East Twin

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in East Twin Lake was conducted on July 8 - 10, 2024, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program 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 ten sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample six stations. Deep, soft sediments and dense lilies prevented seining at four stations. Nearshore sampling captured 13 species of fish including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter) and one that is tolerant of disturbance (Green Sunfish). A concurrent summer gill net and trap net survey was also conducted by IBI Program staff. Eight trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitats. Two gill nets were set to sample the deeper waters. Trap net sampling captured 11 species of fish, including one that is tolerant of disturbance (Green Sunfish). Bluegill comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Bluegill and Bowfin comprised a majority by biomass. Bluegill ranged in size from 2.8 to 7.5 inches with an average length of just under 5 inches and 2% were over 7 inches in length. Gill net sampling captured five species and Northern Pike made up the majority of the catch by biomass and count. Northern Pike averaged 24.3 inches and ranged from 18 to 28.8 inches in length. The survey fish data from all sampling gears were combined to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (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, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Green Sunfish). 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. Fisheries IBI program staff also conducted a survey of lakeshore habitat on East Twin Lake on July 8th, 2024, following the Score the Shore survey protocols. The survey consisted of 34 sites evenly spaced 100 meters around the lake. The average lakewide habitat score indicates the lakewide shoreline condition is moderate (77.8 /100). The average developed site had poor habitat quality, while undeveloped sites generally had high habitat quality. Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in East Twin Lake is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score above the general use impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Rum River watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in East Twin Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community in East Twin Lake was conducted by Fisheries Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program Staff from 30-31 August 2023. Ten sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 15-foot or 50-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 sites with four sites sampled from the boat. A 50-foot seine was used to sample 4 sites, a 15-foot seine was used at two sites, and soft sediments with abundant vegetation and deep water prevented the use of seines at four sampling sites. Nearshore sampling captured 11 native species of fish including two species that are intolerant of disturbance (Blackchin Shiner and Iowa Darter) and one species (Green Sunfish) that is tolerant of disturbance. A concurrent summer trap net survey was conducted on 30-31 August 2023 by IBI Program Staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline that encompassed multiple habitat types. Catches were light. Bluegill and Pumpkinseed comprised most of the trap net catch by number and Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, and Bluegill comprised most of the catch by biomass. The number of Bluegill sampled per net was below the 25% quartile for similar Lake Class 24 lakes and the average length was 5.3 inches, with only 2% over 7 inches. The nearshore and trap net data will be combined with gill net data from a survey planned in 2024 to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (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., Black Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, and Green Sunfish). 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. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Rum River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

East Twin is a typical Largemouth Bass-Bluegill-Northern Pike lake with above average water clarity. The clarity of the water as measured with a secchi disk during this survey was 11.0 feet recorded on July 11, 2016. Northern Pike were sampled in above average levels for abundance in lakes of this type. The Northern Pike population as a whole has a good size distribution for lakes such East Twin and averaged 21.5 inches long. Northern Pike over 30.0" in length were sampled during this assessment. No Walleye were captured during this survey. Largemouth Bass appear to have a good presence in this lake as they were sampled in above average abundance in trap nets. Black Crappie were sampled in very low abundance in the trap and gill nets. The average Black Crappie captured was a little over 7.0 inches in length. Bluegill Sunfish were sampled in above average numbers in trap nets. The average size of Bluegill in the survey was almost 6 inches long. Pumpkinseed Sunfish were found in good abundance but are small in size. The average Pumpkinseed sampled was 4 inches long. Although Hybrid Sunfish are increasing their presence in East Twin when compared to previous surveys, the average size of Hybrid Sunfish sampled however is small. Black Bullheads were sampled in low abundance however Yellow and Brown Bullheads were found in moderate numbers with the largest individuals of each species captured measuring 11" and 12" respectively. Bowfin were found in average abundance but were small in size. Yellow Perch were observed in low numbers and small size during the survey.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Walleye, and Pumpkinseed in East Twin. 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 East Twin. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

East Twin has a maximum depth of 68 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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