Crooked

This nearshore survey was conducted during summer 2022 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 Crooked Lake. 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. Ten species were collected during this survey. Two species (Blacknose Shiner and Iowa Darter) 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 Crooked Lake.

Crooked (Horseshoe) Lake is a moderately productive, 183-acre basin located in western Douglas County. Average depth is 11.0 feet with a maximum of 35.0 feet. Aquatic vegetation is common and provides good fish habitat. Water clarity was 10.0 feet at the time of the early July survey. A concrete boat launch is located on the northern shoreline off Douglas County Road 27 SW. Crooked Lake supports abundant Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and Black Crappie populations. Electrofishing catch rates of bass were higher than the previous survey. Average size was moderate (10.7 inches), but the largest individual exceeded 20.0 inches. Northern Pike remain abundant (7.0/gill net). Pike averaged 20.5 inches. Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the liberalized pike harvest regulation (anglers are able to keep up to 10 pike with no more than two fish longer than 26 inches; all fish from 22-26 inches must be released). Reduced abundance would likely increase growth rates and size of pike. Bluegill are common (10.4/trap net) in Crooked Lake. Roughly 60% of all Bluegill were between 7.0 and 9.0 inches. Growth rates were slow, but individuals can reach desirable lengths if they survive to age 9 or more. The oldest individual was 12 years old. Due to slow growth rates, anglers are encouraged to limit harvest on larger individuals to conserve the fishery. Crooked Lake currently has good angling opportunities for Black Crappie (5.8/gill net). Crappie averaged 11.0 inches in the gill nets. One Walleye was collected in 2021. Other collected species include Bowfin (dogfish), Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed and Yellow Bullhead. The next lake survey is scheduled for 2027. Crooked Lake is not known to have any aquatic invasive species, but will only remain that way if the public is vigilant. 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.

Crooked Lake is a lightly developed, 183-acre basin located eight miles west of Alexandria in Douglas County. The lake has a maximum depth of 35.0 feet and average depth of 11.0 feet. The lake supports an abundant and diverse aquatic plant community which helps maintain good water quality and provides spawning and nursery habitat for many fish species, especially Largemouth Bass, sunfishes, and Northern Pike. Water clarity at time of the survey was 7.0 feet. The fish community in Crooked Lake is typical of small, densely vegetated lakes in west-central Minnesota. Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie and Northern Pike support the fishery. Northern Pike are abundant. Most pike captured in 2015 were small, averaging 18.8 inches, but the basin does support opportunities to catch 28.0-inch and larger pike. The largest pike captured during the survey was 31.4 inches in length. Largemouth Bass are moderately abundant. Mean length of sampled bass was 10.4 inches. Sizes at capture ranged from 2.9 inches to 17.5 inches. Bluegill abundance was lower than anticipated. Trap net catches averaged 13.9-fish/net, which is much lower than catch rates recorded in early surveys. Age distribution of Bluegill captured during the survey extended to age 8, but growth is below average. Only 3% of Bluegill captures were 8.0 inches or larger. Average length of captured Bluegill was 5.7 inches. Crooked Lake currently supports a fair to good Black Crappie fishery. Survey catches have been greater in prior surveys, but due to good reproductive success and recruitment in 2009 and 2010, 46% of trap net captures exceeded 10.0 inches. Other fish species observed during the survey include Yellow Perch, Common Carp, Bowfin (Dogfish), and Black and Yellow Bullhead.

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

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

Crooked has a maximum depth of 35 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 Crooked is from 2021.

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