Muckwa

Muckwa Lake has been managed as a stream trout lake since 1972, and has been regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout since that time. This survey was the first of two scheduled in the latest (2009) lake management plan to evaluate a reduction in stocking frequency (from annual to alternate years) that began in 2011. Because of the low number of gill net sets used in surveys of these very small stream trout lakes, multiple surveys must be completed before results of management changes can be assessed with any confidence. Only three Rainbow Trout were collected in 2017, a relatively low catch for this lake historically. Fish from stocked 2013 and 2011 year classes contributed to the catch, and survival of some fish to six years of age boded well for the lake's continued ability to produce some trophy-sized Rainbow Trout. Survival of the 2015 stocking may have been unusually low. In a typical survey of a stream lake with a similar stocking history in this area, two-year-old fish would be vulnerable to our sampling gear, and would usually make up the bulk of the catch; however, no fish of that age were collected in this survey. There had been no change in stocking method or the strain stocked in 2015. Fingerlings stocked in 2015 were larger than those stocked in 2013 and 2011, but were still well within the acceptable size range for aerial stocking. With the low number of net sets used, it is possible that young fish were present, but were simply not caught. No undesirable fish species were collected in Muckwa Lake in 2017. Minnows appeared to have been abundant. Temperature-oxygen conditions measured on 19 July were suitable for Rainbow Trout from the surface to a depth of at least 15 feet.

The number and size of of rainbow trout caught during the 2005 assessment were normal for this lake, but higher than average for area lakes with rainbow trout. Annual stocking of fingerlings in fall had produced all the fish. Ages 1-4 were identified in the catch. Growth rates had been about average for the area.

As in 2000, the rainbow trout catch during the 2002 assessment was low for this lake, historically, although it was within the normal range for rainbow trout lakes in the area. Survival of most recent stockings appears to have been low. Only age-two rainbow trout were caught during this assessment. Growth is relatively fast in Muckwa Lake. An apparently large forage base supports excellent growth and there appears to be potential for large fish.

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

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

Muckwa has a maximum depth of 25 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Muckwa is from 2017. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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