West Twin

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in West Twin Lake was conducted on June 15-17, 2021 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 seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all ten sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample seven stations, and a 15-foot seine was used to sample three stations due to difficult site conditions including deep drop offs with abundant woody habitat along the shoreline. Nearshore sampling captured 14 species of fish including four species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass) and no species that are classified as tolerant of disturbance. A concurrent summer trap net survey was conducted by IBI Program Staff. Seven trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Bluegill, and Northern Pike comprised a majority of the trap net catch by biomass, with Bluegill most abundant by number. The number of Bluegill sampled per net was above the 50% quartile for similar Lake Class 32 lakes and the average length was 5.3 inches, with only 2% over 7 inches. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a June 2017 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., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Common Carp and 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. Data from this survey indicates West Lake is healthy as indicated by an exceptionally high FIBI score, well above 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.

West Twin Lake is a 117 acre lake located two miles northwest of Nisswa in Crow Wing County. West Twin is located in the Crow Wing River watershed. The lake has a maximum depth of 42'. 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 nearshore survey took place on 24 July 2017, with all ten stations sampled by backpack electrofishing. The 15' 1/8th inch seine was also used at ten stations, the 50' 1/8th inch seine was not used. In total 15 species were sampled including intolerant species, Iowa darter, banded killifish, blacknose shiner, blackchin shiner, smallmouth bass, and rock bass. This nearshore survey will be used along with the gillnet and trapnet survey conducted on 26-28 June 2017 to calculate an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score. This score will be an indicator of the health of West Twin Lake.

West Twin Lake had a brand new access open up in 2017 that is directly off the west side of Highway 371; it has a concrete ramp but no dock. It is yet to be seen how this will affect fishing pressure on this small 127 acre lake. While it has many species to target, the sizes of most species weren't too impressive. Northern pike were caught in above average numbers (9.3/gill net), but the size was marginal. Average length was 18.6" and only 9% of the fish were 24" or larger. Largemouth bass were sampled by night electrofishing, resulting in a catch rate of 41.6/hr. Average length was 11.1" and 40% of the fish were 12" or larger. One thing unique to West Twin Lake is the presence of smallmouth bass. While not as numerous (11.4/hr.), their size was pretty impressive, with an average length of 16.3". As far as panfish go, black crappie numbers were average, with 54% of the fish measuring 8" or larger. Bluegill numbers were also average for this lake type, but their size was small. Average size was only 4.9", with 11% measuring 7" or larger.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Walleye, and Black Crappie 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 42 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in West Twin is from 2021.

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.