Wirth

Wirth Lake is part of Fishing in the Neighborhood (FiN). It is located within the city limits of Golden Valley but is surrounded by Theodore Wirth Park which is administered by the City of Minneapolis. Wirth Lake has a public fishing pier and boat launch that provide access for fishing. Bluegill abundance was well-above average for comparable lakes. Bluegill ranged in size from 3.1-6.7 inches with an average length of 4.7 inches. The majority of fish were in the 4-5.4 inch range. Black Crappie abundance was just below average for comparable lakes. Black Crappie ranged in size from 5.8-7.2 inches and were 6.4 inches on average for this survey. Three Northern Pike were captured for this survey. Northern Pike abundance was well-below-average for similar lakes. Individual fish lengths were 25, 28, and 29 inches. Largemouth Bass abundance in Wirth Lake was average. Largemouth Bass in this survey were small, as the largest fish captured was 8.4 inches, with an average length of 6.7 inches. Electrofishing is the optimal method for sampling Largemouth Bass, however, and that method was not used for this survey. Other fish captured included Pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, Black Bullhead, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead. Yellow Perch were captured in the previous survey (2012) but were absent in this survey. No Walleye were captured despite four stockings-three of fry, one of fingerlings-since 2010. Most recent stockings were of fry, in 2017 and 2018.

Wirth Lake is in lake class 30 and is in the Fishing in the Neighborhood program. Wirth Lake was surveyed during the summer of 2012 as part of the lake's regular sampling regime. It is located within the city limits of Golden Valley, but is surrounded by Theodore Wirth Park which is administered by the city of Minneapolis. Wirth Lake has a public fishing pier and public boat launch. Bluegill abundance has increased since 2007 and considered average for this lake type. Bluegill mean length was 5.27 inches (2.80-6.57 inches) and the population is dominated by smaller fish. Bluegill growth rates were below average. Age analysis revealed representatives from all year classes from 2005 to 2012 with strong 2008 and 2009 year classes. Black crappie abundance has increased since 2007 and considered average for this lake type. Black crappie mean length was 5.14 inches (4.57-7.09 inches) and is composed entirely of young fish. Only one and two year old black crappies were caught but lengths indicate above average growth rates. Age analysis revealed limited recruitment with only 2010 and 2011 year classes represented. Northern abundance was less than 2007, but still considered average for this lake type. Northern pike mean length was 25.75 inches (22.52-32.17 inches) and population is dominated by larger individuals. Northern pike growth rates were above average. Age analysis revealed limited recruitment with only 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 year classes represented. Yellow perch abundance has increased since 2007 and considered average for this lake type. Yellow perch mean length was 6.44 inches (6.22-6.77 inches) and is composed only of two year old fish. Lengths of fish indicate above average growth rates. Age analysis revealed sporadic recruitment with only one year class represented, 2010. Other fish species sampled in the 2012 survey include black bullhead, brown bullhead, green sunfish, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow bullhead. Walleye have been sampled in past surveys but none were captured in 2012 despite fry stocking every five years. Water quality measurements were taken on 8/27/2012. The sampling site was taken in 25.4 feet of water. Water clarity increased with a secchi disk reading of 7.0 feet from 4.2 feet in 2007. Dissolved oxygen ranged from 0.1 to 8.8 parts-per-million (ppm) with oxygen levels falling below 4.0 ppm at 11 feet of depth.

Wirth Lake, 38-acre lake with a maximum depth of 25 feet, is located in Theodore Wirth Park. Plenty of open shoreline exists for fishing as well as a fishing pier. Boat access is available for motors up to 8 hp and the swimming beach provides ample room for recreational use of the lake. Wirth Lake is managed as a Fishing in the Neighborhood Pond (FiN). Eleven fish species were sampled during the 2007 population assessment and the dominant fish species was bluegill. A large number of bluegill were present however the average size was 5 inches with some fish over 6 inches. Two black crappies were captured during this assessment. They averaged 8.3 inches in length. One walleye was sampled during this assessment. Walleye fry were stocked in May of 2007. If these fish survive, they will grow to provide an opportunity for kids to catch walleyes. Northern pike is another predator fish that is present in numbers. Northern pike averaged 25 inches in length and 3.6 pounds, average for this lake type. Channel catfish have been stocked but none were captured during the survey, suggesting that they might not have survived predation by larger predators. Although gill nets are not the ideal sampling equipment for largemouth bass, a largemouth bass was caught during this assessment and measured 13.8 inches in length and 1.8 pounds in weight. To find out more about Wirth Park visit: www.minneapolisparks.org. For more information about the FiN program or to see what FiN has done in your neighborhood, please visit us at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/fin.

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

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

Wirth has a maximum depth of 25 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Wirth is from 2018. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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