Lomond

Lomond Lake is a 95-acre lake, located within the City of Bagley in Clearwater County. A targeted survey was completed on Lomond Lake by Bemidji Area Fisheries staff during August of 2023 to assess the nearshore fish community and overall health of the lake. In this survey, 10 nearshore sites (100-foot) were evenly spaced along the lakeshore to sample a variety of aquatic habitat types and collect a representative sample of the nearshore fish community. Depending on the habitat conditions at each site, backpack electrofishing and shoreline seining were attempted where possible. Seven sites were sampled with a seine and all 10 were completed with backpack electrofishing. A total of 10 species were sampled, which included 1 species (Iowa Darter) captured that are intolerant to disturbance or poor water quality. Nearshore fish community data was analyzed with information collected from the standard survey in 2023 to calculate a Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score to measure the biological condition and overall health of Lomond Lake. In Minnesota, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and healthy habitat (e.g. Blacknose Shiner, Mimic Shiner, Tullibee (cisco), and Mottled Sculpin), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g. Black Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, and Green Sunfish). The combination of fish species present may identify stressors negatively affecting the lake environment. The FIBI score is composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics to indicate the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on FIBI search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website (www.mndnr.gov). In coordination with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Clearwater River Watershed assessment.

Lomond Lake is a 95-acre, moderately developed lake located in central Clearwater County within the city of Bagley, MN. Lomond has a water clarity of 9 feet and a maximum depth of 45 feet. Emergent vegetation is abundant along the shoreline of this moderately productive lake. The public access is in Bagley City Park and has a concrete ramp with room for 10 to 12 vehicles with trailers. A standard survey was completed on Lomond Lake in 2023 to assess the fish community. Gamefish species targeted by anglers in this lake include Bluegill, Black Crappie, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. Bluegill abundance increased from 2013 and was within the normal range for this lake. Bluegill lengths averaged 7 inches, with a few over 9 inches present. The Bluegill population appears healthy with ages ranging from 2 to 13 years old. It is recommended to keep smaller sunfish and release the majority of larger sunfish to maintain a balanced population. Northern Pike remain abundant and above the typical range for similar lakes in Minnesota. Northern Pike ranged from 10 to 37 inches and averaged 22 inches. Thirty-eight percent of the Northern Pike captured in gill nets were larger than 22 inches, with multiple fish over 30 inches. This gives anglers a good opportunity to catch harvestable sized fish with a chance at larger sized fish. Northern Pike ages ranged from 1 to 12 years old. Black Crappie abundance increased from the previous survey in 2013 and was the highest recorded for the lake. Black Crappie ranged from 3 to 12 inches in length and averaged over 9 inches. Black Crappie growth is above average compared to similar lakes in the Bemidji area. Only three Walleye were captured and ranged from 18 to 21 inches in length. Walleye abundance decreased from 2013 and was below the lake's historical average. Walleye fingerlings and yearlings are stocked on even numbered years to account for little to no natural reproduction. Largemouth Bass abundance appears low with a few medium sized fish in the population. The small sample size was expected based on previous standard surveys. From the few Largemouth Bass captured, lengths ranged from 12 to 15 inches and averaged about 14 inches. Yellow Perch abundance decreased from 2013 and was less than the historical average for the lake. Yellow Perch are an important forage species for large predators like Walleye, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. Other species sampled during the survey included Green Sunfish, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Bullhead. Currently, Lomond Lake is infested with Zebra Mussels, an aquatic invasive species (AIS). AIS can be transferred by anglers and boats from infested to non-infested waterbodies. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and drain all water from their boat before leaving the access. Please follow the current AIS regulations to avoid spreading to other lakes.

Lomond Lake is a 91-acre lake with a maximum depth of 42 feet. The lake lies within the city limits of Bagley in Clearwater County. There is a public access within Bagley City Park, just off of State Highway 92. DNR fisheries management focuses mainly on bluegill, northern pike, and walleye. Water quality measurements taken in July, 2013 showed good oxygen levels for fish down to a depth of fifteen feet, with a Secchi disc reading of 9.3 feet. The 2013 bluegill catch rate of 10.67 fish per trap net (10.67/TN) falls within the typical range for Lake Class 28 (5.69/TN to 40.45/TN). Bluegill up to 9.1 inches in length were captured during the assessment, with 14% of the catch (gill nets and trap nets combined) exceeding 8 inches in length. Northern pike abundance in the 2013 fish population assessment exceeded the range of values considered typical of this lake type. High numbers of small northern pike have been persistent in Lomond Lake over much of its management history. The average size of northern pike was 21.1 inches in length and 2.0 lbs. Pike up to 30 inches in length were captured in the assessment, although only 15% of the catch exceeded 24 inches in length. The 2013 walleye catch rate of 3 fish per gill net (3/GN) is near the upper end of the normal range for Lake Class 28. Walleye up to 29 inches in length were captured in the assessment, with an average size of 15.7 inches in length and 1.99 lbs. Fifty percent of the walleye captured were young fish from recent stockings (age-2). These fish should grow to a size preferred by anglers in 2015. Black crappie abundance has increased since the previous assessment in 2003. Catch rates for both gill nets (4.75/GN) and trap nets (1.67/TN) were the highest recorded for Lomond Lake. Black crappie from six consecutive year classes were identified in the 2013 assessment. Age-2 and age-3 black crappie comprised 62% of the catch, which bodes well for crappie fishing in Lomond Lake in the near future. Black crappie in Lomond Lake average approximately 9 inches in length at age-5. Other species documented in the 2013 assessment were pumpkinseed, yellow bullhead, largemouth bass, white sucker, and yellow perch.

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

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

Lomond has a maximum depth of 45 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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