern corner of Nobles County, Minnesota. The lakes are known as West Graham Lake and East Graham Lake. West Graham Lake is an oval shaped body of water that extends east-to-west slightly more than one mile. The north-to-south width of the lake is approximately 3/4 of a mile. The area of West Graham Lake is 519.28 acres, the average depth is 5 feet, and the maximum depth is 8 feet. The elevation of West Graham Lake is 1,438.7 feet, or 438.52 meters. East Graham Lake is a longer, narrower lake that extends from northeast-to-southwest for 1​¹⁄₂ miles. Its width is less than 1/2 mile. The area of East Graham Lake is 511.32 acres, the average depth is 5 feet, and the maximum depth is 8 feet. The elevation of East Graham Lake is 1,435.08 feet, or 437.41 meters. A small creek runs from West Graham Lake and empties into East Graham Lake. Another creek runs from East Graham Lake, and eventually flows into the Des Moines River.
context_section_description: Graham Lakes are known as exceptionally good fishing lakes.  East Graham is managed primarily for walleye and northern pike and secondarily for black crappie and yellow perch. A population assessment was conducted during the week of June 4, 2007 using 3 gill nets and 8 trap nets. Black Crappies ranged from 7.4 inches (190 mm) to 13.0 inches (330 mm), and their numbers were the highest since sampling of the lake has been conducted. Northern Pike ranged from 17.6 inches (450 mm) to 30 inches (760 mm).  Walleye were also abundant, and 59% of those sampled were 14 inches (360 mm) or greater.  Most fish from East Graham Lake are safe to eat.  However, pregnant women, women who may become pregnant and children under age 15 are advised to refrain from eating walleye more than once per week due to mercury levels. West Graham is primarily managed for walleye with black crappie and channel catfish as secondary species. Walleye fry and fingerlings are stocked in successive years, with the third year left blank.  A population assessment conducted on June 4, 2007 found that walleye range from 6.9 to 20 inches (510 mm) in length.  Black crappies range from 5.8 inches (150 mm) to 11.9 inches (300 mm).  The average black crappie swimming in West Graham Lake is thought to be nearly 1/2 pound.  Channel catfish average 13.3 inches (340 mm).  There are no advisories for consumption of fish from West Graham Lake.
caption: Black Crappies are abundant in Graham Lakes
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