Lawrence

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Lawrence Lake was conducted on June 13-15, 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 ten sampling stations, but one station was sampled from the boat due soft sediments. A 50-foot seine was used to sample six stations, a 15-foot seine was used at two stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured twenty species of fish including seven species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, Least Darter, Mimic Shiner, Northern Sunfish, and Rock Bass) and one that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by IBI Program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured 12 species of fish, including one that is intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Rock Bass). Bluegill and Pumpkinseed sunfish comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Bluegill and Bowfin comprised a majority by biomass. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from August 2022 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 Lawrence Lake is healthy as indicated by an exceptionally high FIBI score well above the impairment threshold determined for similar lakes. These results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Pine River Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

While larger gamefish such as Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass seem to provide some decent fishing on Lawrence, panfish tend to be on the small side. And although not stocked directly into Lawrence, a walleye catch of 1.8/gill net suggests they may be migrating in from connected Roosevelt and could provide the occasional opportunity to catch one. Average size of these Walleyes was 18.8" and all the fish were over 15". The Northern Pike catch was average for this type of lake (3.8/gill net), with a good average length of 26.3". Lakes in this area of the state have a 22-26" protected slot, however, 43% of the fish captured were longer than 26". Largemouth Bass were sampled by night electrofishing at the rate of 72.0/hour and 53% of these were over 12" with the largest being 18". Panfish numbers were typical for this type of lake. Bluegill were caught at the rate of 14.0/trap net and Black Crappie at 1.9/trap net. However, only 8% of the Bluegill were over 7" and 22% of the Black Crappie were over 8".

Lawrence Lake is a 224 acre lake, with a maximum depth of 71', located in the town of Outing, MN. Lawrence is in the Pine River Watershed. A nearshore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. Ten 100' long sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lakeshore. Each station was then sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15' or 50' 1/8th inch seine. The survey took place July 19, 2022, with all 10 stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 50' 1/8th inch seine was used at 2 stations and the 15' 1/8th inch seine was used at 4 stations. Sixteen species were sampled, including four species that are intolerant of habitat disturbance: Iowa Darter, Blackchin Shiner, Mimic Shiner, and Rock Bass. This nearshore survey will be used along with the gill net and trap net survey conducted the week of August 1st, 2022, to calculate a Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health by the types of fish species present and comparing it to what is expected for this type of lake.

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

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

Lawrence has a maximum depth of 71 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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