Town

Town Lake is a relatively shallow lake that is subject to partial winterkills of some fish species. A standard survey was conducted in June 2025 using four gill nets and eight trap nets. A total of six Walleye were sampled during the 2025 assessment. Walleye are rarely captured during surveys; therefore, this marked the most Walleye captured historically. The Walleye ranged from 16 to 25 inches long and averaged 21.8 inches long. Bluegill captured in 2025 were of respectable size. Nearly 70 percent measured seven inches or longer, with a maximum length of 8.9 inches. Bluegill catch rates in trap nets were lower in 2025 than in any previous survey, and below average for lakes of similar biological characteristics. Ten Black Crappie were captured during the 2025 assessment. Crappies captured in trap nets ranged from 6.1 inches to 12.1 inches, with an average length of nine inches. The population of Northern Pike in Town Lake has remained relatively stable over the years. Nearly 16 pike were sampled in each gill net, which was the highest catch rate on record. The average length of pike sampled was 20.5 inches, and the maximum length sampled was 31 inches. The natural characteristics of Town Lake make it ideal for Northern Pike, with abundant spawning habitat. Yellow Perch sampled during the 2025 survey were between 5.2 and 10.4 inches, with an average length of 6.9 inches. The 2025 survey yielded the highest number of perch captured, with gill net catch rates of 68 per net. The population is well above normal range for lakes of similar conditions, and surprisingly stable, given the high Northern Pike population. Black, Yellow, and Brown Bullheads are all present in Town Lake. Bullheads were primarily 10 to 13 inches long. Other fish sampled during the 2025 assessment included Bowfin, hybrid sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker.

Town Lake is a relatively shallow, eutrophic lake that is subject to partial winterkills of some fish species. A standard survey was conducted in June 2017 using four gill nets and eight trap nets. Despite annual Walley fry stocking since 2010, only one Walleye was sampled during the 2017 assessment. No Walleyes have been caught in the previous assessments, although anglers may find them occasionally, as they are present in the Otter Tail River and may migrate into Town Lake. The captured Walleye was 14.6 inches long. Bluegills sampled during the 2017 assessment were of decent size, with an average length of nearly seven inches, and a maximum length of 9.3 inches. During the assessment, many large Bluegills were observed on nests. Spawning conditions are ideal in Town Lake. Bluegill catch rates are similar to those observed in 2007, and above average for lakes of similar biological characteristics. Only seven Black Crappies were sampled during the 2017 assessment. Crappies ranged from 5.6 inches to 7.8 inches (trap net data), with an average length of 8.9 inches. Crappie populations are more accurately sampled with electrofishing, which was not part of the 2017 assessment. The population of Northern Pike in Town Lake has remained relatively stable over the three assessments that have been completed. Over 13 pike were sampled in each gill net. The average length of pike sampled was 21.8 inches, and the maximum length sampled was 31.3. The natural characteristics of Town Lake make it ideal for Northern Pike, with abundant spawning habitat. Yellow Perch sampled during the 2017 were between 5.2 and 9.3 inches, with an average length of 6.9 inches. The population is within normal range for lakes of similar conditions, and surprisingly stable, given the high Northern Pike population. Black, Yellow, and Brown Bullheads are all present in Town Lake, while only Brown and Yellow Bullheads were sampled in 2017. Average bullhead size was 10.0 inches (Yellow) and 13.1 inches (Brown). Other fish sampled during the 2017 assessment include Bowfin, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker. Dissolved oxygen in Town Lake during the winter months of 2017-2018 reached critical levels, and winterkill is expected. Detroit Lakes Area Fisheries will check Town Lake in spring, 2018 to determine if reestablishment of the fishery is necessary.

Town Lake is a relatively shallow, eutrophic lake that is subject to partial winterkills of some fish species. Even though dissolved oxygen levels dropped to critical levels throughout much of the lake during harsh winters in 1993, 1994, and 1996, the fish community structure did not reflect any severe, recent winterkill. It is likely that year round inflow from Acorn Lake provided a refuge area for some fish during the stressful periods. Test netting during June, 2007, continued to show abundant populations of bluegill, pumpkinseed, northern pike, and yellow bullhead. Bluegills were more abundant than in the 1997 study but smaller and slower-growing. The average bluegill was under six inches, but several over seven inches were found. Northern pike averaged 21.1 inches and 2.24 pounds each. Pike up to 28.5 inches long were caught. Northern pike grow fairly rapidly in Town Lake, but not as fast as in 1997 when there were higher numbers of their preferred forage, yellow perch. Perch catches declined since ten years ago and the average length was 6.6 inches. Black crappie were also sampled in test nets but most were relatively small and young. Since black crappies are difficult to sample in standard mid summer test net gear, it is not known whether larger, older crappies are suspended over deeper water or are simply harvested as soon as they reach "keeper" size. Walleyes were not sampled but anglers reported occasional catches, especially several years ago. Other species sampled in test nets included bowfin (dogfish), largemouth bass, hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, all three species of bullhead, and white sucker. In eutrophic, winterkill-susceptible lakes, black bullheads commonly outnumber yellow bullheads because black bullheads are more tolerant of low dissolved oxygen and poor water quality. Town Lake is an exception in that few black bullheads were found compared to the abundant yellow bullheads. Northern pike and panfish populations appear to be in ample supply for a productive fishery in Town Lake. While some winterkill is nearly inevitable in this shallow, fertile lake, fishing can be good "in between" winterkills. Landowners can help keep not only fish populations, but also property values and water quality high by using the best land management practices available. Voluntarily exceeding shoreline setbacks for buildings and septic systems, not fertilizing lawns (or using phosphorus free fertilizers), leaving wide shoreline zones of unmown natural vegetation, limiting the amount of shoreline exposed to cattle activity, and leaving as much aquatic vegetation (especially emergents like bulrushes and cattails) intact as possible when obtaining access to open water can help to slow eutrophication (aging) of the lake.

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

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

Town has a maximum depth of 15 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Town is from 2025.

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