Horseshoe

Horseshoe Lake is a 270-acre lake in Itasca County near Marcell. Horseshoe Lake is a relatively small, shallow, hardwater lake that has occasionally experienced winterkill. The lake has historically been managed for walleye and centrachids. A population assessment was conducted on Horseshoe Lake in 2007 to determine the status of the fish community. Black bullhead were the most common fish in the gill nets. The catch rate of 15.0/gill net was within the expected range when compared to similar lakes. Most black bullheads were relatively large with a mean length of 9.3 inches. Bullheads are very resilient to winterkill situations and often dominate the fish community following a winterkill. The current catch rate and lack of smaller individuals suggest stable fish habitat has occurred in recent years. Northern pike were the second most common fish in the gill nets. The catch of 8.4/gill net falls within the expected range when compared to similar lakes. With the exception of the previous survey in 1997 when the gill net catch was exceptionally high in response to a 1992 winterkill, pike catches from Horseshoe Lake have been about average for the type of lake. Size structure in 2007 was relatively poor as most individuals were less than 21 inches. Lakes with similar characteristics to Horseshoe do not typically produce large walleye catches and angling potential for this species tends to be limited. Horseshoe Lake has a history of producing walleye in good numbers when compared to similar lakes, however. In 2007, walleye were caught at a rate of 2.4/gill net, which falls within the expected range for this type of lake. Size structure was favorable for anglers as all captured individuals exceeded 19 inches. Bluegill were the most common fish in the trap net. The catch rate of 18.1/trap net was within the expected range when compared to similar lakes. The bluegill population appears to have increased in recent years as the previous survey in 1997 resulted in a catch of only 0.4/net. In 2007, small size was typical, as most individuals did not exceed 6 inches. Black crappie have historically occurred in relatively low abundance in Horseshoe Lake and remained in low abundance in 2007. Size distribution was favorable, however, as most captured individuals exceeded 9 inches. Largemouth bass were sampled in low numbers. Test netting often results in a poor index of bass abundance as bass tend to avoid the nets. Smallmouth bass were sampled in relatively good numbers in the gill nets. The catch of 3.8 is well above average when compared to similar lakes. Size structure of smallmouth bass was favorable to anglers as most individuals exceeded 14 inches. Other species captured in low numbers include pumpkinseed, rock bass, yellow and brown bullheads, and white sucker. The protection of water quality and habitat is critical in maintaining or improving fish and wildlife populations. Unfortunately, human activities often negatively impact our lakes. Fertilized turf-grass lawns and failing septic systems along with the removal of shoreline and aquatic vegetation, mowing to the shore, and installing sand blanket beaches result in destabilized shorelines, uncontrolled erosion, and increased run-off, contributing excess nutrients and sediment to the lake and degrading water quality and habitat. By understanding the cumulative impacts of our actions and taking steps to avoid or minimize them, we can help insure our quality water resources can be enjoyed well into the future. Anglers can further help insure quality fishing by practicing selective harvest and catch and release.

Horseshoe Lake is a small, shallow, hardwater lake that has experienced an occasional, partial winterkill. It has historically supported a modest walleye population in addition to the other species commonly found in bass-panfish lakes. This assessment was conducted to evaluate the fish population after the winterkill that occurred in 1992. Most species sampled prior to the winterkill were also sampled in this assessment. The exception was largemouth bass. Although none were observed, only a few individuals have been sampled in past assessments. Due to the inability of gill nets and trap nets to properly evaluate the status of this species, electrofishing should be used. Walleye were sampled at 3.4/gill net in this assessment. This was an excellant catch considering the winterkill that occurred several years prior to the assessment. Although stocking took place in two of the seven previous years, only 1 of the 17 walleye sampled was from a stocked year. Only one walleye sampled had survived the winterkill. None of the 600 fingerlings stocked by lakeshore residents in 1996 were observed. Growth of the walleye was excellent, a typical response after a winterkill. Another response which can be expected after a winterkill is an increase in northern pike. In past assessments, this species has flucuated around the lake class median. In this assessment, the gill net catch increased to 21.2, one of the highest catches recorded in this management area. The northerns ranged in length from 9.3-32.8 inches with a mean length of 19.9 inches. The mean weight was 2.1 pounds. Several strong year classes were represented, with age 4 and 5 making up 53% of the sample. Northern pike that were present in the lake prior to the winterkill made up 11% of the sample. Lake users have expressed concern that black crappie have disappeared since the winterkill. They were sampled in the gill net in this assessment at the highest levels ever recorded. Trap nets also sampled this species but at lower levels. They were of quality size ranging from 11.1-12.2 inches and weighing an average of 1.0 pound. Yellow perch were sampled in numbers similiar to that observed in the past. Black bullheads were sampled at much lower levels than in the previous (pre-winterkill) assessment. Two smallmouth bass were also sampled. This fishery has rebounded close to pre-winterkill levels by natural reproduction. The compensatory responses that has been observed in other winterkill situations was observed on Horseshoe Lake. The fishery present today is diverse and similiar to the quality observed in the past.

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Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rock Bass, Walleye, Black Crappie, Smallmouth Bass, and Largemouth Bass in Horseshoe. 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 Horseshoe. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

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

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Horseshoe is from 2007. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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