South Ackerman

South Ackerman lake is a small (23 acre) lake surrounded by a bog and fringed with water lilies. The lake has relatively clear water with a secchi disk reading of 11.0 ft, and a maximum depth of about 50 feet. The dissolved oxygen levels were adequate for game fish down to 18 feet of water. This lake is primarily a northern pike/largemouth bass/panfish lake. Nine trap net stations were established that captured fish moving among the water lilies near the edge of the bog, while three gill-net stations sampled the open water area which had suitable dissolved oxygen levels. Twenty three northern pike were sampled in the gill nets which yielded a catch rate of 7.7 fish/net which is near the upper end of the expected range for similar lakes. Most northern pike were small as the mean length was 19.4 inches. Ageing reveled that most northern pike caught were either age-3 or age-4. Northern pike growth was less than 85% of the statewide average for ages-1 and 2, but attained lengths within 85%-115% of the statewide averages for ages-3 and older. Bluegills were the most abundant species in the trap nets with a catch rate of 28.9 fish/set which is within the expected range for similar lakes. Although most bluegills were small, a few fish over 8 inches were sampled. Bluegills up to age-9 were sampled and growth rates for each age class (1-9) were within the 85%-115% range of the statewide averages. Black crappies were also sampled for a catch rate of 1.0 fish per gill net and 2.4 fish per trap net . These catches are within the respective expected ranges for each gear type. The trap-net catch had a mean length of 7.9 inches and 66% were age-4 fish. Black crappie up to age-7 were sampled and the growth rates for each year class were within the 85%-115% range of the statewide averages. Largemouth bass were frequently spotted among the floating leaf plant community but only 6 individuals were caught in either trap nets or gill nets. Ageing indicated that growth is below the 85%-115% range of statewide averages for ages1-3, but was within this range for ages 3-7. Pumpkinseed sunfish were also frequently captured in trap nets and their catch rate of 4.9 fish/net is within the expected range of similar lakes. They averaged 6.2 inches in length with a few fish exceeding 8 inches. Eighteen small yellow perch, with an average length of 6 inches, were also caught in gill nets at a rate of 6.0 fish/net.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Pumpkinseed, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill in South Ackerman. 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 South Ackerman. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in South Ackerman is from 2001. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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