Latoka

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Latoka Lake was conducted on July 18-20, 2022, by DNR 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 14 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample eight stations and a 15-foot seine was used at six stations. Nearshore sampling captured 18 species of fish including seven species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Pugnose Shiner, Rock Bass, and Smallmouth Bass) and one that is tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Green Sunfish). A summer trap net survey was also conducted by IBI Program staff on July 18-20, 2022. Twelve trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured 12 species of fish, including two that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Common Carp and Green Sunfish). The nearshore and trap net were combined with h gill net data from a 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., Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, and Blackchin Shiner), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Fathead Minnow, Black Bullhead, 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. Results from this survey indicate that the fish community in Latoka Lake is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score that is above 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 River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

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 14 stations, representing a variety of habitat types, along the shoreline of Lake Latoka. 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. Sixteen species were collected during this survey. Seven species (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Least Darter, Pugnose Shiner, and Rock Bass) were considered "intolerant" and 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 Latoka.

Lake Latoka is a deep, 767-acre basin located about two miles west of Alexandria in Douglas County. Mean and maximum depths are 42 and 108 feet, respectively. The lake is split into a north bay and a south bay (often referred to as "Little Latoka") but both bays are connected by a navigable channel below Interstate 94. Boaters should be aware of a new "no wake zone" ordinance within this channel. Lake Latoka is located within the Long Prairie River watershed. Residential development surrounds the entire shoreline. Water quality and clarity are exceptional. Water clarity measurements typically exceed 15 feet throughout the summer and have increased in recent years following zebra mussel infestation. Two public accesses are present. One is located on the north shoreline of the north bay off Latoka Beach Road NW. A popular swimming beach is adjacent to this access. The other public access is located on the north shoreline of the south bay off Vonderheide Drive SW. Lake Latoka is a popular lake and recreational pressure can be heavy at times, especially on weekends and holidays during summer months. A standard MN DNR lake survey was completed in 2021 to assess the fish community of Lake Latoka. Lake Latoka is known as a trophy Walleye fishery. Walleye abundance is typically lower than that of similar Minnesota lakes, but average size is much larger. In 2021, average size was 20.4 inches and 3.5 pounds. Over 20% of Walleyes captured in gill nets exceeded 25 inches in length with the largest measuring 29.3 inches. Trophy potential is high due to an abundant Tullibee (Cisco) population that provides ample forage and an age structure comprised of older fish. Almost 18% of the gill net sample was age 10 or older and the oldest Walleye was age 21. Northern Pike remained abundant. Similar to many lakes in west-central Minnesota, small "hammerhandle" pike dominated the population. Mean pike size was just 18.3 inches and 1.5 pounds. Larger pike, some exceeding 30.0 inches, were also sampled. New Northern Pike zone regulations were implemented in 2018 to help improve pike size structure. Lake Latoka is located in the North-central Zone. Anglers can now keep up to 10 pike but not more than two can be over 26 inches in length. All pike between 22-26 inches must be immediately released. Quality panfishing opportunities are somewhat limited and most effort is targeted at Black Crappie. Crappie populations can be "boom or bust" but this population typically exhibits low to moderate abundance with a favorable size structure. Bluegill and Yellow Perch are also present but growth rates for both species are slow resulting in smaller average size and limited availability of harvestable-size fish. Only one Bluegill and one Yellow Perch exceeding 8 inches in length were sampled in 2021. Both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are present in Lake Latoka. Largemouth Bass are more abundant but the Smallmouth Bass population is expanding. Similar to Walleye, bass populations in Lake Latoka tend to exhibit lower abundances, larger average sizes, and older age structures than populations in similar Minnesota lakes. Largemouth Bass up to age 18 and Smallmouth Bass up to age 11 were collected in 2021. The largest bass collected in spring electrofishing efforts was just shy of 19 inches for both species. Other species sampled during the 2021 survey included Bowfin (Dogfish), Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Shorthead Redhorse, and White Sucker. The next standard lake survey is tentatively scheduled for 2027. Lake Latoka is designated as an infested waterbody due to the presence of zebra mussels. Adult zebra mussels were first confirmed in 2013. Regulations restricting bait harvest and transport of water apply to this basin. Anglers are reminded to drain boats and equipment prior to moving between bodies of water to minimize the risk of transferring aquatic invasive species to other lakes. For more information regarding aquatic invasive species see the following: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html.

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

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

Latoka has a maximum depth of 108 feet and a mean depth of 42 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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