Independence

Independence Lake is a 112-acre lake located seven miles southeast of the City of Windom in Jackson County. The lake's shallow depth (maximum of 10 feet) and improved water clarity in recent years have encouraged the growth of dense aquatic vegetation (mainly Curly-leaf pondweed and coontail) throughout the lake basin. Bulrush is also present in a couple of locations on the perimeter of the lake. The vegetation growth has benefitted the fishery by providing habitat for fish. Independence Lake is managed primarily for Largemouth Bass and secondarily for Walleye and Sunfish. Walleye fingerlings, yearlings and adults are stocked when available and have been stocked extensively in recent years (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2023). Independence Lake was surveyed the week of May 30, 2023 to monitor fish populations using one gill net and nine trap nets. The Largemouth Bass population was not assessed in 2023. Walleye abundance has never been high in Independence Lake as catch rates have varied from 0.0 per gill net in 2007 to 15.0 per gill net in 1999. The Walleye catch rate in 2023 was 3.0 per gill net, an increase from the 2019 catch rate of 0.5 per gill net and within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (2.3 to 18.1 per gill net). Walleye lengths ranged from 16.6 to 20.1 inches and averaged 18.6 inches. It is likely that there are more Walleye present than what the nets caught because dense vegetation often negatively affects gill net catches. Since 2003, Bluegill have occurred in low abundance (less than 2.0 per trap net) in Independence Lake. Abundance increased in 2023 to 28.2 per trap net, above the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (1.2 to 20.0 per trap net) and above the long-term average of 13.8 per trap net. Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.1 to 7.4 inches and averaged 5.8 inches. Sixty-four percent of the sampled Bluegill were 6.0 inches or longer and 20 percent of the sample were 7.0 inches or longer. With a growing season past, Bluegill should be approaching harvest size. Pumpkinseed Sunfish abundance has steadily increased from 1.6, 28.2, and 42.0 per trap net in 2011, 2015, and 2019, respectively. The increase continued in 2023 with a catch rate of 87.7 per trap net, which is the highest catch rate recorded at Independence Lake. Pumpkinseed lengths ranged from 3.4 to 8.9 inches and averaged 5.4 inches. Forty-five percent of sampled Pumpkinseeds were 6.0 inches in length or greater. Yellow Perch abundance in 2023 was down significantly from 2019, going from 223.0 per gill net to 13.0 per gill net in 2023. While abundance in 2023 is well below the long-term average of 71.9 per gill net, it is within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (2.7 to 25.0 per gill net). Yellow Perch lengths ranged from 5.4 to 12.5 inches and averaged 9.4 inches. Many of the yellow perch captured were large, with 76 percent of them exceeding 9.0 inches. Northern Pike have not been sampled in Independence Lake since 2003. In the2023 survey, Northern Pike were captured at a rate of 5.0 per gill net which is the highest catch rate observed at Independence Lake and is within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (1.1 to 8.0 per gill net). Lengths of Northern Pike ranged from 20.7 to 22.7 inches and averaged 21.6 inches (PSD=92). Northern Pike are likely to do well in Independence Lake because of the abundant prey and abundant aquatic vegetation. Independence Lake is within the "southern zone" of the Northern Pike zone regulations, so two Pike longer than 24 inches can be harvested. Northern Pike under 24 inches must be released. Independence Lake is unique, in that, it does not have Common Carp or Bigmouth Buffalo. Black Bullhead were scarce as only 11 were captured in the survey. Other species sampled in low abundance included Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass.

Independence Lake is a 112-acre lake located seven miles southeast of the City of Windom in Jackson County. The lake's shallow depth (maximum of 10 feet) and improved water clarity in recent years have encouraged the growth of dense aquatic vegetation (mainly curly-leaf pondweed and coontail) throughout the lake basin. Bulrush is also present in a couple of locations on the perimeter of the lake. The vegetation growth has benefitted the fishery by providing habitat for fish to spawn in or utilize for nursery habitat to avoid predators. Independence Lake is managed primarily for Largemouth Bass and secondarily for Walleye and Sunfish. Walleye yearlings and adults are stocked when available and have been stocked extensively in recent years (2016, 2017, and 2018). Independence Lake was electrofished on May 16, 2019 to evaluate the Largemouth Bass population and surveyed the week of August 5, 2019 to monitor other fish populations using two gill nets and nine trap nets. Largemouth Bass catch rates have varied from 1.0 per hour in 1995 to 666.7 per hour in 2015. In 2019, the catch rate was 102.7 per hour. Lengths of Largemouth Bass ranged from 7.2 to 19.7 inches and averaged 10.7 inches. The Largemouth Bass population is comprised of mainly two year classes, a year class that is 7.0 to 9.0 inches in length and a year class that is 16.0 to 19.0 inches in length. Walleye abundance has never been high in Independence Lake as catch rates have varied from 0.0 per gill net in 2007 to 15.0 per gill net in 1999. The Walleye catch rate in 2019 was 0.5 per gill net, the second lowest catch rate on record, and below the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes in the Windom management area (2.3 to 13.3 per gill net). Keep in mind, walleye often times don't sample well in years when you have abundant submerged aquatic vegetation. It is likely the Walleye may have been under sampled when compared to the population's true abundance. Yearling and adult Walleye will be stocked in Independence when available. Historically, Bluegill were found in Independence Lake in the late 90's and early 2000's; however, since 2003, Pumpkinseed Sunfish have had higher abundance. Since 2003, Pumpkinseed catch rates have varied from 1.6 per trap net in 2011 to 42.0 per trap net in 2019, which is the highest Pumpkinseed catch rate observed on this lake. The 2019 catch rate of 42.0 per trap net greatly exceeds the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes throughout Minnesota (0.3 to 4.9 per trap net). Despite the high abundance, average length of Pumpkinseed was 7.3 inches, with lengths ranging from 3.4 to 8.4 inches. The message here is that you are catching sunfish, the odds are high that you are catching Pumpkinseed sunfish but will still provide good meal. The Yellow Perch catch rate has steadily increased from 4.0 per gill net in 2003 to 167.7 per gill net in 2015. The 2019 catch rate of 223.0 per gill net was the highest catch rate ever recorded in Independence Lake, and greatly exceeds the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes in the Windom management area (3.3 to 30.4 per gill net). Total length of Yellow Perch ranged from 7.5 to 10.2 inches and averaged 9.0 inches. Fifty-one percent of sampled Yellow Perch were 9.0 inches in length or greater. Yellow Perch were age-4 and age-5, with age-5 Yellow Perch accounting for the majority of the sample. Historical catch rates of Black Crappie in Independence Lake were typically near zero dating back to the mid 80's. In 2019, abundance of Black Crappie increased to 14.5 per gill net, which exceeds the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes in Minnesota (1.4 to 13.8 per gill net). Black Crappie abundance has been very low for decades and stocking has not occurred and it is likely that Black Crappie were illegally stocked by an angler. The Black Crappie appear to be from one year class because the range of lengths was narrow at 10.0 to 11.3 inches, and averaged 10.5 inches. A strong year class of Black Crappie was produced in 2019 as 300 young-of-the-year were sampled in a near-shore seine haul. Other Species sampled included Black Bullhead. Since the reclamation and due to the lack of connectivity downstream to other sources of fish, Common Carp have not been sampled in the basin.

INTRODUCTION Independence Lake is a 112-acre lake located seven miles southeast of the City of Windom in Jackson County. The lake's shallow depth (maximum of 10 feet) and improved water clarity in recent years have encouraged the growth of dense aquatic vegetation (mainly curly-leaf pondweed, which is an exotic species and coontail) throughout the lake. There was also some bulrush present in a couple of locations on the perimeter of the lake. The vegetation growth has benefitted the fishery by providing habitat for several species of fish. Independence Lake has historically been vulnerable to low oxygen levels during the winter, which have resulted in occasional winterkill of fish; however, this has not occurred in recent years. Because of the threat of winterkill, the Jackson County Conservation League operates a Helixor aeration system in Independence Lake. Independence Lake is managed primarily for Largemouth Bass and secondarily for Bluegill and Walleye. Largemouth Bass fingerlings were stocked in 2013; however, Largemouth Bass mostly maintain themselves through natural reproduction. Walleye fingerlings are stocked two out of three years and have been stocked extensively in the last decade (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014). Independence Lake was surveyed the week of June 15, 2015 to monitor fish populations using three gill nets and nine trap nets. LARGEMOUTH BASS Largemouth Bass were captured at a rate of 656.5 per hour, which is the highest recorded catch rate on Independence Lake. Catch rates in previous years had been stable, ranging from 22.7 per hour in 2007 to around 47.0 per hour in 1999 and 2011. Largemouth Bass were 3.6 to 19.0 inches and averaged 6.2 inches. Average length was small because 82 percent of the bass sampled were less than 5.4 inches; however, good numbers of fish from 15.0 to 19.0 inches were present. Largemouth Bass were plump, indicating that plenty of food is available. The wide range of lengths indicated that this is a balanced population that should provide good fishing in an area where bass fishing opportunities are scarce. WALLEYE Gill net catch rates of Walleye in Independence Lake have varied from 0.0 per gill net in 2007 to 15.0 per gill net in 1999, and have averaged 5.9 per gill net since 1985. In 2015, Walleye were captured at a rate of 8.0 per gill net, which was about the same as the 2011 catch rate of 7.7 per gill net, and was within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes in the area (2.3 to 13.3 per gill net. Walleye were 12.1 to 24.3 inches long and averaged 16.3 inches. Four year classes of Walleye were sampled including fish from 2013 (age-2), 2012 (age-3), 2011 (age-4), and 2008 (age-7), all of which correspond to stocking events. Fingerlings were not stocked in 2012, but yearlings from Carey Lake (1.6 fish per pound) were stocked in the fall 2013, which accounts for the 2012 year class. The 2013 year class was the most abundant, accounting for 61 percent of the Walleye sampled. Growth of Walleye was good as they reached 16.2 inches at age-3. Walleye were plump, suggesting that they are readily feeding on the abundant Yellow Perch population. Fingerling stocking appears to be providing a stable Walleye population with a decent number of fish, good size structure, and good growth. Independence Lake should be a good walleye angling destination right now and in the future. BLUEGILL and PUMPKINSEED Bluegill catch rates have steadily declined since 1999, going from 78.0 per trap net in 1999 to 13.0 per trap net in 2003 to 1.9 per trap net in 2007 to 0.4 per trap net in 2011 to 0.0 per trap net in 2015. However, the decline in Bluegill numbers is likely related to the increase in Pumpkinseed (28.2 per trap net) and Yellow Perch (167.7 per gill net) numbers. The three species often occupy similar habitats and eat similar foods thereby competing with each other for resources. Oftentimes, Bluegill and Pumpkinseed hybridize, resulting in fewer "pure strain" Bluegill. Pumpkinseed were first sampled in 2003 at a rate of 4.2 per trap net and since have declined to 3.7 per trap net in 2007 to 1.6 per trap net in 2011, and then drastically increased to 28.2 per trap net in 2015. Pumpkinseed were 4.0 to 8.7 inches and averaged 5.1 inches. Pumpkinseed less than 6.0 inches accounted for 99 percent of the sample, as only two over 6.0 inches were captured. With an additional year or two of growth, the Pumpkinseed should reach a size that anglers can harvest. YELLOW PERCH In the last decade, Yellow Perch abundance has increased from 25.5 per gill net in 2007 to 67.7 per gill net in 2011 to a record high of 167.7 per gill net in 2015. Yellow Perch were 6.5 to 8.7 inches and averaged 7.7 inches. With an additional year or two of growth, Yellow Perch should be approaching a size that anglers are willing to harvest. Yellow perch fishing should be phenomenal in the next couple of years at Independence Lake. No doubt this would be a great destination for young anglers learning to fish as action for Yellow Perch, small Largemouth, and/or Pumpkinseed is likely to provide hours of entertainment outdoors. BLACK BULLHEAD Black Bullhead catch rates in gill nets (7.0 per gill net) and trap nets (3.6 per trap net) were the lowest recorded catch rates for Independence Lake since surveys began in 1985. Both catch rates were below their expected ranges of catch rates for similar lakes (30.3 to 150.6 per gill net; 11.5 to 132.6 per trap net). Black Bullhead were 10.4 to 12.3 inches and averaged 11.2 inches. The decline in Black Bullhead abundance may be attributed to stable predator populations of Largemouth Bass and Walleye. OTHER SPECIES Two Black Crappies, both 5.1 inches in length, were captured in the 2015 survey. Black Crappie have historically occurred at very low abundances in Independence Lake. Independence Lake is unique, in that Common Carp, Bigmouth Buffalo, and Channel Catfish have never been sampled there. This is due in part to the fact that Lake Independence does not have a good connection downstream thus making fish immigration difficult if not impossible. To avoid unintended introductions, anglers should be diligent about disposing of unused bait in the trash and should report unpermitted movement of fish. Plants in the water and at the water's edge provide habitat, prevent erosion, and absorb excess nutrients. Shrubs, trees, and woody debris such as fallen trees or limbs provide good habitat both above and below the water and should be left in place. By leaving a buffer strip of natural vegetation along the shoreline, property owners can reduce erosion, help maintain or improve water quality, and provide habitat and travel corridors for wildlife. Best management practices within the watershed (no-till farming, cover crops, buffer strips, targeted fertilizer application, reduced or metered tiling) would help reduce nutrients entering the lake. High nutrient and sediment input can cause algae blooms and reduce overall water quality. Any improvements in the watershed are likely to have positive impacts on the fishery. Prepared by Jonah Dagel

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

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

Independence has a maximum depth of 10 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Independence is from 2023.

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