West Twin

The walleye catch in West Twin Lake was relatively high for a lake of this type; however, the 2005 catch was the lowest ever observed in this lake, historically. Walleye average size was low, but that has usually been the case in West Twin Lake, and the average size of the 2005 catch was similar to what has been seen in the past in this lake. The walleye population was supported entirely through natural reproduction, and it appeared that the 2003 and 2002 year classes had been strong. Walleye growth rates had been about average for a lake of this type in Cook County. Walleye attained, on average, a length of 12.3 inches at the end of their fourth year.White sucker were also abundant; however, the 2005 catch, while high, was not unusually high for this lake. Walleye and white sucker were probably competing for invertebrate forage, since there was little else available for walleye to consume. No yellow perch were present, although modest numbers of fathead minnow and creek chub were taken in 1/4-in-mesh trap nets used to sample small fish.

As has been the case in all past assessments, the fish community in West Twin Lake was dominated by large numbers of small and mid-sized walleye, and large numbers of larger white sucker in 1999. The walleye population was entirely self-sustained, and several year classes were strongly represented in the 1999 catch. It appeared that good walleye year classes had been produced in every year since 1995. Walleye growth rates were slower than average for this area, probably due to a lack of forage fish, and to competition from the dense white sucker population.

WALLEYE ABUNDANCE WAS VERY HIGH, BUT SIZE WAS VERY POOR; ONLY 9 PERCENT OF THE WALLEYE SAMPLED WERE OVER 12 IN. THE POPULATION WAS DOMINATED BY THE 1987 AND 1986 YEAR CLASSES, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 90 PERCENT OF THE WALLEYE SAMPLED. WALLEYE GROWTH WAS ABOUT AVERAGE FOR COOK COUNTY, DESPITE THE APPARENT LACK OF FORAGE.

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

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

West Twin has a maximum depth of 37 feet and a mean depth of 11.3 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in West Twin is from 2005. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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