Morin

A targeted survey was conducted at Morin Lake on September 14th, 2017 to assess the fish community. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e. spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methods (i.e. standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trap nets, and spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). This survey consisted of four trap nets set for 24 hours. Results from this targeted survey should not be compared to results from standard surveys. The current management plan calls for Morin Lake to be managed as a put-and-take fishery similar to an urban kid's fishing pond, rather than as a stable fishery. Walleye will no longer be stocked as fingerlings and will only be stocked as adult fish. In the spring of 2017, 40 adult Northern Pike, 15 adult Largemouth Bass, and 40 adult Black Crappies were stocked. Also, in the fall of 2017, 55 adult Channel Catfish were stocked in Morin Lake to provide an angling opportunity and hopefully provide predation on the abundant Black Bullhead population. Management species will be stocked following winterkill events or as needed and available. Black Bullheads were the primary species sampled. Trap nets sampled 1,741 Black Bullheads for a catch rate of 435.3/trap net. Black Bullheads averaged 5.6 inches total length and ranged from 4.2 inches to 9.1 inches. Black Crappie and Bluegill were the only other species sampled in moderate numbers. Black Crappie catch rate was 8.8/trap net. Black Crappies were generally small - averaging 7.6 inches total length and ranging from 4.8 inches to 11.8 inches. Bluegill catch rate was 10.0/trap net. Bluegill were also generally small - averaging 5.4 inches total length and ranging from 4.2 inches to 8.0 inches. Management goals call for 20-40 Black Crappie per trap net and 40-80 Bluegills per trap net. Management goals were not met during the 2017 targeted survey. Only one Walleye was sampled in 2017, however trap nets are not an effective gear for sampling Walleye and the population may be greater than indicated by trap netting. The Walleye sampled measured 16.8 inches total length. Nine Yellow Bullhead and one Yellow Perch were also sampled during the survey. -Brandon Eder, assistant area supervisor

Morin Lake is a small 21.0 acre lake located in Freeborn County in the town of Alden. Morin Lake provides ample opportunity for anglers, as much of the shoreline is accessible to the public. Morin Lake reaches a maximum depth of 5 feet and much of the substrate is composed of silt. Water quality in Morin Lake was poor with a secchi depth of less than 1 foot and the water color brown/green. A dissolved oxygen profile was taken and ranged from 5.0 ppm at the surface to 2.9 ppm at 4.0 feet. The game fish community at Morin Lake is limited to black crappie, bluegill, and walleye. Walleye fingerlings, yearlings, or adults are stocked annually (2003, 2006-2011). A population assessment was conducted on 8-13-2012 to monitor the fish community of Morin Lake using 6 trap nets. Black crappies were the most abundant species captured at 109.2/trap net, which is the highest catch rate recorded for this water body and is high when compared to similar lakes. Historical catch rates have ranged from 0.2/trap net in 1992 to 105.7/trap net in 2007. The high density black crappie population is small, ranging in length from 5.8 to 8.5 inches and averaging 7.2 inches. Ninety percent of black crappies captured were less than 8.0 inches long. Bluegill catch rates increased ten-fold since the 2007 survey and were captured at a rate of 32.2/trap net which is average when compared to similar lakes. Bluegill catch rates have been highly variable since monitoring began in 1987, ranging from 1.4/trap net in 2000 to 67.3/trap net in 1997. Size structure of the bluegill population was also small with 80% of the bluegills being less than 6.0 inches long. The largest bluegill captured was 6.8 inches. Although stocked annually, only 3 walleyes were captured in the trap nets (0.5/trap net). Walleyes captured were large measuring 25.8 to 26.3 inches and averaging 26.0 inches. Otoliths were not collected because the fish were released; therefore, it is unknown which stocking they originated from. A few smaller walleyes (approximately 9-10 inches) were observed during the electrofishing survey done on 5-15-12; however these fish were not observed in the trap nets. Black bullheads have historically been abundant in Morin Lake; however, the trap net catch rate has decreased from 381.5/trap net in 2003, to 134.8/trap net in 2007, to 54.8/trap net in 2012.. The black bullheads were small ranging in length from 3.2 to 8.7 inches and averaging 7.2 inches. Morin Lake was electrofished on 5-15-2012 to monitor the largemouth bass population. No largemouth bass were collected during the survey. One yellow bullhead was captured, which is the first time this species has been observed in Morin Lake. Green sunfish were abundant and were captured at a rate of 33.2/trap net, but were all less than 5.5 inches in length. Hybrid sunfish, white crappie, and yellow perch were also present but occurred in low numbers.

Morin Lake supports a relatively diverse fish community, providing a variety of angling opportunity in a small town setting. The lake is especially well suited for young anglers, as fish densities are high and shore fishing access exists around much of the lake. The lake supports high densities of black crappie and black bullhead. Although the average size was small with at least some fish of desirable size are present. Walleye were also present in low numbers but were typically large. Blugill, green sunfish, yellow perch, and common carp were also present, providing good anger opportunity.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Green Sunfish, Yellow Perch, and Hybrid Sunfish in Morin. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Morin. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Morin has a maximum depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Morin is from 2017. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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