Whipple

A targeted survey including nearshore, trap net, and gill net sampling was completed during the week of June 27th, 2022 in Whipple Lake by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program Staff. Nearshore sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all ten sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample five stations, a 15-foot seine was used at four stations, and soft sediments with abundant vegetation and deep water prevented the use of seines at one station. Nearshore sampling captured 10 species of fish including two species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blacknose Shiner and Iowa Darter) and zero species that are tolerant of disturbance. Six trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Bluegill (55%) and Yellow Bullhead (22%) comprised a majority of the trap net catch by number, and Yellow Bullhead (33%), Bluegill (22%), and Northern Pike (19%) comprised a majority of the catch by biomass. The number of Black Bullheads sampled per net was more than double the 75th quartile for similar lake class 32 lakes. The number of Bluegill, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, and Yellow Bullheads sampled per net were all above the 50% quartile for similar Lake Class 32 lakes. Conversely, the number of Yellow Perch sampled per net were at the 25% quartile for similar Lake Class 32 lakes. Four gill nets were set in open water locations. Black Bullhead (26%), Yellow Bullhead (22%), and Northern Pike (24%) comprised a majority of the gill net catch by number, and Northern Pike (52%), Yellow Bullhead (16%), and Black Bullhead (16%) comprised a majority of the catch by biomass. The number of Black Bullheads sampled per net was more than five times the 75th quartile for similar lake class 32 lakes. The number of Black Crappies and Northern Pike sampled per net were more than double the 75th quartile for similar lake class 32 lakes. The number of Largemouth Bass sampled per net was above the 75% quartile, and number of Yellow Bullheads sampled per net was above the 50% quartile for similar Lake Class 32 lakes. Conversely, the number of Yellow Perch sampled per net were at the 25% quartile for similar Lake Class 32 lakes. The fish data collected during the June 27th, 2022 nearshore, trap net, and gill net surveys were combined to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blacknose Shiner and Iowa Darter), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey provides supporting evidence that the fish community in Whipple Lake is adversely impacted by stressors as indicated by an FIBI score below the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Crow Wing River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Largemouth Bass seem to provide the best fishing opportunity on Whipple. A spring electrofishing survey sampled them at a rate of 106.3/hr. Some nice fish are present, with an average length of 13.9 inches and fish up to 19.9 inches sampled. Largemouth Bass over 12" made up 80% of the catch, and those over 15" made up 36%. Northern Pike were caught in average numbers (7.0/gill net) for this type of lake. With only 14% of the fish within the 22-26" protected slot, there are plenty of fish that can be harvested. Most of those will have to be under the slot as only 14% were over 26". Bluegill numbers were the lowest to date at 6.5/trap net, and size wasn't that impressive either. Average length was 5.3" and only 13% measured 7" or longer. Black Crappie numbers were considered high for this type of lake at 15.3/gill net. Mean length was 6.9" and 34% of the fish measured 8" or larger. No invasive species have been discovered in Whipple Lake, but they are located in the area. Before and after launching 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.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Middle Whipple Lake was conducted on July 8, 2021, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 sampling stations, but two stations were sampled from the boat due to site conditions. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample seven stations, a 15-foot seine was used to sample one station, and site conditions prevented the use of a seine at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured 11 species of fish including two species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blacknose Shiner and Iowa Darter) and none that are tolerant of disturbance. The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from an August 2021 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Green Sunfish). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Results from this survey will be considered when the biological health of Middle Whipple Lake is assessed during the Crow Wing River Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

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

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Whipple. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Whipple has a maximum depth of 28.7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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