Ball Club

Temperature and dissolved oxygen measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Ball Club Lake, which is located wholly within the Leech Lake Reservation, on August 5th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. Lake Whitefish hold significant cultural importance to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (LLBO). This species held such importance that the LLBO started a Lake Whitefish stocking program in 1986. This stocking program supported the Ball Club Lake Fishery for over 30 years. This fishery continues to remain active for those that continue traditional netting. LLBO holds Clean Water Act jurisdiction over waters within the exterior boundaries of the Leech Lake Reservation, which allows LLBO to establish water quality standards to protect Reservation waters and culturally important aquatic resources. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 65.6 feet), the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 22.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 46.5 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 23.8 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 11.3 degrees C (52.3 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Cisco at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to August 24th) in four years, between 2007-2024, also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed, with the least favorable conditions recorded in 2022 when the suitable oxythermal habitat layer was 7.1 feet thick. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Ball Club Lake, which is located wholly within the Leech Lake Nation, was conducted on August 5 - 15, 2024, 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. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 24 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 18 stations, and a 15-foot seine was used at four stations. Soft sediments and deep water prevented the use of seines at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured 21 species of fish including seven species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Least Darter, Mimic Shiner, and Rock Bass) and none that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Black Bullhead and Green Sunfish). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by IBI Program staff. Fifteen trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured 10 species of fish, including one that is intolerant of disturbance (Rock Bass). Bluegill (36%) and Yellow Perch (31%) comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Bowfin (46%) and Bluegill (18%) comprised a majority by biomass. Overall, the numbers of fish captured per net was relatively low with only 8 fish and 3 pounds per net. The average length of Bluegill captured was 4.8 inches and ranged from 2.6 to 9.0 inches. There were some larger Bluegills captured during this survey with about 30% being over 7 inches, 22% of Bluegills captured were over 8 inches, and some over 9 inches. There were 40 Yellow Perch sampled via trap nets. They averaged 6.0 inches and ranged from 4.1 to 8.9 inches in length. The trap net catch was light overall with an average of about 3 pounds per trap net. The nearshore and trap net were combined with gill net data from an August 2022 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., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead 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. Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in Ball Club Lake, which is located wholly within the Leech Lake Nation, on August 5th, 2024, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Cisco, also known as Tullibee, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake. During the summer, Cisco require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin (maximum sampled depth 57.0 feet), the water temperature decreased below 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) at 28.6 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 41.7 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 13.1 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Cisco. A lone Cisco was sampled in the gill net survey. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 16.0 degrees C (60.7 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 21.2 degrees C (70.2 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were present for Cisco at the time of the survey, but those conditions are marginal because the layer of suitable habitat was confined to less than 3 feet at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 2007, 2014, and 2022, also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all three years surveyed with an average oxythermal habitat layer of almost 11 feet and average TDO3 of 14.8 degrees C (58.6 degrees F) with the least favorable TDO3 (18.9 degrees C) occurring in the 2007 survey and the thinnest habitat layer (7.1 feet) occurring during the 2022 survey. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Cisco are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress. Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Ball Club Lake is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score that exceeds the MNDNR FIBI exceptional use threshold determined for similar lakes. This is the first survey following FIBI protocols on this lake. You can help protect the fish community in Ball Club Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Ball Club Lake is a large, mesotrophic lake located near Ball Club, MN in the Mississippi River watershed. The lake is situated within the Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. Ball Club Lake has a surface area of 3,936 acres, a maximum depth of 85 feet and clear water. The lake has four inlets and its outlet is the Ball Club River which flows to the Mississippi River. The fisheries lake management plan (LMP) was last revised in 2015. Walleye and Northern Pike were the primary management species while Black Crappie and Lake Whitefish were considered secondary species. Walleye are actively managed via stocking, most recently with Mississippi strain fingerlings in alternate years. The Leech Lake Division of Resource Management provides half of the quota and DNR Fisheries provides the other half. A targeted survey was conducted in August 2022 to collect updated information on the fishery. The survey utilized 15 standard gill nets and one special deep-water gill net targeting Tullibee. Northern Pike were the most common fish in the gill-net sample. The catch rate was considered average for the lake and comparable to similar type lakes. Pike ranged from 14.3 to 32.9 inches with an average length of 22.1 inches. Size structure was moderate, with 7% of the sample exceeding 28 inches. Seven year classes (ages 2-7) were represented in the sample, with age 3 fish the most frequently sampled. Growth was considered average with pike averaging 25.8 inches after five years. Ball Club Lake provides good opportunities to catch small to medium-sized pike with an occasional chance at fish exceeding 28 inches. Walleye catch rates on Ball Club have typically been low compared to similar lakes. In 2022, Walleye were sampled at a catch rate of 2.4/gill net. This catch was below average compared to lakes with similar habitat but typical for Ball Club. Extremely high water levels during the time of the survey may also have affected the catch rate. Size structure was good; sampled Walleye ranged from 10 to 26 inches with a mean length of 17.5 inches. Twenty-three percent of the sample exceeded 20 inches. Nine year classes (ages 2-10) were identified, with 34% of the sample belonging to the 2018 year class (age 4). The contribution of stocking to the population was difficult to evaluate since eight of the previous 10 years were stocked with either fry or fingerlings. Growth was considered average. Walleye averaged 17.8 inches after five years of growth. Angler reports suggest Ball Club Lake provides fair fishing opportunities for Walleye. The Yellow Perch gill-net catch rate was relatively low compared to similar lakes, but similar to the previous survey on Ball Club. Extremely high water levels were present during the two most recent surveys which may have negatively affected the catches. Perch were generally too small to be of interest to anglers, ranging from 5.2 to 10.5 inches with an average length of 6.4 inches. The special deep-water gill net captured 57 Tullibee, suggesting an abundant population. Sampled Tullibee ranged from 6.5 to 12.6 inches, with an average length of 8.9 inches. A majority (82%) of fish were infested with the parasite Whitefish Grub (Triaenophorus). Tullibee are an important prey species for predators like Northern Pike and Walleye. Other species sampled in this survey included Black Crappie, Rock Bass and White Sucker. Zebra Mussels, an exotic species, are present in Ball Club Lake and the connecting Mississippi River. Zebra Mussels are effective filter feeders and contribute to notably increased water clarity. Anglers and boaters are reminded to help stop the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers, and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Pumpkinseed in Ball Club. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Ball Club has a maximum depth of 85 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Ball Club is from 2024.

Yes — Ball Club has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.