Every Boat Ramp on Lac Qui Parle

About Lac Qui Parle

Lac Qui Parle is a 3,100-acre dam-created reservoir on the Minnesota River in Lac Qui Parle and Chippewa counties. The name, which translates from Dakota Sioux as "the lake that speaks," refers to the echoing sounds that carry across its waters. This shallow reservoir — with a maximum depth of only 8 feet — is a productive fishery for walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, crappie, and bullhead.

Walleye fishing can be excellent on Lac Qui Parle, particularly during spring and fall when fish move through the shallow water. Northern pike thrive in the reservoir's weedy habitat, and channel catfish grow to impressive sizes in the warm, nutrient-rich water. Crappie and bullhead round out the fishing opportunities. The lake's shallow nature means it warms quickly in spring, often providing some of the earliest open-water fishing in the region.

The towns of Milan, Dawson, and Montevideo are the nearest communities, providing basic services for visiting anglers. Lac Qui Parle State Park and the Lac Qui Parle Wildlife Management Area surround much of the reservoir, offering outstanding bird watching — especially during spring and fall waterfowl migrations — along with camping, hiking, and hunting opportunities.

Nearest towns: Milan, Dawson, Montevideo