Townline

Townline Lake is a small lake located in central Aitkin County approximately five miles south of Palisade. The lake is 61 acres in size and about 40 percent is less than 15 feet deep. Due to the lack of nutrient-rich soils in the lake's small watershed, the fertility of the lake is low and as a result, most of the fish species in the lake exhibit slower than normal growth rates and have a small mean length.Anglers fishing on Townline Lake will find a variety of panfish as well as largemouth bass and northern pike. The bluegill fishery has exploded over the last 10 years increasing from 13 fish per trap net in 1994 to an astounding 166 fish per trap net in 2004. The largest bluegill sampled was 9.5 inches but the mean size was a mere 5.2 inches in total length. There are many factors that could be contributing to the large increase in bluegill numbers including seasonal sampling variations, lack of predation, increased fishing mortality on large bluegills or simply favorable reproductive conditions. Black crappie have declined in abundance over the years but are still above the third quartile ranking for lakes of this type. Black crappie over 10 inches were sampled and the mean size was 8.4 inches. Northern pike numbers have remained relatively stable over the years and in 2004 there were 6 fish per net with a mean size of nearly 22 inches. The largest individual pike captured in 2004 was 28.9 inches long. Anglers are encouraged to release the large northern pike, largemouth bass and dogfish to increase predation on the stunted bluegills.

Townline Lake is infertile due to the lack of nutrient-rich soils in the lake's small watershed. As a result, most of the fish species in the lake exhibit slow growth rates and have a small mean length. Trapnetted bluegills and black crappies averaged 5.6 and 6.9 inches in length, respectively, in this survey. The largest bluegill caught was only 7.9 inches long and the largest black crappie was only 9.5 inches long. Trapnet catches of bluegills, pumpkinseeds and black crappies decreased from 1988 to 1994 and are now within the normal range for lakes of this type. If this trend persists, fish growth rates will increase and more acceptable fish will be available for anglers. Northern pike numbers were within the normal range for this type of lake, the average length was 20.3 inches and one 38.4 inch fish was caught. Most of the northern pike were between 18 and 23 inches long.

The gillnet index for Northern Pike is above regional third quartile. The gillnet index for Yellow Perch is below the regional first quartile. The trap net indices for Pumpkinseed and Bluegill are above their respective regional third quartiles. Northern Pike ranged from two to eight years of age. Growth rates for all increments are normal. Bluegill ranged from two to eight years of age with strong year classes indicated for 1982 and 1983. Growth for the second through fourth increments ranged from twenty-five to thirty four percent slower than normal. Black Crappie ranged from two to seven years of age with strong year classes indicated for 1983, 1984 and 1986. Growth rates are normal except for the second growth increment which is twenty-nine percent slower than normal.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed in Townline. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Townline. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Townline has a maximum depth of 40 feet and a mean depth of 16 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Townline is from 2004. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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