Whaletail

Whaletail Lake is 510-acres (469 littoral acres) with a maximum depth of 22 feet. Whaletail is located northeast of St. Bonifacious in southwestern Hennepin County. Public water access is provided by DNR Parks and Trails on the northwest side of the lake off of County road 92 and West Highland road (up to 16 vehicle/trailer parking spaces). Whaletail is primarily managed for Northern Pike and Black Crappie, but also supports catchable populations of Bluegill and Largemouth Bass. A Standard Survey (9 trap nets/6 gill nets) was conducted on Whaletail Lake during the week of 7/26/2021 to assess the fishery. During the 2021 survey, Whaletail was productive (brown-green stained water), with low water clarity, measured at 3 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was zero parts per million (ppm) below 11 feet during the survey period. Eurasian Watermilfoil has been found in Whaletail Lake and remains present. Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (9.0/net), at a comparable rate to similar lakes in the metro. The 2021 survey marked the highest Northern Pike catch rate in the previous 25 years. Although record catches were recorded, this did not negatively impact Northern Pike size structure. There were 54 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 24.9 inches and the largest measured at 34.3 inches. Northern Pike size indices describe a balanced population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Northern Pike growth was fast compared to similar lakes across the metro, with an average length of 22.7 inches by age 4. Northern Pike had an annual mortality estimate of 37%, and consistent recruitment, with 6 consecutive year classes present during sampling and age analysis. Northern Pike in Whaletail Lake appear to be thriving with high numbers, fast growth, consistent recruitment, and low mortality. As a reminder, anglers can keep 10 northern pike on Whaletail Lake, but not more than two pike longer than 26 inches; and all from 22 to 26 inches must be released. Moderate numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (17.5/net) and trap nets (5.8/net). There were 153 Black Crappie sampled during the 2021 survey, with an average length of 6.5 inches and the largest measured at 9.5 inches. Black Crappie in Whaletail Lake were mainly composed of small individuals with only 12% of fish sampled greater than 8 inches. Black Crappie growth was typical of the metro area, with an average length of 6.6 inches by age 3. Black Crappie mortality was high with an estimated annual mortality rate of 47%. While Whaletail Lake had been known as a crappie fishing destination, much of this was attributed to the White Crappie population. White Crappie were virtually non-existent from the 2021 survey with 3 fish sampled, and an average length of 6.5 inches. Moderate numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (39.4/net). Although not an extremely high catch rate based on similar lakes, the 2021 catch rate was the highest Bluegill catch on Whaletail Lake in the previous 25 years. There were 355 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2021 survey, with an average length of 5.0 inches and the largest measured at 8.1 inches. Bluegill densities are currently high, leading to competition among individuals, in turn reducing growth potential, and keeping sizes low. Largemouth Bass are present in Whaletail Lake, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2021 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 21 Largemouth Bass, which averaged 15.4 inches, with the largest measured at 19.5 inches. Targeted boat-electrofishing is intended for the next survey (scheduled for 2026 + 1 yr). Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, White Crappie, and Yellow Bullhead.

Whaletail Lake (DOW# 27-0184-00) is a 558-acre lake with a maximum depth of 22 feet. The lake is located in west-central Hennepin County, just south of Minnetrista. Whaletail Lake is being actively managed for Northern Pike (NOP), Black Crappie (BLC), and Bluegill (BLG). Whaletail Lake also supports populations of White Crappie (WHC) and Largemouth Bass (LMB). A standard survey (9 trap nets/6 gill nets) was conducted on Whaletail Lake during the week of 8/1/2016 to monitor water characteristics and fish populations. Water color was brown/green, with low water clarity (2.0 feet in the main basin and 3.5 feet in the southeast basin). During this August survey, dissolved oxygen sharply fell to zero parts per million (ppm) below 8 feet in the main basin and below 10 feet in the southeast basin. Eurasian Watermilfoil has also been documented in Whaletail Lake. Northern Pike (NOP) gill net catches in Whaletail Lake averaged 7.3/net, more than double any catch rate in the previous 25 years. A catch rate of 7.3/net is also above the Whaletail Lake management goal of 4.7/net. Of the 44 NOP captured in gill nets, average size was 22.5 inches with the largest individual measured at 35.6 inches. Size structure was balanced and near management levels with high numbers of small fish and low numbers of large individuals. Historically Northern Pike body condition has been good; however 2016 was the exception, which saw the lowest average body condition in 25 years. The high numbers of NOP during the 2016 survey likely contributed to reduced body condition through increased competition. While a large year class (22/44) of age 2 Northern Pike made up the bulk of fish sampled, NOP were also identified in every age group from 1 through 8, suggesting consistent recruitment. Northern Pike catch rates and size structure are meeting or exceeding the long range goals for the species. Black Crappie (BLC) gill net catches averaged 13.5/net, double the expected catch of similar lakes. Average size of Black Crappie sampled was 6.4 inches, with the longest measured at 9.8 inches. Despite this high abundance, body condition was good. Intense angling pressure over recent winters may have begun to impact larger-sized crappie. Black Crappie recruitment is variable and the aging data reflects this, with inconsistent year classes showing up in the survey. However, the future outlook is bright with a strong year class of age-2 BLC, currently averaging about 6 inches; these fish have potential to benefit from their body conditions and fewer numbers. Age-2 fish should begin to reach preferred sizes (10 inches) in 1-2 years if sufficient numbers escape harvest. Bluegill (BLG) trap net catches averaged 17.4/net, slightly above the target management level. Over the previous 25 years, Bluegill numbers have remained stable (16.4-32.3/net). During the 2016 survey, 157 Bluegill were sampled in trap nets, with an average length of 6.2 inches and a maximum length of 7.9 inches. Body condition of bluegill remains high. Age analysis reveals consistent reproduction among years, reinforcing the stable numbers seen in historic net catches. While Whaletail Lake may not provide a trophy Bluegill fishery, it does produce a consistent supply of catchable-sized (6 inches+) bluegill. White Crappie (WHC) in Whaletail Lake were sampled with trap nets (1.3/net) and gill nets (0.8/net), catch rates that are low compared to similar lakes. White Crappie, similar to Black Crappie, have the potential to produce a large year class given the right environmental conditions. Current numbers show multiple missing year classes, which may reflect recruitment problems. Despite low numbers, White Crappie may have benefitted from reduced competition, as size structure and body condition were well above expected rates. Of the 17 White Crappie measured, average length was 8.7 inches, with a maximum length of 14.7 inches. Although White Crappie numbers in Whaletail Lake are low, the population during this survey provided excellent opportunity for anglers to catch some good-sized (12 inches+) fish. Largemouth Bass (LMB) are present in Whaletail Lake, although boat electrofishing was not conducted in 2016. Seven (7) Largemouth Bass were captured with trap and gill nets, with an average length of 14.6 inches; the largest measured 20.3 inches. Other fish species sampled in low abundance were Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

Whaletail Lake is a 558 acre lake with a maximum depth of 25 feet. The lake is located in west central Hennepin County, just south of Minnetrista. Water quality is poor, compared to other West Metro lakes. By late summer most species of fish cannot inhabit water deeper than 11 feet for extended periods of time. Anglers should keep this in mind when pursuing northern and crappie. Fishing in water deeper than 11 feet in mid to late summer could yield very few fish. Boaters should also keep in mind that new state laws require the drain plug be removed while traveling on public roadways. The predator community in Whaletail Lake reflects a natural state. No stocking occurs. Northern pike numbers were low compared to historic averages for Whaletail Lake. Average length was 26.8 inches. Average weight was high compared to similar lakes. In the 2011 population assessment largemouth bass abundance was low compared to past surveys. Average length of largemouth bass was 12.6 inches. Standard lake survey gear does not consistently provide an accurate estimate of largemouth bass abundance. Six species of panfish are present in Whaletail Lake. Black crappie abundance is above average. Some large fish were sampled. Average length was under 7 inches, but individuals up to 12.3 inches were observed. Bluegill abundance decreased to the lowest measure of abundance seen in Whaletail. Compared to similar lakes, abundance remains average. Average weight of bluegill did not change. Over 50% of sampled bluegill were greater than 6 inches. Yellow perch abundance in Whaletail Lake is average. Mean weight of yellow perch was below average. Average length was 6.4 inches. Pumpkinseed were sampled at a low abundance. Hybrid sunfish were also sampled. Overall, rough fish are present in low numbers. Common carp abundance decreased to the lowest level since 1973. Black bullhead were also sampled at low abundance. Yellow bullhead numbers decreased as well, but remain above average compared to similar lakes. White sucker abundance is low.

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

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

Whaletail has a maximum depth of 22 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Whaletail is from 2021.

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