Minnewawa

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Lake Minnewawa was conducted 07/22/2024 by Aitkin Area Fisheries staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 24 sampling stations, nine of which were shocked from the boat due to soft sediment. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 13 stations, and a 15-foot seine was used at one station. Ten stations were not seined due to dense vegetation and soft sediment. Nearshore sampling captured 21 species of fish including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a 07/15/2024 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based index of biotic integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Green Sunfish and Black Bullhead). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Lake Minnewawa is healthy as indicated by a FIBI score above the general use impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. These results are similar to previous findings which indicated that Lake Minnewawa is fully supporting aquatic life. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Mississippi River-Grand Rapids watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in Lake Minnewawa by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

A standard survey (15 trap nets / 15 gill nets) of Lake Minnewawa was conducted the week of 7/15/2024. The Lake Minnewawa fishery is evaluated on a three-year basis per current management plan guidelines. Lake Minnewawa is a large, relatively shallow lake with bog-stained water and abundant aquatic vegetation. Minnewawa is located in northeastern Aitkin County about 6.5 miles north of Mcgregor. There is a large state-owned public access with two concrete log ramps on the south side of the lake, as well as numerous smaller state and township accesses scattered around the lake. Residential development is heavy with most of the desirable lakeshore developed before 1970 with seasonal cabins or permanent homes. The lake association operates an aquatic vegetation harvester to maintain recreational access for property owners. Lake Minnewawa is managed primarily for Walleye and Bluegill. Special regulations have been implemented for each of these species and reduced daily bag limits of 3 Walleye and 10 Sunfish now exist for Lake Minnewawa. The outlet into Minnewawa Creek in the SW bay had been recently improved by modifying the existing low dam with a series of rock arches in order to facilitate fish movement in all but the lowest water level conditions. In most water level scenarios, fish can now return to Lake Minnewawa after swimming downstream past the dam. Due to poor natural reproduction of Walleye from 2004 thru 2010, fry stocking resumed in 2011. Walleye fry (1.15 million) are currently being stocked in odd years as we assess natural reproduction. Walleye catch rates in 2024 (2.4 per gill net) were slightly below the long-term average (3.0 per gill net) and down from 2019 (4.1 per gill net). The most recent Walleye catch did not meet the goal listed in the current management plan of 3.0 per gill net. Walleye averaged 16.9 inches, with fish up to 26.3 inches in the sample. Age analysis of gillnetted fish revealed individuals from 3 to 10 years old. The 2021 year class (3 year olds) appeared to be quite strong and made up 32 percent of the sample. While the 2021 year class was from a fry stocked year, a reasonable number of fish were observed from the 2019 and 2020 year classes that were from non-stocked years and occurred from natural reproduction. In the 2024 sample, genetic analysis suggested at least 30 percent were naturally reproduced. Growth rates for Walleye were good, averaging 14.5 inches in four years. Bluegill abundance in 2024 (11.7 per trap net) was down a bit from 2021 (13.2 per trap net), but within the normal range when compared to similar lakes. Seven percent of trap net-caught Bluegill were 8.0 inches or larger and just shy of meeting the management goal (10 percent). However, 20 percent of the gill net-caught fish measured at least 8.0 inches. Bluegill captured in trap nets averaged 6.3 inches in length and ranged from 3.3 to 9.6 inches. Growth rates were average for the area. Hybrid sunfish are also present in the lake and can reach sizes greater than 10 inches on occasion. The newer Sunfish bag limit regulation (10 fish) should help to maintain this high size structure. Black Crappie catch rates in 2024 (4.2 per gill net; 1.1 per trap net) were similar to the catches in 2019 (4.3 per gill net; 0.8 per trap net) and within the expected range of similar lakes. The average size was 8.2 inches in gill nets and 7.8 inches in trap nets. Fish up to 11.0 inches were present in the sample. Age analysis revealed fish from 1 to 9 years old with 2 year classes missing from the sample (7 and 8 year olds). In the 2024 sample, Black Crappie growth averaged 8.1 inches in 4 years and was similar to the state average, which is typically higher than the county average. Northern Pike abundance in 2024 (10.5 per gill net) increased from the 2021 survey (4.4 per gill net) and was above the typical range when compared to similar lakes. The 2024 catch was within the historical range (2.0 to 13.3 per gill net) and above the long-term average (5.6 per gill net), but did not meet the long-term goal (3.0 to 6.0 per gill net with 25 percent being greater than 24 inches). Only 13 percent of Northern Pike were greater than 24 inches in the 2024 gill net catch. Northern Pike averaged 20.3 inches, with a maximum length of 32.2 inches. A high abundance of Northern Pike often makes Walleye management more difficult, as Northern Pike can prey upon juvenile Walleye and compete with adult Walleye for food and space. Similar to previous surveys, Largemouth Bass were sampled in low numbers. Trap nets captured Largemouth Bass at a typical rate (0.47 per net) when compared to similar lakes, but gill nets captured zero Largemouth Bass. Historical gill net assessments have ranged from 0.0 to 0.8 per gill net. Due to the difficulty of sampling Largemouth Bass with standard gear types, spring bass electrofishing was conducted on 5/14/2024 for the third consecutive survey. Largemouth Bass were caught at a rate of 17.3 per hour in 2024, compared to 6.0 per hour in 2021, and 20.7 per hour in 2018. Bass ranged in length from 4.7 to 18.7 inches with an average of 13.9 inches. Known as a good Bass lake, anglers have reported catching good numbers of quality-size fish in recent years. The 2024 catch rate of Yellow Perch (8.6 per gill net) increased from 2021 (3.9/gill net) and is within the normal range for similar lakes. Fish ranged from 4.9 to 10.3 inches with an average of 6.0 inches and provide for good forage for both Walleye and Northern Pike The most common species caught in the 2024 survey was Yellow Bullhead (26.0 per gill net). In 2024, Yellow Bullhead abundance was the highest ever observed and well above the long-term average (6.5 per gill net). Brown Bullhead and Black Bullhead species were sampled at lower levels in this survey. While abundance was high for Bullheads, size structure was good with fish averaging 10-11 inches, with some exceeding 14 inches. Other species sampled during the 2024 standard survey included: Bigmouth Buffalo, Bowfin, Pumkinseed, and White Sucker. In addition to the standard survey work, IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) sampling using backpack electrofishing and seining was also conducted in 2024, to more broadly sample the general fish community and develop a fish-based index of overall lake health. Nearshore fish species sampled during the IBI survey included Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, Iowa Darter, Jonny Darter, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch.

Lake Minnewawa is a large, relatively shallow lake with bog stained water and abundant aquatic vegetation and is located in northeastern Aitkin County. There is a large state-owned public access with two concrete log ramps on the south side of the lake as well as numerous smaller state and township accesses scattered around the lake. Residential development is heavy with most of the desirable lakeshore developed before 1970 with seasonal cabins or permanent homes. The lake association operates an aquatic vegetation harvester to maintain recreational access for property owners. Lake Minnewawa is managed primarily for Walleye and Bluegill. Special regulations for each of these species have been implemented and reduced bag limits of 3 for Walleye and 10 for Sunfish now exist for Lake Minnewawa. Due to poor natural reproduction of Walleye from 2004 thru 2010, Walleye fry stocking resumed in 2011. Currently Walleye fry (1.15 million) are being stocked in even years as we assess natural reproduction. Walleye abundance has increased in each of the past three surveys and was 4.1/gill net in 2021, which continues to meet the goal listed in the current management plan of 3/gill net and exceeds the long term average of 3.1/ net. Age analysis of gillnetted fish revealed individuals from 1 to 9 years old and most (69%) were age 3 and 4, from the 2017 and 2018 year classes respectively, both of which were fry stocked year classes. While no fish were observed from the 2019 year class that was not stocked, a reasonable number of fish were observed from the 2020 year class which was also not stocked. Previously, genetic analysis of the spawning Walleye population suggested that about 40% were from natural reproduction. Growth rates for Walleye were good, averaging 14.7 inches in four years. Bluegill abundance (13.2/trap net) was relatively unchanged from 2018 and is near the long term average of 14.6/trap net. The size structure for Bluegill currently meets management goals. Fifty-six percent of Bluegills were 7 inches or larger. Growth rates were average for the area. Hybrid sunfish are also present in the lake and can reach sizes greater than 10 inches on occasion. The newer Sunfish bag limit regulation (10 fish) should help to maintain this high quality. Black Crappie increased from 1.7/ gill net in 2018 to 4.3/gill net in 2021, however trap net catches decreased slightly, 1.3/net in 2018 to .8/net in 2021, which is the lowest we've seen. Aside from this year's gill net catch, numbers had been declining in both gears. It's possible that higher Walleye numbers may be influencing crappie abundance, a trend that's been noted in other waters. Mean size was 6.7 inches in gill nets and 8.7 inches in trap nets. Fish up to 12.3 inches were sampled and growth rate was normal. Northern Pike abundance increased slightly from 3.2/gill net in 2018 to 4.4/gill net in 2021. The catch rate for Northern Pike is now slightly below the long term average for Minnewawa and meets the management goal for the lake (3-6/gill net) for the third survey in a row. However, only ten percent were greater than 24 inches, which is short of the management goal of 25% greater than 24 inches. The average size of pike was 19.4 inches, with a maximum size of 34.1 inches. This condition of lower pike abundance including lower numbers of recruits bodes well for Walleye management in the near future. Similar to the previous survey Largemouth Bass were sampled in low numbers. Trap nets had a catch rate of (0.8/net) and gill nets had a catch rate of (0.3/net). On 5/12/2021, spring bass electrofishing was conducted for the second time. Largemouth Bass were caught at a rate of 6/hour in 2021, compared with 20.7/hr in 2018. They ranged in length from 8.2 to 15.4 inches with a mean size of 13.6 inches. Water temperatures were still relatively cool during sampling (upper 50's to lower 60's) and may have affected catch rates. Known as a good bass lake, numbers appear to still be recovering from a recent winterkill (2014-15) and several other stressful winters since then. Partial kills on bass in shallower lakes in the Aitkin area are not unusual and often affect just the larger individuals. The 2021 catch rate of Yellow Perch (3.9/gill net) decreased from 2018 (9.2/gill net) and is on the lower end of the range for similar lakes. Fish ranged from 3.4 to 9.6 inches with a mean of 6.2 inches.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed in Minnewawa. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Minnewawa. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Minnewawa has a maximum depth of 21 feet and a mean depth of 8.2 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Minnewawa is from 2024.

No invasive species are on record for Minnewawa in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.