Winona

This nearshore survey was conducted during summer 2021 to assess populations of non-game species and small game fish using backpack electrofishing and seining. Backpack electrofishing and/or seining were conducted at 10 stations, representing a variety of habitat types, along the shoreline of Lake Winona. The survey was conducted during the five-year sampling window for intensive monitoring efforts within the Long Prairie River watershed, and will be contributing to a watershed assessment process in coordination with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Only seven species were collected during this survey. No "intolerant" species were sampled. One species (Green Sunfish) was considered "tolerant" based on current tolerance classifications for Minnesota lakes. Nearshore catch data will be used along with gill and trap net catch data to develop an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score, which is indicative of the health of Lake Winona.

Lake Winona is located within the city limits of Alexandria. It has a surface area of 213 acres, maximum depth of 9.0 feet, and estimated average depth near 5.0 feet. The lake and much of the watershed exist within an urban or suburban land use environment. Recreational uses are currently impaired due to nutrient enrichment. Primary sources of excessive phosphorus include stormwater runoff from the City of Alexandria and treated wastewater effluents from the Alexandria Lakes Areas Sanitary District treatment plant. Water transparency measurements during summer months typically do not exceed 2.0 feet due to algae blooms. A standardized fish community assessment was completed June 29-July 1, 2015, to determine diversity of fishes present, estimate abundance of gamefishes, and assess fishing potential of Lake Winona. Survey gear and effort included two gill nets, six trap nets, and electrofishing to better sample Largemouth Bass. Due to harsh habitat conditions, the greatest total weight of fishes captured was comprised of tolerant fishes, namely White Suckers, Common Carp, and Black Bullheads. Only one Largemouth Bass was captured during the electrofishing survey. No Northern Pike were captured. Very poor water clarity and limited aquatic vegetation diminish feeding efficiency of these sight-feeding predators. Lake Winona can offer fair fishing opportunities. Black Crappies proved to be very abundant. Both gill net and trap net catches exceeded expectations for similar basins. The crappie population sample was made up of six age groups. Lengths of captured crappies ranged from 3.8 to 10.2 inches. Average length of captures was 7.8 inches. Fishing quality should improve as cohorts of a strong 2010 year class approach 10.0 inches in length. Bluegill catch rates describe a modest population density. Most captures were young fish, ages 1 and 4, so fishing quality attributes were not great. Bluegills do appear to grow well and if longevity increases, some proportion of the bluegill population should attain 8.0 inches in length. Two Walleyes were captured in gill nets. Both fish exceeded 18.0 inches in length. More Walleyes were observed during the electrofishing survey. Walleye are not stocked into Lake Winona. Their presence is likely the result of emigration from connected lakes Agnes and Henry. Yellow Perch catches were high, but average length was 6.3 inches. No harvestable size perch were measured at time of the survey. There is a public boat access located near the southwest end of the lake off Melvina Lane SW. Anglers utilizing powered watercraft are reminded that operation is restricted to "slow, no visible wake".

Lake Winona, along with Lakes Agnes and Henry, comprise a chain of lakes within the city limits of Alexandria. Lake Winona is located upstream and discharges to Agnes and Henry Lakes. Multiple road crossings prevent motorized navigation among the chain of lakes. Water quality and recreational suitability of Lake Winona are very poor and limited in response to excessive nutrient loading. Severe algal blooms occur throughout the summer months. The lake was added to the MPCA 303d listing of Impaired Waters in 2002. Primary sources of nutrient enrichment are effluent discharges from the Alexandria Lakes Area Sanitary District WWTF and stormwater runoff from the City of Alexandria. According to a 1990 study conducted by a private engineering firm, the ALASD discharge accounted for 75% of the phosphorus input to Lake Winona that year. Treatment plant upgrades and process enhancements have reduced total phosphorus discharges, but benefits are partially offset by continued increases in treatment volume and effluent discharges. A major plant expansion and TMDL study are underway. A fish community assessment was completed in 2008 to document existence of fishable populations of gamefishes and counter contentions that use attainability and TMDL restoration goals are unrealistic. A public access is located on the southwest shoreline of Lake Winona. Despite environmental limitations, Lake Winona continues to support a diverse and viable fishery. Black crappie trapnet catches averaged 6.2 fish/net. Normal crappie catches from lakes similar to Lake Winona range from 2.4 - 15.1 fish/trapnet. Average size of crappie captured during 2008 was 8.4 inches. The largest crappie measured 12.4 inches in total length. Bluegill catch rates are lower than normal for similar lakes. Poor water clarity limits rooted aquatic plant growth and necessary habitat components for sunfishes. Trapnet catches averaged 0.8 fish/net. Average length of sampled fish was 6.6 inches. Walleye were sampled for the first time since the 1989 survey. Average length of walleye sampled in 2008 was 13.4 inches. The largest walleye measured 19.7 inches in total length. Largemouth bass are present, but population abundance is low. Average length of sampled fish was 13.4 inches. The largest bass measured 15.6 inches in total length. Northern pike are also present. The average length of sampled fish was 29.0 inches. The largest fish measured 33.8 inches. Common carp were sampled for the first time during the 2008 survey. This undesired, exotic species has become very abundant. Gillnet catches averaged 224.0 fish/net. Mean length of sampled fish was 12.2 inches in total length. These fish may have been accidentally introduced by the public or may have migrated upstream from a failing privately owned fish barrier downstream. Black bullhead and white sucker are present in moderate numbers.

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

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

Winona has a maximum depth of 9 feet and a mean depth of 5 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Winona is from 2015. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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