Reitz

Reitz Lake is 92-acres (45.7 littoral acres), with a maximum depth of 36 feet. Reitz is located east of Waconia in central Carver County. Public water access is provided by the DNR Parks and Trails on the north side of the lake off of Reitz Lake road (up to 3 vehicle/trailer parking spaces). Reitz is primarily managed for Bluegill and Black Crappie, but also supports catchable populations of Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. Reitz Lake has been known to "boom or bust" in recent years. The last reported partial winterkill occurred during the winter of 2018-2019. A Standard Survey (9 trap nets/2 gill nets) was conducted on Reitz Lake during the week of 6/21/2021 to assess the fishery. During the 2021 survey, Reitz was productive (brown stained water), with low-moderate water clarity, measured at 4 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was zero parts per million (ppm) below 11 feet during the survey period. Eurasian Watermilfoil has been found in Reitz Lake and remains present. High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (107.8/net). There were 970 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2021 survey, with an average length of 4.8 inches and the largest measured at 8.4 inches. Although Bluegill sizes are currently small and numbers are high, growth rates should also be high following the previous winterkill (2018-2019). Extremely high numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (56/net) and trap nets (77.3/net). There were 658 Black Crappie sampled during the 2021 survey, with an average length of 6.3 inches and the largest measured at 11.8 inches. Black Crappie growth rates were fast compared to similar lakes with an average size of 6.2 inches by age 2. The current Black Crappie population is dominated by a single (2019) year class (95% of catch), likely a product of the 2018-2019 winterkill. With fast growth and high abundances, Black Crappie should provide desirable angling opportunity in the next 2-3 years. Largemouth Bass are present in Reitz Lake, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2021 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught a single Largemouth Bass, which measured 11.4 inches. Largemouth Bass appear to have been negatively impacted from the 2018-2019 winterkill, as such, targeted boat-electrofishing during the next survey should be prioritized to assess the actual impact. Record high numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (16.5/net). Although catch rates were highs, size structure was substantially lower than previous surveys. There were 33 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 21.3 inches and the largest measured at 31.9 inches. While numbers of pike have increased from the previous surveys, much of this increase can potentially be attributed to an abundance of food resources (Bluegill and Black Crappie) following the 2018-2019 winterkill. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Walleye, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Reitz Lake (DOW#10-0052-00) is a 79-acre, Class 30 lake with a maximum depth of 36 feet. It is located in central Carver County, southeast of Waconia. Reitz is actively managed as a panfish lake focusing on Black Crappie and Bluegill. Long-range goals aim to maintain Bluegill numbers above 60/net, while Black Crappie should produce numbers between 20-40/net. Secondary management species include Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass. A standard survey (9 trap nets/6 gill nets) was conducted on Reitz Lake during the week of 6/20/16 to monitor water characteristics and fish populations. Spring nighttime electrofishing was also completed to sample Largemouth Bass. Reitz is a small eutrophic lake, which during the survey had visible brown/green water with 6 feet of water clarity. Dissolved oxygen fell to 1.8 parts per million (ppm) at a depth of 12 feet, and 0 ppm at greater depths, during the late-June 2016 sampling period. Bluegill numbers in Reitz Lake were low, sampled at 4.4/trap net, and the lowest since the 1993 survey (2.2/net). Despite historically low catch rates, size structure was well above management expectations. Of the 51 Bluegill measured in gill and trap nets, fish averaged 6.9 inches with the largest individual measuring 9.7 inches. Body condition values were at an all-time high and well above average values. Growth of Bluegill was also fast compared to other metro lakes, with an average length of 7 inches at age 3. Despite low numbers of Bluegill, the population has responded with increased growth, body condition, and a more favorable size structure. Black Crappie in Reitz Lake were abundant in the 2016 survey. Trap net (14/net) and gill net (30.8/net) catches were high when compared to similar lakes across the state. There were 300 total Black Crappie netted between gill and trap nets, with an average length of 7.2 inches and maximum length of 11.0 inches. However, only a small proportion were of quality (>8 inches) size. Despite low numbers of quality fish, body condition values were high. Growth was also fast with an average size of 8.5 inches by age 3. In addition, there is a large year class of age-2 fish that made up the bulk of the catch, averaging 7 inches. Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets at 8.0/net, a high catch rate compared to similar lakes across the state. The 2016 catch rate was the highest recorded on Reitz Lake, and more than double the previously high catch rate of 3.5/net. Average size of Northern Pike was 23.4 inches with the largest measured at 30.7 inches. Body condition values were normal. Growth of Northern Pike was moderately fast, with an average length of 23 inches at age 3. Seven consecutive year classes were identified during aging, suggesting consistent recruitment among years. The 2016 survey results suggest Northern Pike in Reitz Lake had consistent recruitment, good abundance, average condition and size. Largemouth Bass were sampled during spring 2016 with nighttime boat electrofishing. This was the first year Largemouth Bass had been targeted with electrofishing. 62 total bass were sampled with a catch rate of 29.7/hour. Average size of Largemouth Bass was 11.4 inches with the largest measured at 18.7 inches. Although average size was small, the proportion of fish greater than 15 inches was high. Growth rates were moderate, with an average length of 9.5 inches by age 3. Natural recruitment was consistent, shown by 10 consecutive years without a missing age class. Other fish species sampled in low abundance were Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch. In addition, 43 Freshwater Drum were sampled with an average length of 15 inches, and the largest measuring 19.4 inches.

Reitz Lake is a 92 acre lake with a maximum depth of 33 feet, located in north central Carver County. Reitz Lake provides some recreational opportunities. Parking at the state owned access is limited. Water quality in Reitz Lake is poor compared to other West Metro lakes. By late summer most species of fish cannot inhabit water deeper than 9 feet for extended periods of time. Anglers should keep this in mind when pursuing northern pike and crappie. Fishing in water deeper than 9 feet in mid to late summer could yield very few fish. Reitz lake contains a simple fish community. Boaters should also keep in mind, new laws require the drain plug be removed while on public roadways. The predator community in Reitz Lake is not diverse, but fish are large. Northern pike numbers were below average. Average weight was high. Northern pike averaged 26.1 inches in length. One fish over 35 inches was sampled. In the 2010 population assessment largemouth bass abundance was below average, compared to similar lakes. Average weight was very high. Largemouth bass averaged 14.4 inches in length. One fish over 18 inches was sampled. Standard lake survey gear does not consistently provide an accurate estimate of largemouth bass abundance. Three species of panfish are present in Reitz Lake. Black crappie abundance is above average. Few large fish were sampled. Average black crappie length was 7.2 inches. Bluegill abundance increased compared to the 2004 survey. Abundance remains in the average range. Average weight decreased slightly. Over 57% of sampled bluegill were greater than 6 inches. Nearly one-third of sampled fish were 7 inches or larger. Individuals up to 8.25 inches were sampled. This size distribution is very good for a metro area lake. Yellow perch abundance in Reitz Lake is above average. Mean weight of yellow perch was average. Average length was 6.5 inches. Rough fish are present in low numbers. Common carp abundance decreased since the 2004 survey. Both black and yellow bullhead were also sampled at below average abundance. Freshwater drum (sheephead) were present in low numbers as well. Nearshore seining and backpack electrofishing found only fathead minnows and central mudminnows . Both species are tolerant of poor water quality. These findings reinforce the fact that Reitz Lake has poor water quality. Overall, Reitz Lake contains a limited forage base.

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

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

Reitz has a maximum depth of 36 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Reitz is from 2021.

Yes — Reitz has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.