Irene

A summer trap net survey in Irene Lake was conducted by DNR Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff on August 3-5, 2022. Twelve trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured 10 species of fish, including one that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish). Bluegill comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Northern Pike, Hybrid Sunfish, and Pumpkinseed comprised a majority by biomass. The trap net data were combined with nearshore and gill net data from a 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 Cisco), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Fathead Minnow). 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 indicate that the fish community in Irene Lake is likely impacted by stressors as indicated by an FIBI score that is near the general use threshold determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Long Prairie Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Lake Irene supports a quality panfish fishery. In the spring of 2021, a targeted panfish survey was completed to better assess the Bluegill and Black Crappie populations. A special regulation that reduced the daily sunfish limit from 20 down to 10 was also implemented in the spring of 2021. The goal of the new regulation is to increase the average size of Bluegill. This survey will be used to help evaluate the effects of the regulation on the Bluegill population. Bluegill catch rates and growth rates were moderate. The age structure was extended and Bluegill up to age 11 were sampled. The presence of these older fish also meant many larger Bluegill were observed. Many fish over 9 inches were sampled with the largest being 10.5 inches. Black Crappie catch rates and growth rates were also moderate. Many year classes of crappies were present. Almost 50% of the Black Crappie were over 10 inches and the largest crappie sampled was 12.7 inches. Quality fishing opportunities exist for multiple species in Lake Irene. Anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help sustain the quality of the fishery. Selective harvest encourages the release of larger fish while promoting 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 Irene was designated as an infested water after the discovery of zebra mussels in 2011. Recreational users should take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of invasive species. Drain all water and remove all aquatic vegetation from your boat and trailer when leaving any body of water.

Lake Irene is a 639-acre lake located near the town of Miltona in northeast Douglas County. Lake Irene lies within the Long Prairie River watershed and outflows to Lake Miltona via a non-navigable channel on the south shoreline. Residential development is moderate. Most shoreline development occurs along east and southwest shorelines. Much of the undeveloped western shoreline supports bulrush and cattails. Average and maximum depths are 20 and 44 feet, respectively. Water clarity was 7.0 feet during the 2020 survey. Two public accesses are available. One is located on the northwest shore off NW Irene Road and the other is on the southeast shore off County Road 64. A standard fisheries survey was completed during summer 2020 to provide updated information on the fish community of Lake Irene. Standard survey components typically include spring electrofishing, gill nets, and trap nets. However, due to safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, gill nets were the only component used in 2020. Lake Irene supports a healthy sunfish community. Bluegill grow quickly, allowing them to reach sizes of interest to anglers. In 2020, Bluegill averaged 7.2 inches in length with many exceeding 8 inches. The largest sampled was 9.7 inches. Anglers are encouraged to release these large fish to preserve the genetics of larger Bluegill in this system. Lake Irene was included in the Quality Sunfish Initiative because of its high-quality Bluegill fishery that exhibits fast growth, moderate density, and has a history of producing large fish. A 10-fish daily bag limit was implemented on March 1, 2021 to help maintain or potentially improve the size quality of this population. For more information about the Quality Sunfish Initiative see: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/sunfish/index.html. Black Crappie were abundant. This population also tends to exhibit fast growth and an impressive size structure. Most crappie exceeded 10 inches in length and the largest measured 13.5 inches. Three strong year classes were present, which should provide quality fishing opportunities for the next few years. Largemouth Bass are also common in Lake Irene. Sixty-eight bass, ranging in length from 5.7 to 17.7 inches, were collected in gill nets in 2020. Average length was 11.9 inches. Walleye abundance has declined in recent years but remains at a level above what is expected for similar Minnesota lakes. Average size was 16.8 inches and 1.9 pounds. The largest Walleye sampled measured 25.7 inches. A very strong 2017 year class should provide Walleye anglers with harvest opportunities for the next couple of years. The MN DNR and Lake Irene Association supplement this population with fingerling stockings. Similar to previous surveys, Northern Pike abundance was moderate. Pike numbers in Lake Irene appear to stay relatively stable at low to moderate densities, a contrast from overabundant pike populations found in many west-central Minnesota lakes. Lower density typically results in a higher size structure. Mean and maximum lengths of pike sampled in 2020 were 22.4 and 34.7 inches, respectively. New Northern Pike zone regulations were implemented in 2018. Lake Irene is in the North-central Zone, where all pike 22 to 26 inches must be released. Anglers can keep 10 pike but not more than two can be longer than 26 inches. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one pike may be between 22 and 26 inches, or two larger than 26 inches. For more information see: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/pike/index.html. Anglers are encouraged to harvest pike below 22 inches to help keep this population in check. Few Yellow Perch were sampled and small average size limits angling interest for this species. Yellow Bullhead were extremely abundant and most were large individuals. Over 58% of Yellow Bullhead collected were 12 inches or larger. Additional species sampled include Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Tullibee (Cisco), and White Sucker. The next standard fisheries survey is tentatively scheduled for 2026. Lake Irene is designated as an infested waterbody due to the presence of zebra mussels, initially confirmed in 2012. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) negatively affect lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants or animals from their watercraft and drain water from their boat before leaving any access. For more information regarding AIS see the following: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/ais/index.html.

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

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

Irene has a maximum depth of 44 feet and a mean depth of 19.8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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