Leif

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Leif Lake was conducted on August 30-31, 2023, 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 fourteen sampling stations, but two stations were sampled from the boat due soft sediments and dense vegetation. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample nine stations, a 15-foot seine was used at two stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at three stations. Nearshore sampling captured twenty species of fish including seven species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Mimic Shiner, Pugnose Shiner, and Rock Bass) and one that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish). The nearshore data were combined with gill net and trap net data from an August 2023 survey 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 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. Results from this survey indicate that the fish community in Leif Lake is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score above the impairment threshold determined for similar lakes. These results are similar to previous survey findings, which indicated that Leif Lake was fully supporting aquatic life use. These results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Otter Tail River Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Leif Lake (also known as Leaf Lake) is a 488-acre, heavily developed lake located in western Becker County, near Audubon, MN. The lake is surrounded by hardwood forest and agricultural land. Leif Lake has one intermittent inlet located on the north shore from Dahlberg Lake and an intermittent outlet is located on the south shore connecting to Big Cormorant Lake. The outlet is a 24-inch culvert under Becker County Road 6. A standard fisheries survey was completed in August 2023 to assess the fish populations in Leif Lake. Anglers will find a high number of Northern Pike in Leif Lake, however, most of these fish will be on the small side. The average size of the pike captured was 20 inches, but one 36-inch fish was measured. Walleye numbers are well above average for the lake and the size is good. About 81% of the Walleye captured in 2023 were over 15 inches and 33% were over 20 inches. Bluegill numbers were up for the lake and fish over eight inches were present. Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass were captured in low numbers in the nets, which is often the case with this sampling gear. Black Crappie up to nine inches long were measured and Largemouth Bass up to 16.5 inches were captured. Other fish species observed were Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead, Common Carp, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch.

Leif is a 488-acre, highly developed lake located in western Becker County, near Audubon, MN. The lake is surrounded by hardwood forest and agricultural land. The lake has a mean water clarity of 5.8 feet and maximum depth of 26.0 feet. Leif Lake has one intermittent inlet located on the north shore from Dahlberg Lake and an intermittent outlet is located on the south shore connecting to Big Cormorant Lake. There is a public boat access located in one of the southeastern bays, north of Becker County Road 6. To assess the fish community, surveys were conducted during the months of May and August 2018. These surveys used gill nets, trap nets, and night electrofishing to sample fish species such as Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. In 2018, Bluegill abundance increased and was near the historical average for Leif Lake. Bluegills were slow growing and ranged in size from 2.8 to 8.9 inches. Bluegills greater than 8.0 inches were typically seven to 10 years old. It is recommended anglers keep smaller Bluegills and release the majority of larger Bluegills to maintain a balanced population. Very few Largemouth Bass are typically caught using trap nets during fish surveys. Spring electrofishing is a better technique for capturing bass, and night electrofishing was completed in 2018. Largemouth Bass were found to be abundant, with 31.6 bass captured per hour of shocking time. Bass averaged 12.0 inches in length, with 50% of the fish measured being over 12 inches. The largest Largemouth Bass measured was almost 17 inches long. Northern Pike abundance increased in 2018 and set a new historic high for Leif Lake. Pike were small, averaging 19.0 inches long, with only 4% of the population being greater than 24 inches. Anglers are reminded of the new Northern Pike regulations, which should provide additional protection for the larger pike that do exist in Leif Lake, while also reducing the abundance of small pike. Walleye abundance was below average for Leif Lake but the average length was respectable at 17.9 inches. Walleyes averaged 2.0 pounds and ranged from 11.3 to 27.6 inches in length. A total of seven year classes were sampled with 62.5% of the population being 2 to 5 years old. Black Crappie averaged 8.0 inches and were abundant in comparison to previous surveys. The population consisted of mostly smaller fish with the largest being 10.9 inches. Yellow Perch abundance was the lowest observed since 1989 and may be attributed to the high abundance of small Northern Pike. Only three Yellow Perch were sampled in 2018 and averaged 5.8 inches in length. Other species sampled during this survey included Golden Shiner, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead. Common Carp were first sampled in 1977 but were not sampled in 2018. The highly developed shorelines make it even more important for shoreline property owners to preserve the aquatic habitat. Well established aquatic habitat is important in protecting shorelines from eroding and the lake from pollutants. Aquatic plants provide cover, food, spawning habitat, and rearing areas for fish and for the insects and small animals they eat. Maintaining these areas in a natural state will help protect and preserve the water quality and fish community on this lake for the future.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Hybrid Sunfish, Rock Bass, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass in Leif. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Leif has a maximum depth of 26 feet and a mean depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Leif is from 2023.

Yes — Leif has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.