Ida

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Ida Lake was conducted on September 6th-7th, 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 three stations were sampled from the boat due soft sediments. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample nine stations, and a 15-foot seine was used to sample two stations, and three stations were not seined due to soft sediments. Nearshore sampling captured twenty species of fish including four species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Iowa Darter, Blackchin Shiner, and Blacknose Shiner) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a June 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 Common Carp). 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 Ida Lake is healthy, as indicated by an FIBI score that scores above the impairment threshold determined for similar lakes. These results are similar to previous findings, which indicated that Ida Lake fully supported aquatic life use based on the FIBI. These survey 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.

Ida Lake is a 632-acre, heavily developed lake located in southwestern Becker County, near Detroit Lakes, MN. The watershed is primarily hardwood forest. With no natural inlet or outlet, Lake Ida is primarily influenced by groundwater and water levels have fluctuated 4.5 feet since 1987. There is a piped outlet on the east shore to prevent severe property damage from a 100-year flood event. Zebra mussels were discovered in Ida Lake in 2015. A standard fisheries survey was completed on Lake Ida in June 2023 to assess the fish populations. Anglers will find a high number of Northern Pike in Ida Lake, however, most of these fish will be on the small side. The average size of the pike sampled in 2023 was 19 inches, but one 30-inch fish was measured. Walleye numbers are average for the lake and there is good size to the fish. Almost all of the Walleye captured were over 15 inches and 35% were over 20 inches. Bluegill numbers have decreased since recent surveys, but anglers can expect to find better size. About 19% of the Bluegills sampled in 2023 were over eight inches and several Bluegills over nine inches were observed. 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 11 inches were measured and Largemouth Bass up to 17 inches were measured. Other fish species observed were Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch.

Ida is a 632-acre, heavily developed lake located in southwestern Becker County, near Detroit Lakes, MN. The lake is surrounded by hardwood forest. The lake has an average water clarity of 8.3 feet and a maximum depth of 20.0 feet. With no inlet or outlet, Lake Ida is primarily influenced by groundwater and water levels have fluctuated 4.5 feet since 1987. The only island on the lake is located in the southern portion of the lake and is an Aquatic Management Area (AMA) owned by the Department of Natural Resources. As an AMA, it is open to public use such as shorefishing and hunting. A standard survey was completed on Lake Ida in late June 2018 to assess the fish community. This survey was completed using nine gill nets and nine trap nets. Gamefish species targeted by anglers in this lake include Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. Walleyes ranged in length from 10.9 to 28.7 inches and averaged 19.0 inches. Walleye abundance has been consistent in recent years and near historical average for Lake Ida. Walleye fingerlings are annually stocked, since Walleye spawning habitat is sparse. A total of 11 year classes were sampled in 2018, with the oldest and largest Walleye being 20 years old. The Northern Pike abundance has increased consistently since 1993 and was at a historic high in 2008, which was likely due to higher water levels. Northern Pike abundance has decreased since 2008, but is still above the historical average for this lake. Northern Pike total lengths ranged from 12.2 to 33.4 inches and averaged 2.8 pounds. The average length was 22.8 inches and 35% of the Northern Pike measured were over 24 inches or longer. Bluegills were abundant in Lake Ida and averaged 6.3 inches in length. Like previous surveys, Bluegill growth rates remain slow in Lake Ida. Bluegills over 8.0 inches were sampled, which are typically 8 years or older. It is recommended anglers keep smaller Bluegills and release the majority of larger Bluegills to maintain a balanced population. Compared to 2013, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch abundance decreased in 2018. No Black Crappie over 10.0 inches were caught, but a few Largemouth Bass over 17.0 inches were sampled. Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 5.3 to 11.6 inches and averaged 6.9 inches. Other species of fish sampled during the survey included Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Bullhead. The shorelines of Lake Ida are heavily developed and few emergent aquatic plants exist. Lakeshore and watershed landowners should be concerned about the riparian habitat and the potential effect on water quality. In order to protect water quality, habitat, and good fishing, lakeshore residents should use phosphorus-free fertilizers, leave aquatic vegetation intact (especially emergent vegetation like bulrush and cattail), and leave natural vegetation buffers on shoreline lots. Preventative actions will preserve habitat and water quality, while slowing the natural aging process and decreasing the potential for winterkill. In 2015, zebra mussels were discovered in Lake Ida. Zebra mussels are a destructive Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) that can impact water clarity and reduce the amount of food available to small fish. AIS, such as zebra mussels, can be transferred from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters, and lake shore owners. To avoid the spreading of AIS to other waters, please follow the current AIS regulations.

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

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

Ida has a maximum depth of 20 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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