South Sugar Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. DNR lake ID 31055500.
South Sugar Lake is an 82.7-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Grand Rapids. Its deepest point reaches 36 ft, and about 36% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 14.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31055500 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Grand Rapids |
| Surface area | 82.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 36 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 36% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 14.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 14.3 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.2 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 14.4 ft, phosphorus 14.3 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.2 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, South Sugar Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on South Sugar Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2017 (9 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 | 0.25 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.0 | 2.8 to 8.7 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.11 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 2.25 | 1.5 to 23.0 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.56 | 0.5 to 3.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 6.5 | 0.5 to 2.9 |
| Black crappie | trap | 4.11 | 0.5 to 3.3 |
| Bluegill | gill | 7.25 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 4.89 | 5.7 to 40.5 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.25 | 0.3 to 1.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.25 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.25 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.5 to 2.8 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2017), Northern pike 32.0 in (2017), Walleye 19.0 in (2017).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Siseebakwet Lake 1.0 mi, Itasca County
- Little Siseebakwet Lake 2.6 mi, Itasca County
- Skelly Lake 3.2 mi, Itasca County
- No-ta-she-bun Lake 4.3 mi, Itasca County
- Rice Lake 4.9 mi, Itasca County
- Leighton Lake 4.9 mi, Itasca County
- Little Leighton Lake 5.0 mi, Itasca County
- Smith Lake 5.3 mi, Itasca County
Questions about South Sugar Lake
How deep is South Sugar Lake?
South Sugar Lake reaches a maximum depth of 36 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 36% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is South Sugar Lake?
South Sugar Lake covers about 82.7 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is South Sugar Lake?
Summer water clarity on South Sugar Lake averages 14.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does South Sugar Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
South Sugar 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 South Sugar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, rock bass, tullibee (cisco), white sucker in South Sugar Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2017.
How is the walleye population on South Sugar Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2017, walleye numbers on South Sugar Lake ran mostly below 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 South Sugar Lake?
Homes on South Sugar 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 South Sugar Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on South Sugar Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 36% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 14.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on South Sugar Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for South Sugar Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about South Sugar Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2017), 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.