Harriet

Harriet is a 341-acre (85 littoral acres) lake with a maximum depth of 82 feet. Harriet is located in south Minneapolis in eastern Hennepin County. Harriet is primarily managed for Walleye (fingerling stocked annually) and Muskellunge (fingerling stocked during even-numbered years), but includes catchable populations of Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Public water access is provided by the City of Minneapolis on the northwest side of the lake off William Berry Pkwy and Lake Harriet Pkwy (up to 10 vehicle/trailer parking spaces). A Standard Survey (9 trap nets/8 gill nets) was conducted on Lake Harriet during the week of 7/08/2024 to monitor water quality and fish populations. Water clarity was moderate with a measured Secchi reading of 10 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen fell below 2 parts per million (ppm) below 18 feet, meaning fish would be unlikely to use water depths greater than 18 feet during mid-summer. Zebra Mussels and Eurasian Watermilfoil have been found in Lake Harriet and remain present. High numbers of Walleye were sampled with gill nets (6.0/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. The 2024 netting recorded the highest Lake Harriet Walleye catch rate in the previous 30 years. There were 45 Walleye sampled in gill nets in 2024, with an average length of 15.7 inches and the largest measured at 26.8 inches. With no natural reproduction, annual stocking has maintained a balanced population (a middle ground between high numbers of small fish and low numbers of large fish). Walleye growth in Harriet was fast compared to similar lakes across the metro, indicated by an average length of 16.1 inches by age 3. High numbers, quality size, and fast growth has created a unique opportunity for anglers to pursue Walleye in the heart of Minneapolis. Muskellunge are not effectively sampled with the gear used in the summer fisheries survey. However, one Muskellunge was incidentally captured with trap nets, measuring 44.1 inches. High numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (7.4/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 59 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets in 2024, with an average size of 24.7 inches and the largest measured at 38.2 inches. In spite of high numbers, Harriet provides excellent harvest opportunity with a possession limit of 10 and nearly 70% of sampled fish falling outside of the protected slot (22 to 26 inches). Despite an excellent opportunity for harvest, anglers should check the latest fish consumption guidelines (https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/fish/index.html). High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (64.6/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 581 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2024 survey, with an average length of 6.9 inches and the largest measured at 8.5 inches. The 2024 netting recorded the highest average sized Bluegill in the previous 30 years of sampling. High numbers and large average size (over 60% of fish sampled measured greater than 7 inches) should provide excellent angling opportunities. Low numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (0.6/net) and trap nets (2.3/net) below the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 26 Black Crappie sampled during the 2024 survey, with an average length of 8.5 inches and the largest measured at 10.1 inches. Although the present size of Black Crappies would be desirable to anglers, low numbers may make angling difficult. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Lake Harriet is a 341-acre lake with a maximum depth of 87 feet. Harriet is part of the "chain of lakes" located in south Minneapolis, in southeast Hennepin County. A public boat launch and canoe access is provided through the City of Minneapolis Parks and Recreation. Questions regarding lake-use restrictions, including the electric only motor restriction should be directed towards Minneapolis Parks and Recreation. Harriet is primarily managed for Walleye and Muskellunge, but includes catchable populations of Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. DNR stocks Walleye and Muskellunge fingerlings to maintain their respective fisheries. A Standard Survey (gill nets and trap nets) was conducted on Lake Harriet during the week of 7/8/2019 to assess the fishery. Harriet had good water clarity, measured at 13.5 feet during the time of this survey, with low oxygen below 42 feet. Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra Mussels have been found in Lake Harriet and remain present. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspections are preformed daily during public boat launch hours, with launches locked during non-inspection hours (refer to the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation website for more information). Low numbers of Walleye were sampled with gill nets (1.0/net) below the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 8 Walleye sampled, with an average size of 16.4 inches and the largest measured at 23.5 inches. Low numbers of Walleye in the gill nets was likely caused by low fingerling availability. Prior stockings failed to meet the required stocking quota during 2015, 2016, and 2017. However, limited Walleye stocking is not solely responsible for low catch rates, as the previous four surveys (2014, 2009, 2005, and 2003) all reported Walleye catch rates below 1.6 fish per net, during which time consistent annual Walleye stocking was completed. In addition, the previous two surveys have seen record increases in Northern Pike and record decreases in Yellow Perch, two important components of establishing a Walleye fishery due to their roles as predator (Northern Pike) and prey (Yellow Perch). Muskellunge are not effectively sampled with the gear used in the summer fisheries survey. Angler reports reflect establishment of a viable, consistent muskellunge fishery with a desired size structure. Future surveys will include targeted ice-out Muskellunge sampling. Largemouth Bass are present in Lake Harriet, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2019 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 18 Largemouth Bass, with an average length of 13.4 inches and the largest measured at 19.9 inches. Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (8.4/net) above the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the area. The 8.4 pike per net also marks the highest catch rate in the previous 25 years. There were 67 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 25.4 inches and the largest measured at 36.4 inches. Northern Pike are maintaining a balanced population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Harriet is one of few lakes in the metro that consistently produces Northern Pike greater than 34"+ and should provide excellent angling opportunity. High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (72/net) above the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the area. There were 648 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2019 survey, with an average length of 6.3 inches and the largest measured at 8.0 inches. While few Bluegill ever reach sizes greater than 8 inches in Lake Harriet, over 37% of fish sampled were greater than 7 inches and should provide good angling opportunity. Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (3.6/net) and trap nets (3.1/net), slightly below the expected catch rate for similar lakes in the area. There were 57 Black Crappie sampled during the 2019 survey, with an average length of 9.0 inches and the largest measured at 12.2 inches. Although low numbers of Black Crappie were observed in the 2019 survey, this likely contributed to reduced competition and increased growth with fish reaching 12"+, a rare accomplishment for many metro lakes. Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Harriet is a 335-acre, Class 24 lake located in south Minneapolis that is primarily managed as a Muskellunge and Walleye fishery. A boat launch operated by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is located on the northwest corner of the lake. From 2013 and still in place as of this report (early spring 2015), city-imposed inspections for aquatic invasive species include evening / overnight ramp closures. Additionally, there are two fishing piers and ample shore fishing opportunities as the lake is encircled by a bike path. Motor use is restricted to electric only. A population assessment was conducted during the summer of 2014 to determine the species composition and abundance of game fish in the lake. Lake Harriet is stocked with Walleye fingerlings, yearlings, adults or a combination every year; despite this, Walleye relative abundance was low in 2014. The catch rate of 1.0 fish per gill net falls below the 25th percentile for this lake type. Nine Walleye were sampled, averaging 14.1 inches and 1.5 lbs. The largest Walleye was 27.6 inches. Northern Pike relative abundance was moderately high in 2014. The catch rate of 6.1 fish per gill net is between the median and 75th percentile for Lake-Class abundances. The fish were also of quality size. Fifty-five pike were sampled in gill nets; 98% were 21 inches or longer and 38% were 28 inches or longer. The largest fish measured 38.2 inches. Northern Pike are growing fast in Lake Harriet, reaching an average length of 25.7 inches by age 3. Bluegill were highly abundant, and of moderate size in 2014. The catch rate of 83.3 fish per trap net exceeds the 75th percentile for this lake. Bluegill averaged 6.4 inches and 0.19 pounds. Seventy-eight percent of the fish exceeded 6 inches, and 12% exceeded 7 inches. The largest fish measured 7.7 inches. Black Crappie abundance is moderately low; the fish were caught at a rate of 3.8 fish per gill net which is between the 25th percentile and median for this lake. The average Black Crappie was 7.8 inches and 0.24 lbs. Forty-seven percent were 8 inches or longer and the largest crappie measured 9.8 inches. Yellow Perch relative abundance is low. Mean size is 6.5 inches and 0.13 pounds. Seven percent were 8 inches or longer, and the largest fish measured 8.5 inches. Summer netting conducted during standard population assessments does not index Muskellunge population abundance accurately. During the 2014 evaluation only one 30.9-inch Muskellunge was sampled. Other species sampled in low abundance were Largemouth Bass, Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid Sunfish, White Sucker, Common Carp, Black Bullhead, and Yellow Bullhead.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Walleye, Hybrid Sunfish, and Bluegill in Harriet. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Harriet has a maximum depth of 87 feet and a mean depth of 29 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Harriet is from 2024.

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