Jessie

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community in Jessie Lake was conducted by Fisheries Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program Staff from 16-18 August 2021. Ten sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 15-foot or 50-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 sites with two sites sampled from the boat. A 50-foot seine was used to sample two sites, a 15-foot seine was used at five sites, and soft sediments with abundant vegetation and deep water prevented the use of seines at three sampling sites. Nearshore sampling captured 15 native species of fish including one species that is intolerant of disturbance (Iowa Darter) and no species that are tolerant of disturbance. A concurrent summer trap net survey was conducted on 16-18 August 2021 by IBI Program Staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline that encompassed multiple habitat types. Bluegill and Pumpkinseed comprised a majority of the trap net catch by number and Bluegill, Walleye, and Yellow Bullhead comprised a majority of the catch by biomass. The number of Bluegill sampled per net was below the 50% quartile for similar Lake Class 34 lakes and the average length was 5.7 inches, with 24% over 7 inches. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a July 2020 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., Black Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, 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 Jessie Lake is in good health as indicated by an FIBI score 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 Long Prairie River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Lake Jessie is a small 105-acre lake located within the Alexandria Chain of Lakes in Douglas County. There is no public access on the lake. Boats can enter the lake through a channel from Lake Victoria. Lake Jessie is the most turbid lake in the chain, although water quality and clarity remain fair. Aquatic vegetation is dense throughout shallow areas of the lake. There are large beds of water lily on the surface during summer months. Aquatic vegetation provides critical aquatic habitat for many fish species and helps to maintain good water quality and clarity. It is important to protect and preserve this vegetation as residential development and recreational boating pressure increase on this small lake. A standard fisheries survey was completed during summer 2020 to provide updated information on the fish community of Lake Jessie. Standard survey components typically include spring electrofishing, gill nets, and trap nets. However, due to safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, trap nets were not utilized in 2020. The fish community in Lake Jessie is typical of small, densely vegetated lakes in west-central Minnesota. Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie are abundant and support most angling opportunities. Walleye and Northern Pike are also present in moderate numbers. Size Structures of Largemouth Bass was good, about 36% of the sampled bass were over 15 inches. The largest bass sampled was 17.9 inches. A majority of the Bluegill sampled were over 7 inches but only one exceeded 8 inches. Bluegill growth rates are above average and this population provides quality panfishing opportunities. Black Crappie growth rates are moderate and a large number of 8- to 9-inch crappie sampled in 2020 should provide great angling opportunities in the near future. Northern Pike numbers are moderate and average size was only 21.0 inches. However, multiple 30-inch pike were caught during the survey. A wide range of Walleye sizes are available in Lake Jessie. Sampled fish ranged from 12.4 to 27.2 inches in length. Walleye abundance is similar to the rest of the chain, despite much lower stocking levels. State stocking is constrained due to lack of public access but private user groups have occasionally stocked Walleye fingerlings. Most of the Walleye present in Lake Jessie are likely migrants from Lake Victoria. Additional species sampled include Common Carp, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, Yellow Perch, and Black and Yellow Bullhead. The next standard fisheries survey is tentatively scheduled for 2028. Quality fishing opportunities exist for many species in Lake Jessie. Anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help improve and sustain quality fishing experiences. Selective harvest philosophy encourages release of larger fish while encouraging harvest of more abundant smaller fish. Releasing medium to large fish will help restore and maintain fish community balance, as well as increase opportunities to catch large fish in the future. Lake Jessie was designated as an infested water after the discovery of zebra mussels in the Alexandria Chain of Lakes in 2009. Minnesota statutes require all equipment be free of invasive species prior to leaving any access. Recreational users should take necessary precautions to prevent the further spread of aquatic invasive species.

Lake Jessie is a small 105-acre lake located within the Alexandria Chain of Lakes in Douglas County. There is no public access on the lake. Fishing boats can enter the lake through a channel from Lake Victoria. Water quality and clarity are fair. Aquatic vegetation is dense throughout shallow areas of the lake. There are large beds of water lily on the surface during summer months. Aquatic vegetation provides critical aquatic habitat for many fish species and help to maintain good water quality and clarity. It is important to protect and preserve this vegetation as residential development and recreational boating pressures increase on this small lake. The fish community in Lake Jessie is typical of small, densely vegetated lakes in west-central Minnesota. Largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and black crappie are abundant and support most angling opportunities. Size structures of largemouth bass and bluegill are good. Black crappie and northern pike are abundant, but average size tends to be relatively small. Walleye and yellow perch are also present but abundance of these species is limited. State stocking is constrained due to lack of public access. Walleye that are present are likely migrants from Lake Victoria.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, and Yellow Perch in Jessie. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Jessie has a maximum depth of 26 feet and a mean depth of 11 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

Yes — Jessie has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.