Monker

Monker is a natural brook trout lake. The population may be supported by reproduction in springs along the north shore of the lake, or by movement of fish into the lake from Monker Creek, a designated trout stream supporting a wild brook trout population. The long range goal for the lake, as stated in the 2010 lake management plan, has been to maintain a self-sustained brook trout population with a minimum gill net catch of 3.0 fish/set. This was the first of two assessments scheduled to track attainment of that goal. Brook trout catches in Monker Lake have varied considerably from year. None were taken in 2010, when the lake was filled with dense growths of filamentous algae that clogged assessment nets. The 2012 catch met the long range goal for this lake; however, since the entire catch consisted of relatively small one-year-old fish, the lake would not have supported a very satisfactory fishery. Past assessments have at times taken more larger, older fish. Brook trout collected in 2012 had reached a mean length of 5.0 inches at the end of their first year. That compared well with the growth observed for wild one-year-old fish taken in area streams, where the mean length at the end of the first year is 4.0 inches. Other fish species found in Monker Lake in 2012 included creek chub, fathead minnow, and finescale dace. Fathead minnows were apparently abundant; 2,520 were taken in eight wire minnow trap sets. Creek chub would compete with brook trout for available forage, while fathead minnow and finescale dace would have provided forage for brook trout.

Monker Lake has supported a natural brook trout population since 1980. An assessment was planned in June 2010 to determine the current status of that population. The assessment crew found the lake choked by heavy growths of filamentous algae. Algae filled the nets, and no fish were taken. The early spring in 2010 (many lakes were ice-free by early April) may have contributed to heavy algae growth. We do not know if any brook trout were able to survive these unusual conditions.

Monker Lake has supported a natural brook trout population since 1980. An assessment was planned in June 2010 to determine the current status of that population. The assessment crew found the lake choked by heavy growths of filamentous algae. Algae filled the nets, and no fish were taken. The early spring in 2010 (many lakes were ice-free by early April) may have contributed to heavy algae growth. We do not know if any brook trout were able to survive these unusual conditions.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Brook Trout in Monker. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Monker has a maximum depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Monker is from 2012. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Monker in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.