Minnetonka

Introduction Lake Minnetonka is a 14,206-acre lake in Hennepin County, with a maximum depth of 113 feet and an average depth of 30 feet. The lake is comprised of many connected bays and has a complex shoreline. Multiple public and private boat launches are located around Minnetonka, and the lake is popular with both anglers and recreational boaters. Naturally reproducing populations of Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass are present, and Walleye and Muskellunge populations are maintained by stocking. A Standard Survey was completed on Lake Minnetonka from June 6 through June 23, 2022. Sampling involved gill netting, trap netting, and water quality sampling. Sampling in Lake Minnetonka is distributed through three basins that differ in their habitat and water quality characteristics. Gill netting and trap netting effectively sample Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Bluegill and Black Crappie. The population trends of those species are described by this survey. Population trends of Largemouth Bass and Muskellunge are not described by this survey. Largemouth Bass are sampled by nighttime spring electrofishing, and Muskellunge are sampled by large-frame trap netting during the spring. These sampling methods were not done during the 2022 survey. Water Characteristics Water clarity has been improving in Lake Minnetonka over the past several decades. The Northwest Bays are most fertile, primarily because they are the first recipients of the majority of surface runoff from the watershed. The Upper Lakes are intermediate in fertility, while the Lower Lakes are, relatively, the least fertile. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District more closely monitors water quality in Lake Minnetonka. For more specific, detailed information about Lake Minnetonka water quality, see the District's website (http://www.minnehahacreek.org/data-center). Walleye Despite a long history of stocking, Walleye abundance has remained low in Lake Minnetonka. In 2022, the Walleye catch rate of 2.5 fish per gill net was higher than the 1.7 fish/net caught in 2019. Walleye catch rate has modestly increased throughout all basins. In the Lower Lakes, Walleye catch rate increased from 1.2 fish/net in 2019, to 2.8 fish/net in 2022. The Upper Lakes saw an increase in catch rate from 1.8 fish/net in 2019, to 2.0 fish/net in 2022. In the Northwest Bays, catch rate increased from 2.3 to 2.7 Walleye/net. Walleye in Minnetonka tend to be large. Length of sampled fish ranged from 10.9 to 26.4 inches. Fish averaged 19.1 inches and 2.6 pounds. Average length varied throughout the basins, with fish averaging smaller size in the Northwest Bays (16.6 inches) than in the Lower Lakes (20.5 inches) and the Upper Lakes (19.1 inches). Walleye grew to 16.2 inches by age-3. Northern Pike The Northern Pike population in Lake Minnetonka is healthy and naturally reproducing. Abundance has historically been high, and it remained so in 2022. The Lower Lakes held the highest abundance of pike, and the Northwest Bays held the lowest numbers. The Northwest Bays also held the larger fish, where the average length was 24.7 inches. Average length in the Upper Lakes was 22.6 inches and in the Lower Lakes it was 21.2 inches. The largest Northern Pike in the 2022 survey was 35.4 inches and caught in the Lower Lakes. As part of the North-Central Zone, Northern Pike harvest in Minnetonka is regulated by a possession limit of 10 fish, not more than 2 fish exceeding 26 inches, while respecting a 22-26 inch protected slot. Yellow perch Yellow Perch are important forage in Lake Minnetonka. Compared to similar lakes, perch abundance in Minnetonka was low in 2022. The fish have historically tended to be small in Minnetonka, however, recently there has been an increase in size structure. Lake-wide, 14% of the sampled Yellow Perch exceeded 8 inches. The increase in overall size structure was driven by the perch in the Upper Lakes, where 25% of the fish exceeded 8 inches, and in the Northwest Bays, where 21% of the sampled fish exceeded 8 inches. None of the perch sampled in the Lower Lakes exceeded 8 inches. The largest Yellow Perch sampled in 2022 was 8.6 inches. Muskellunge Muskellunge were not targeted during this survey, but two fish were incidentally sampled in the gill nets. The fish were 35.9 and 50.2 inches in length. A research study is currently taking place in Lake Minnetonka comparing the survival of stocked fingerling and yearling Muskellunge. Stocked fish were tagged in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012. Muskellunge were tagged with a yellow external tag near the dorsal fin on the fish's left side. These tags are labeled with a six-digit number. Angler reports of captured tagged Muskellunge are essential to the success of this project. If you catch a tagged muskellunge please record the tag number and length of fish and report the catch via the Tagged Fish Reporting page within the MNDNR website ( https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries/tagged_fish_reporting/index.html ). Please DO NOT remove the tag. Please contact the West Metro Area Fisheries Office with questions. Largemouth Bass Although electrofishing for bass was not done in 2022, the Largemouth Bass population in Lake Minnetonka has a reputation for quality fishing. Numerous bass tournaments are held on the lake every year. In 2022, eight permitted bass tournaments reported their catch. A total of 792 tournament anglers caught 1,681 Largemouth Bass and 29 Smallmouth Bass during these events. Average Largemouth Bass size was 2.58 lb and the largest recorded was 8.00 pounds and 23 inches. Since tournament bass anglers target the largest individuals in a population, it is common for angling results to yield larger size fish, on average, than standard sampling. Additionally, individual tournaments may enact their own minimum size limits, thus adding to a larger-fish size bias. Lake Minnetonka was most recently electrofished for bass in 2016. During that survey, 138 Largemouth Bass were sampled, with an average size of 9.9 inches and 0.66 pounds. The largest fish was 18.7 inches in length. Bluegill and Other Fish Species Bluegill and Black Crappie are abundant in Lake Minnetonka. Trap netted Bluegill averaged 6.2 inches, and the largest individual, caught in a gill net, was 8.9 inches. Black Crappie averaged 8.3 inches, and the largest individual measured 12.0 inches. Consistent natural reproduction of these species have ensured quality angling opportunities. Smallmouth Bass were sampled only in the Lower Lakes. Four fish were present in the gill nets, ranging in size from 10.1 to 18.3 inches. Average length of Smallmouth Bass was 13.7 inches. Other species sampled in the 2022 survey include Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, Yellow Bullhead, White Sucker, and Bowfin. Invasive Aquatic Species Eurasian water milfoil and curly leaf pondweed are found in high abundance throughout the lake and in 2010 zebra mussels and flowering rush were first found to be present. Lake Minnetonka receives heavy recreational use, so potential for the spread of invasive species into and out of the lake is high. Anglers and boaters should take the precautions-and follow statewide laws-- necessary to prevent the further spread of all invasive species. The shoreline and watershed of Lake Minnetonka is highly developed, which degrades the lake's aquatic habitat. Large docks, boating platforms, and man-made beaches have the potential to destroy vital habitat for fish and wildlife. Environmentally conscious land use practices, such as shoreline buffer strips of natural vegetation and fallen woody debris, are necessary to maintain or improve water quality of Lake Minnetonka. Shoreline development should be a concern to everyone who enjoys lake recreation.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Lake Minnetonka was conducted during August, 2019 by 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. Lakewide, backpack electrofishing was completed at 72 sampling stations, but 14 stations were sampled from the boat due to site conditions. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 40 stations, a 15-foot seine was used at 18 stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at 14 stations. Lakewide, nearshore sampling captured 33 species of fish including nine species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiners, Blacknose Shiners, Iowa Darters, Least Darters, Muskellunge, Pugnose Shiners, Rock Bass, and Smallmouth Bass) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (Fathead Minnows and Green Sunfish). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a June 2019 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. Least Darters, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g. Fathead Minnow 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. Individual FIBI scores were calculated for three separate sub-basins of Lake Minnetonka: the North & West Bays, the Lower Lake, and the Upper Lake. Within the North & West Bays sub-basin of Lake Minnetonka, backpack electrofishing was completed at 24 sampling stations, but four stations were sampled from the boat due to site conditions. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 12 stations, a 15-foot seine was used at five stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at seven stations. Nearshore sampling captured 26 species of fish including seven species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiners, Iowa Darters, Least Darters, Muskellunge, and Pugnose Shiners) and four that are tolerant of disturbance (Fathead Minnow, Black Bullhead, Common Carp, and Green Sunfish). Within the Lower Lake sub-basin of Lake Minnetonka, backpack electrofishing was completed at 24 sampling stations, but eight stations were sampled from the boat due to site conditions. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 12 stations, a 15-foot seine was used at seven stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at five stations. Nearshore sampling captured 24 species of fish including seven species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiners, Iowa Darters, Pugnose Shiners, Rock Bass, and Smallmouth Bass) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). Within the Upper Lake sub-basin of Lake Minnetonka, backpack electrofishing was completed at 24 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 16 stations, a 15-foot seine was used at six stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured 29 species of fish including eight species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiners, Iowa Darters, Least Darters, Pugnose Shiners, Rock Bass, and Smallmouth Bass) and three that are tolerant of disturbance (Black Bullhead, Common Carp, and Green Sunfish). Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Mississippi River - Twin Cities Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Introduction Lake Minnetonka is a 14,206 acre lake in Hennepin County, with a maximum depth of 113 feet and an average depth of 30 feet. The lake is comprised of many connected bays, and has a complex shoreline. Multiple public and private boat launches are located around Minnetonka, and the lake is popular with both anglers and recreational boaters. Naturally reproducing populations of Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass are present, and Walleye and Muskellunge populations are maintained by stocking. A Standard Survey was conducted on Lake Minnetonka June 3 through June 21, 2019. Sampling involved gill netting, trap netting, and water quality sampling. Sampling in Lake Minnetonka is distributed through three basins that differ in their habitat and water quality characteristics. Gill netting and trap netting effectively sample Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Bluegill and Black Crappie. The population trends of those species are described by this survey. Population trends of Largemouth Bass and Muskellunge are not described by this survey, although robust populations of each exist in the lake. Largemouth Bass are sampled by nighttime spring electrofishing, and Muskellunge are sampled by large-frame trap netting during the spring. These sampling methods were not conducted during the 2019 survey. Water Characteristics Heavy rainfall during spring 2019 caused high water levels on Lake Minnetonka, and a no-wake regulation within 600 feet of shore was imposed May 31 until June12, 2019. High spring precipitation followed by boating restrictions also occurred in 2014. Water clarity has been improving in Lake Minnetonka over the past several decades. Increasing water clarity can be attributed to improvements in the condition of the watershed. The Northwest Bays are most fertile, primarily because they are the first recipients of the majority of surface runoff from the watershed. The Upper Lakes are intermediate in fertility, while the Lower Lakes are, relatively, the least fertile. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District more closely monitors water quality in Lake Minnetonka. For more specific, detailed information about Lake Minnetonka water quality, see the District's website (http://www.minnehahacreek.org/data-center). Walleye Despite a long history of stocking, Walleye abundance has remained low in Lake Minnetonka. In 2019, the Walleye catch rate of 1.7 fish per gill net was lower than the 3.3 fish/net caught in 2016. Walleye catch rate has dropped throughout all basins. In the Lower Lakes, Walleye catch rate dropped from 3.0 fish/net in 2016, to 1.2 fish/net in 2019. The Upper Lakes saw a drop in catch rate from 3.1 fish/net in 2016, to 1.8 fish/net in 2019. In the Northwest Bays, catch rate decreased from 3.8 to 2.3 Walleye/net. Walleye in Minnetonka tend to be large. Length of sampled fish ranged from 14.5 to 26.5 inches. Fish averaged 20.3 inches and 3.1 pounds. Average length was similar throughout the basins, being only slightly lower in the Northwest Bays (19.6 inches) than in the Lower Lakes (21.6 inches) and the Upper Lakes (20.1 inches). Walleye grew to 19.1 inches by age-4. Northern Pike The Northern Pike population in Lake Minnetonka is healthy and naturally reproducing. Abundance has historically been high, and it remained so in 2019. The Lower Lakes held the highest abundance of pike, and the Northwest Bays held the lowest numbers. The Northwest Bays also held the larger fish, where the average length was 27.2 inches. Average length in the Upper Lakes was 22.3 inches and in the Lower Lakes it was also 22.3. The largest Northern Pike in the 2019 survey was 37.1 inches and caught in the Lower Lakes. As part of the North-Central Zone, Northern Pike harvest in Minnetonka is regulated by a possession limit of 10 fish, not more than 2 fish exceeding 26 inches, while respecting a 22-26 inch protected slot. Yellow perch Yellow Perch are important forage in Lake Minnetonka. Compared to similar lakes, perch abundance in Minnetonka was moderately low in 2019. The fish have historically tended to be small in Minnetonka, however, 2019 saw an increase in size structure. Lake-wide, 19% of the sampled Yellow Perch exceeded 8 inches. The increase in size structure was driven by the perch in the Northwest Bays, where 41% of the sampled fish exceeded 8 inches. The largest Yellow Perch sampled in 2019 was 10.9 inches. Muskellunge Muskellunge were not targeted during this survey, and only two specimens were sampled. The fish were 44.5 and 45.7 inches in length. Based on other reports, the Muskellunge population remains strong. Fish exceeding 50 inches and approaching 40 pounds are caught in Lake Minnetonka every year. A research study is currently taking place in Lake Minnetonka comparing the survival of stocked fingerling and yearling Muskellunge. Stocked fish were tagged in 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012. Muskellunge were tagged with a yellow external tag near the dorsal fin on the fish's left side. These tags are labeled with a six-digit number. Angler reports of captured tagged Muskellunge are essential to the success of this project. If you catch a tagged muskellunge please record the tag number and length of fish and report the catch via the Tagged Fish Reporting page within the MNDNR website ( https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries/tagged_fish_reporting/index.html ). Please DO NOT remove the tag. Please contact the West Metro Area Fisheries Office with questions. Largemouth Bass Although electrofishing for bass was not conducting in 2019, the Largemouth Bass population in Lake Minnetonka has a reputation for quality fishing. Numerous bass tournaments are held on the lake every year. In 2019, 12 permitted bass tournaments reported. A total of 1,608 tournament anglers caught 3,530 Largemouth Bass and 160 Smallmouth Bass during these events. Average Largemouth Bass size was 2.57 lb and the largest recorded was 6.99 lb. Since tournament bass anglers target the largest individuals in a population, it is common for angling results to yield larger size fish, on average, than standard sampling. Additionally, individual tournaments may enact their own minimum size limits, thus adding to a larger-fish size bias. Bluegill and Other Fish Species Bluegill and Black Crappie are abundant in Lake Minnetonka. Bluegill averaged 6.3 inches, and the largest individual was 8.3 inches. Black Crappie averaged 8.1 inches, and the largest individual measured 10.6 inches. Consistent natural reproduction of these species have ensured quality angling opportunities. Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Green Sunfish, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Bullhead, White Sucker, and Bowfin were also captured during the 2019 assessment. Smallmouth Bass were sampled only in the Lower Lakes. Invasive Aquatic Species Eurasian water milfoil and curly leaf pondweed are found in high abundance throughout the lake and in 2010 zebra mussels and flowering rush were first found to be present. Lake Minnetonka receives heavy recreational use, so potential for the spread of invasive species into and out of the lake is high. Anglers and boaters should take the precautions-and follow statewide laws-- necessary to prevent the further spread of all invasive species. The shoreline and watershed of Lake Minnetonka is highly developed, which degrades the lake's aquatic habitat. Large docks, boating platforms, and man-made beaches have the potential to destroy vital habitat for fish and wildlife. Environmentally conscious land use practices, such as shoreline buffer strips of natural vegetation and fallen woody debris, are necessary to maintain or improve water quality of Lake Minnetonka. Shoreline development should be a concern to everyone who enjoys lake recreation.

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

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

Minnetonka has a maximum depth of 113 feet and a mean depth of 30 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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