Fish

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community in Fish Lake was conducted by Fisheries Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program Staff starting on July 27, 2020. Ten sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 15-foot or 50-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all ten sites with three sites sampled from the boat. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample three sites, a 15-foot seine was used at four sites, and deep, soft sediments prevented the use of seines at three sampling sites. Nearshore sampling captured 19 native species of fish including five species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Least Darter) and one species that is tolerant of disturbance (Green Sunfish). A summer trap net survey was conducted in conjunction with the targeted survey of the nearshore fish community. Bluegill and Pumpkinseed dominated the trap net catch numbers, but only comprised approximately 46% of total trap net biomass. Of the Bluegills sampled, 50% were between 5 and 7 inches, 6% were over 7 inches and no Bluegills over 8 inches were sampled. These trap net and nearshore survey data are combined with data from an August 2018 gill net survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity (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. 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. The FIBI score for Fish Lake is above an impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes and indicates an exceptional fish community is present in this lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Lower St. Croix River Watershed assessment of surface waters process completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Fish Lake is a 306-acre lake in northwestern Chisago County near the town of Stark. There is a county park with a boat launch and swimming beach on the east shore. A vehicle fee is charged on weekends and holidays. The lake managed primarily for Northern Pike and Walleye. The Walleye population is maintained by stocking 141,000 fry annually. A survey was conducted in August 2018 with 8 gill net sets and 8 trap net sets to assess the fish populations. The previous survey was conducted in 2011. Walleye were sampled by gill nets at a rate of 0.75 fish per net. This is lower than other similar lakes and a substantial decrease from the past couple of surveys. The Walleye catch rate in this lake has been quite variable through the historical record. Average weight was 5.5 lbs. which is exceptionally large but the sample is made up of only 6 fish. The smallest of these was 22 inches in length and the largest was an impressive 30.9 inches. All fish sampled were 8 years old or older. The Northern Pike gill net catch was 10 fish per net which is typical for the lake but much higher than similar lakes. Average weight was 2.7 lbs. which is average for similar lakes but larger than the historical average. Fish averaged 22.7 inches in length with a decent number in excess of 30 inches. Ages were widely distributed with all year classes from 2015 to 2007 represented. Black Crappie were sampled at a rate of 2.7 fish per trap net with a high mean weight of 0.47 lbs. Fish ranged from about 7.5 to 10 inches in length with one 12 inch fish sampled. Trap nets sampled Bluegill at a rate of 23 fish per net which is typical relative to similar lakes and historical surveys. Average weight of 0.19 lbs. was also typical. Fish ranged from 3.6 to 8.7 inches in length and averaged 6.1 inches. Nighttime electrofishing was conducted in late May to assess the Largemouth Bass population. The catch rate was 60 fish per hour which is equal to the previous survey and only slightly higher than the historical average. Average weight was also typical relative to historical surveys. A wide range of sizes were sampled with an average length of 12.3 inches and a maximum of 17.8 inches. Thirty-five percent of bass sampled were longer than 15 inches. Other species sampled were Black Bullhead, Bowfin, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Fish Lake is a popular spot for angling, swimming, and boating. A county park on the east shore provides boat access and a swimming beach; a user fee is charged on weekends and holidays. Water clarity is higher than most lakes in the area. A quality largemouth bass and walleye fishery is present with additional opportunity for acceptable-sized panfish and smaller northerns. Walleye abundance was typical of comparable lakes and similar to the lake's long term mean. Walleye size exceeded the lake class norm with an average of 20.7 inches and 3 pounds. Fish Lake is stocked in June of even-numbered years with walleye frylings as part of a statewide walleye stocking study. The 2008 fryling stocking represented more than half the catch. Northern pike numbers are above average, but quality sized fish are rare. Northerns averaged 1.5 pounds and 19.1 inches with only 10% of the catch surpassing 24 inches. Night electrofishing in late spring revealed an abundant largemouth bass population with some good sized fish present. Lengths ranged from 8 to 17.6 inches with a 13.5 inch, 1.4 pound average. Bass growth was similar to the statewide rate. Bluegill and black crappie numbers were low compared to similar lakes; however, both are plentiful enough to warrant angling. Half the sampled crappies were 8 inches or larger while 39% of bluegill exceeded 7 inches.

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

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Fish. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Fish has a maximum depth of 57 feet and a mean depth of 16 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Fish is from 2020.

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