Black Hoof

Black Hoof Lake is a 201 acre lake, with a maximum depth of 29', located one mile west of Ironton in Crow Wing County. Black Hoof is in the Mississippi River-Brainerd Watershed. A nearshore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. Ten 100' long sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lakeshore. Each station was then sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15' or 50' 1/8th inch seine. The survey took place on July 21, 2022, with all 10 stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 50' 1/8th inch seine was used at 2 stations and the 15' 1/8th inch seine was used at an additional 3 stations. Soft bottom and heavy vegetation prevented the use of seines at the other 5 sampling sites. Eighteen species were sampled, including 5 species that are intolerant of habitat disturbance: Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Least Darter and Rock Bass. This nearshore survey will be used along with the gill net and trap net survey conducted on June 21-24, 2022, to calculate a Fish-Based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health by the types of fish species present and comparing it to what is expected for this type of lake.

Walleyes are stocked as fingerlings (81 lbs) every third year into Black Hoof Lake, with 2019 being the most recent stocking. The Walleye catch of 1.8/gill net was average when compared to similar lakes. Average length was 17.1". Northern Pike were sampled in high numbers at 19.5/ gill net when compared to similar lakes. Average length was 20.8", with 15% in the protected 22"-26" slot. Northern Pike at least 26" in length made up 9% of the catch. Northern Pike up to 34.1" were sampled. Black Crappies were sampled in high number in gill nets (3.8/net), and average numbers in trap nets (0.7/net). Average length was 9.0" for gill net sampled fish and 7.8" for trap net sampled fish. For both gears combined 55% were at least 8.0" in length. Bluegills had a trap net catch of 25.8/net, which was average when compared to similar lakes. Average length was 5.7", with 23% at least 7.0" in length. Yellow Perch were sampled in average numbers at 8.8/ gill net. Most were too small to be of interest to anglers, with an average length of 6.0". No invasive species have been discovered in Black Hoof, but they are in the area. Lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers, as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Blackhoof Lake is a 201 acre lake located one mile southwest of Ironton in Crow Wing County. Blackhoof is located in the Mississippi River-Brainerd watershed. The lake has a maximum depth of 29'. A nearshore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. Ten 100' long sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lakeshore. Each station was then sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15' or 50' 1/8th inch seine. The survey took place on 29 July 2016, with all ten stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 15' 1/8th inch seine was used at five stations, with the 50' 1/8th inch used at one additional site. Four stations had heavy vegetation which would not allow for seining. In total 22 species were sampled including Iowa Darter, blacknose shiner, and blackchin shiner. This nearshore survey will be used along with the gillnet and trapnet survey conducted on 21-24 June 2016 to calculate an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score. This score will be an indicator of the health of Blackhoof Lake.

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

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

Black Hoof has a maximum depth of 29 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Black Hoof is from 2022.

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