Batson

Batson Lake is a small, clear, relatively deep lake near Marcell, Minnesota. The US Forest Service provides a small, carry in access on the northeast shore of the lake. The lake is best suited for Northern Pike and panfish but the lakes small size and moderate nutrient fertility limit fish production. A fisheries standard assessment was conducted in mid-summer of 2017 to assess the status of the fish community. White Sucker and Tullibee (Cisco) were the most commonly captured fish in the gill net sample. The White Sucker catch was high compared to lakes with similar habitats, while the Tullibee catch was typical. These species provide excellent prey for large predators such as Northern Pike. Yellow Perch appear to have declined overtime, and no perch were captured in the gill net in 2017, although a few were present in the trap nets. Past surveys resulted in typical Northern Pike numbers compared to lakes with similar habitats. The 2017 catch of 1.8 was lower than expected, however. Low pike densities are often desirable. Average size is small and growth is slow when Northern Pike occur in high numbers. Past samples resulted in poor size distribution. The 2017 survey suggested a moderate size structure. Pike lengths ranged from 16.1 to 35.6 inches and averaged 22.4 inches. Pike averaged 24.7 inches at age 5 and growth was near the statewide average. Five year classes were present (ages 2-4 and 6-7). Given the low catch and good prey, Batson Lake has the potential to produce large Northern Pike. Bluegill were the most common fish in the trap net sample. The catch of 5.2 per net was low compared to similar lakes. Size structure was moderate as Bluegill ranged from 3.1 to 8.5 inches. Average size was poor, however, as Bluegill averaged only 4.8 inches but this was influenced by a high proportion of young fish in the sample. Five year classes were present, but recruitment appeared to be sporadic as most fish belonged to the 2015 year class. Similar lakes typically produces moderate growth rates for Bluegill. Growth rates from Batson were above average, as Bluegill averaged 7.3 inches by age 6. Past surveys resulted in crappie catches that were typical for lakes with similar habitat. The 2017 gill net catch of 0.3 per net was lower than expected. Crappie populations in northern Minnesota often produce variable year classes, resulting in dynamic populations and "boom and bust" angling cycles. Too few crappie were captured to confidently determine size and age distributions but captured fish averaged around 10 inches and were 5 and 6 years old. The Largemouth Bass gill net catch of 0.5 per net was within the expected range for similar lakes. Test netting is often a poor indicator of bass abundance. Electrofishing surveys may provide better insight into bass population dynamics, but have not been conducted on Batson Lake. Other species present include Bowfin, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.

THE YELLOW PERCH, NORTHERN CISCO, AND NORTHERN PIKE POPULATIONS ARE DOWN SLIGHTLY COMPARED TO THE NETTING OF 1981 AND 1973, ALTHOUGH THE NORTHER PIKE POPULATION STILL REMAINS ABOVE STATE AND LOCAL MEDIANS. PERCH POPULATION HAS TAKEN A DRAMATIC DROP. THE WALLEYE AND OTHER SPECIES APPEAR TO BE NORMAL IN THIS TYPE OF LAKE.

N Pike population is high. All other fish populations are within normal limits for this type of lake.

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

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

Batson has a maximum depth of 50 feet and a mean depth of 20 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Batson is from 2017. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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