Little Sugar Bush Lake
Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. DNR lake ID 03031300.
Little Sugar Bush Lake is a 220.5-acre lake in Becker County, Minnesota, near Richwood. Its deepest point reaches 29 ft, and about 45% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.9 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Little Sugar Bush Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 03031300 |
|---|---|
| County | Becker County, near Richwood |
| Surface area | 220.5 acres |
| Maximum depth | 29 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 45% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.9 ft through 2023 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 27.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 20.5 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2023: clarity 9.9 ft, phosphorus 27.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 20.5 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Little Sugar Bush Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Little Sugar Bush Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 6.2 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 22.6 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.89 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 17.2 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Black crappie | gill | 3.6 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.33 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 21.6 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 94.11 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.44 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 2.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.89 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 1.2 | n/a |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 7.56 | n/a |
Walleye catch was above the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2018), Northern pike 34.0 in (2018), Walleye 26.0 in (2018).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Green sunfish, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Little Sugar Bush Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 5 trailer spaces. 2.8 mi E of Richwood on Cnty Rd 34, then .4 mi N on Twp Rd to SW shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Island Lake 1.2 mi, Becker County
- Eagen Lake 1.3 mi, Becker County
- Buffalo Lake 2.4 mi, Becker County
- St. Clair Lake 2.8 mi, Becker County
- Big Sugar Bush Lake 2.9 mi, Becker County
- Fairbank's Lake 3.5 mi, Becker County
- Rice Lake 3.6 mi, Becker County
- Mary Yellowhead Lake 4.4 mi, Becker County
Questions about Little Sugar Bush Lake
How deep is Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Little Sugar Bush Lake reaches a maximum depth of 29 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 45% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Little Sugar Bush Lake covers about 220.5 acres in Becker County, Minnesota.
How clear is Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Summer water clarity on Little Sugar Bush Lake averages 9.9 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2023. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Little Sugar Bush Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Little Sugar Bush Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, green sunfish, white sucker in Little Sugar Bush Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Little Sugar Bush Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Little Sugar Bush Lake.
How is the walleye population on Little Sugar Bush Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2018, walleye numbers on Little Sugar Bush Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Homes on Little Sugar Bush Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Little Sugar Bush Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 45% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.9 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Sugar Bush Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Little Sugar Bush Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Becker County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2018), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.