Green

A standard survey in Green Lake was conducted during mid-September of 2025 using lake survey gillnets and trapnets. Standard surveys were done during the last week of July or first week of August prior to 2021. Targeted surveys were conducted to determine if September gillnetting would more effectively sample the Walleye population than the standard July-August surveys in Green Lake during 2017-2020. Current standard surveys have been conducted during or after the fall turnover since 2021. We set 12 gillnets at standard summer stations during mid-September of 2025. A fall night electrofishing survey was conducted on October 17, 2025, to evaluate young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye abundance in Green Lake. A targeted Tullibee November gillnetting survey was last conducted in 2023. Creel surveys were recently conducted on Green Lake during the 2019 summer, 2019-2020 winter and 2025-2026 winter. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e. spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e. standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). Green is a large (5,561 acres), deep (110 feet maximum), highly developed (690 homes) and moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Green is currently infested with invasive species such as Curly-leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Watermilfoil (2000) and Zebra Mussels (2014). Green is a popular fishery for Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie (recent years) and Bluegill. There are approximately 48 inlets that enter Green Lake. The Middle Fork Crow River is the largest inlet and enters Green along the north shore and exits along the east side eventually flowing into Calhoun Lake. Water levels were low during 2020-2023 but were generally above normal in 2024 and 2025. Direct nutrient runoff into Green is primarily from highway runoff and residential sources, which include lake homes and the city of Spicer. There is also upstream agricultural row crop runoff that enters the Middle Fork Crow River. Total phosphorus was low (0.018 ppm) on September 25, 2025. A thermocline was present below 55 feet during 2025 September survey. The surface temperature was 66.4 F with dissolved oxygen of 7.6 ppm. Dissolved oxygen was at least 6.9 ppm with a temperature of 66.2 F down to 55 feet deep. No oxygen temperature profiles were taken in the 2025 summer by DNR Fisheries. The Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District took oxygen/temperature profiles monthly from May to September of 2025 on Green Lake. Adequate temperatures (3 ppm) were present for Tullibee survival at depths of 20-40 feet deep during the critical late July and early August 2023-2025 time periods in Green Lake. The 2023 summer was warmer and drier than normal especially for June, but no tullibee summerkills were observed in Green or Koronis. The 2024 summer was cooler with higher precipitation in June, but with moderate temperatures and drier conditions from July to October. The 2025 summer was warmer with more precipitation than normal. The water clarity was 9.0 feet during the 2025 mid-September survey. The seasonal mean water clarity was 12.1 feet for 2025. Seasonal clarity has recently ranged from a high of 13.5 feet in 2017 to a low of 9.2 feet in 2022. Seasonal mean water clarity prior to Zebra Mussel infestation during 2014 generally varied between 7-10 feet. Submergent vegetation appeared less dense from 2021-2025 than previous survey years. Emergent vegetation such as Hardstem Bulrush is abundant in the outlet bay. A moderate stand of bulrush is present along the southeast shore. Zebra mussels were abundant on shoalwater substrates such as rubble and boulder throughout the littoral areas. Zebra Mussels have decreased free open water green algal abundance. This has resulted in lower densities of zooplankton, shifted energy and nutrient transfers from open water to bottom habitats, altered predator-prey relationships, decreased some fish species condition factors, and increased water clarity since 2014. Several other area lakes (Andrew, Diamond, Eagle, Elkhorn, George, Nest, Norway, and Games) were recently reported as infested with Zebra Mussels during 2017-2018. Black Crappie abundance was high (2.73 fish/trapnet) in the 2025 trapnets. Black Crappie abundance was low (0.08 fish/gillnet) in 2025 gillnets. The historical average catch rates (1979-present) are 1.13 fish/trapnet and 1.23 fish/gillnet. The 2025 Black Crappie average sizes were moderate for fall gillnets (0.34 pounds and 8.58 inches), but large for fall trapnets (0.63 pounds and 10.23 inches). The historical average lengths are 8.18 inches and 8.36 inches respectively from gillnets and trapnets. Approximately 76% of the Black Crappie captured were 10.00 inches or larger in 2025 survey nets. The largest Black Crappie captured was 11.97 inches in 2025. Black Crappie growth rates were good to excellent for ages 1-5 in Green. The 2022 year class comprised 64% of the 2025 Black Crappie survey catch. Bluegill abundance (27.07 fish/trapnet) was moderate for Green in 2025. The historical average trapnet catch (1979-present) is 44.48 fish/trapnet. Bluegill average size was small (0.13 pounds and 5.15 inches) from trapnets. The historical average length is 5.56 inches from trapnets. The largest Bluegill captured was 9.06 inches in 2025. About 6% of the Bluegill captured were 8.00 inches or larger in 2025 survey nets. Largemouth Bass gillnet catch rate (0.58 fish/gillnet) was low in 2025. The historical average gillnet catch (1979-present) is 0.85 fish/gillnet. The 2025 Largemouth Bass gillnet average size was small (0.60 pounds and 10.48 inches). Moderate numbers of small sized Largemouth Bass (2.00 fish/trapnet, 6.66 inches average) were captured in the 2025 fall trapnets. The Largemouth Bass historical average trapnet catch is 0.56 fish/trapnet. The historical average lengths are 10.53 inches and 8.66 inches respectively from gillnets and trapnets. Northern Pike abundance was moderate (3.33 fish/gillnet) in 2025. The historical average gillnet catch rate (1979-present) is 2.90 fish/gillnet. The 2025 Northern Pike average size was moderate (3.51 pounds and 24.81 inches) from gillnets. The historical average length is 23.24 inches. Approximately 38% of the Northern Pike captured were 26.00 inches or larger in 2025 survey nets. The largest Northern Pike captured was 33.39 inches in 2025. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Green in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two Northern Pike longer than 26.00 inches; and all from 22.00 to 26.00 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one Northern Pike may be between 22.00 and 26.00 inches or two larger than 26.00 inches. Rock Bass abundance was moderate (8.92 fish/gillnet) in 2025. The historical average gillnet catch (1979-present) is 9.37 fish/gillnet. The 2025 Rock Bass average size was small (0.31 pounds and 7.09 inches) from gillnets. The historical average length is 7.76 inches from gillnets. The largest Rock Bass captured was 11.61 inches in 2025. Smallmouth Bass abundance was low (1.08 fish/gillnet) in 2025. The historical average gillnet catch rate (1979-present) is 1.80 fish/gillnet. The 2025 Smallmouth Bass average size (0.95 pounds and 10.32 inches) was moderate from gillnets. The historical average length is 13.19 inches from gillnets. Approximately 23% of the Smallmouth Bass captured was 14.00 inches or larger in 2025 gillnets. The largest Smallmouth Bass captured was 19.69 inches in 2025. Northern Crayfish (important prey species for Smallmouth Bass) numbers were moderate during 2025 (9.08 crayfish/gillnet) and 2024 (7.00 crayfish/gillnet), but high during 2023 (10.58 crayfish/gillnet), 2022 (20.50 crayfish/gillnet) and 2021 (16.58 crayfish/gillnet) fall surveys. Crayfish numbers were low in previous surveys from 2002-2020 (<3.00 crayfish/gillnet). Zebra Mussels are an important forage prey for Northern Crayfish. Zebra Mussels may cause a shift to greater numbers of benthic species such as Northern Crayfish and Yellow Perch which would be beneficial to Smallmouth Bass. Tullibee gillnet catch rate was moderate (0.92 fish/gillnet) in the 2025 fall standard survey. Tullibee numbers were low in 2024 (0.08 fish/gillnet), 2023 (0.67 fish/gillnet), 2022 (0.08 fish/gillnet) and 2021 (0.17 fish/gillnet) fall standard surveys. Tullibee were absent in the 2020 September and summer gillnet catches. The Tullibee historical average standard survey catch rate (1979-present) is 1.66 fish/gillnet for Green Lake. Tullibee numbers were also low in the 2023 November Tullibee survey (4.00 fish/gillnet, 10.77 inches). The Tullibee average size was large (1.11 pounds and 14.43 inches) in the 2025 fall standard survey. The Tullibee historical average length is 10.81 inches. Tullibee growth rates were moderate for ages 1-6 in Green. The 2019 and 2021 year classes each comprised 36.5% of the 2025 tullibee survey catch. The 2022 year class comprised 27% of the 2025 tullibee survey catch. Yellow Perch abundance was low (3.92 fish/gillnet) in 2025. The historical average gillnet catch rate (1979-present) is 10.47 fish/gillnet. The previous 2024 gillnet catch rate (13.42 fish/gillnet) was the highest recorded value since 2002. The 2025 Yellow Perch average size was moderate (0.14 pounds and 6.76 inches). The historical average length is 6.45 inches. Approximately 4% of the Yellow Perch were 8.00 inches or larger in 2025 gillnets. The largest Yellow Perch captured was 8.15 inches. Walleye fry have been stocked into Green with mostly Spicer and Pike River strains of varied amounts (0.5 to 2.5 million fish) from 2000-2013. Approximately 1 million Spicer strain fry were recently stocked in 2016 and 2018. Oxytetracycline "OTC" marked fry were stocked in Green during 2000-2013, 2016 and 2018. Various combinations of Walleye fingerlings, yearlings, or adults were stocked annually (2,000-4,000 pounds/year) from 2000-2017 into Green Lake. Pike River was the primary Walleye fingerling strain that was available and stocked into Green from 2000-2014. Spicer Area Walleye fingerling rearing ponds have been stocked with primarily the Spicer strain since 2015. Marked (fin clipped) Walleye adults and yearlings were stocked at (1,700-7,700 fish/per year) during 2017, 2020 and 2021. Low numbers of fin clipped adults and yearlings (200-450 fish/year) were stocked in 2022-2024. No Walleye were stocked into Green during 2025. Low YOY Walleye numbers (7.50 YOY/hour, 6.13 inches) due to natural reproduction were captured in the 2025 fall night electrofishing survey. The yearling Walleye catch rate was high (64.50 fish/hour, 8.49 inches average) in the 2025 fall night electrofishing survey. Abundant YOY Walleye numbers (45.00 YOY/hour, 6.34 inches) due to natural reproduction were captured in the 2024 fall night electrofishing survey. Abundant numbers of combined Yearling and 2-year-old Walleye (14.00 fish/hour, 9.56 inches) were also captured in the 2024 fall night electrofishing survey. Moderate YOY Walleye numbers (23.40 YOY/hour, 5.13 inches) due to natural reproduction were captured in 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. Yearling Walleye numbers were abundant (31.20 fish/hour, 7.51 inches) in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. Growth was slow for the 2022 year class in 2023. YOY Walleye numbers were abundant (65.54 YOY/hour, 5.24 inches) due to natural reproduction in the 2022 fall night electrofishing survey. The 2022 fall night electrofishing survey had the highest historical recorded YOY Walleye catch rate for Green Lake. Young of Year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye numbers due to natural reproduction were moderate (10.50 YOY/hour, 7.39 inches) in 2021. YOY Walleye were absent in the 2020 fall night electrofishing survey. Low YOY Walleye numbers (<5.00 YOY/hour) were captured in 2013-2019 fall night electrofishing surveys. Walleye abundance was high (12.17 fish/gillnet) in 2025. The historical average catch rate (1979-present) is 8.34 fish/gillnet. The 2025 Walleye average size was moderate (1.35 pounds and 14.49 inches). The historical average length is 14.96 inches from gillnets. Approximately 27% of the Walleye were 15.00 inches or larger in 2025 gillnets. The largest Walleye captured was 26.97 inches in 2025. Walleye growth rates were below the Green Lake normal ranges for ages 1-3, but above the normal ranges for ages 4-8. Growth rates were generally below or near the lower normal range end for Spicer Area Lakes. Walleye year classes have been due mostly to stocking from 2001-2020. Walleye natural reproduction has been primarily responsible for the 2021-2024 year classes. The 2024 Walleye fall standard survey catch was comprised of 2011 (1%), 2012 (1%), 2016 (1%), 2017 (1%), 2018 (6%), 2019 (9%), 2020 (1%), 2021 (9%), 2022 (53%), 2023 (7%) and 2024 (13%) year classes. Stocked fin clipped Walleye accounted for 17% of the combined 2018-2020 year class catches in 2025 survey nets. Zebra Mussels may negatively affect future Walleye fry stockings or natural reproduction/recruitment by reducing zooplankton food availability, thus causing poor survivability or growth. However, if benthic forage species such as Yellow Perch begin to rebound as indicated in 2024 survey nets, then yearling/adult Walleye recruitment and growth may also respond positively. It is encouraging that good to fair Walleye natural reproduction success was documented in 2022-2025. If fingerling survival to adult size becomes poor, then periodic Walleye yearling stockings may be necessary to maintain adequate Walleye numbers in Green. The new Walleye bag limit was reduced from six to three fish on Green Lake in 2021. Only 1 Walleye over 20 inches is allowed. Other species captured during the 2025 fall standard survey included low numbers of White Sucker (0.75 fish/gillnet), Common Carp (0.53 fish/trapnet), Hybrid Sunfish (1.07 fish/trapnet), Pumpkinseed Sunfish (0.20 fish/trapnet) and Bigmouth Buffalo (0.07 fish/trapnet). Moderate numbers of large sized Yellow Bullhead (2.83 fish/gillnet, 0.99 pounds) were also captured in the 2025 fall standard survey. Current fish management activities on Green Lake include monitoring the fish population on an annual basis, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel with invasive species monitoring and education, protecting native aquatic vegetation through the permit process, participating in local watershed initiatives to maintain or improve water quality, and stocking Walleye as needed to meet long-range goals. The Green Lake fishery will be sampled in the fall of 2026 for YOY Walleye abundance by electrofishing, and mid-September of 2026 for all fish species by standard survey nets. Tullibee will be sampled by November gillnetting in 2027 for both Green and Koronis.

A standard survey in Green Lake was conducted during mid-September of 2024 using lake survey gillnets and trapnets. Standard surveys were done during the last week of July or first week of August prior to 2021. Targeted surveys were conducted to determine if September gillnetting would more effectively sample the Walleye population than the standard July-August surveys in Green Lake during 2017-2020. Current standard surveys have been conducted during or after the fall turnover since 2021. We set 12 gillnets at standard summer stations during mid-September of 2024. A thermocline was absent during 2024 September survey. The surface temperature was 73 F with dissolved oxygen of 9.5 ppm. Dissolved oxygen was at least 5.0 ppm with a temperature of 70 F down to 85 feet deep. No temperature profiles were taken in the 2024 summer by DNR Fisheries. The Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District took oxygen/temperature profiles near the 10th of each month from May to September of 2024 on Green Lake. Adequate temperatures (3 ppm) were present for Tullibee survival at depths of 20-40 feet deep during the critical late July and early August 2023 and 2024 time periods in Green Lake. Summer temperature and oxygen conditions were more conducive for Tullibee survival during 2013-2019. The month of June had warmer air temperatures (up to 90 F) and drier (< 2 inches of rain) than normal conditions during 2020-2022. July air temperatures were below or near normal during those same years. The 2023 summer was warmer and drier than normal especially for June, but no tullibee summerkills were observed in Green or Koronis. The 2024 summer was cooler with higher precipitation in June, but with moderate temperatures and drier conditions from July to October. The secchi reading was 10.5 feet during the 2024 mid-September survey. A fall night electrofishing survey was conducted on October 20, 2024, to evaluate young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye abundance in Green Lake. A targeted Tullibee gillnetting survey was conducted in 2023. A creel survey was last conducted on Green Lake during the 2019 summer and 2019-2020 winter. Green is a large (5,561 acres), deep (110 feet maximum), highly developed (690 homes) and moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Green is currently infested with invasive species such as Curly-leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Watermilfoil (2000) and Zebra Mussels (2014). Green is a popular fishery for Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie (recent years) and Bluegill. There are approximately 48 inlets that enter Green Lake. The Middle Fork Crow River is the largest inlet and enters Green along the north shore and exits along the east side eventually flowing into Calhoun Lake. Water levels were low during 2020-2023 but were generally above normal in 2024. Direct nutrient runoff into Green is primarily from highway runoff and residential sources, which include lake homes and the city of Spicer. There is also upstream agricultural row crop runoff that enters the Middle Fork Crow River. Total phosphorus was low (0.018 ppm) on September 11, 2023. Submergent vegetation appeared less dense from 2021-2024 than previous survey years. Emergent vegetation such as Hardstem Bulrush is abundant in the outlet bay. A moderate stand of bulrush is present along the southeast shore. Zebra mussels were abundant on shoalwater substrates such as rubble and boulder throughout the littoral areas. Zebra Mussels have decreased free open water green algal abundance. This has resulted in lower densities of zooplankton, shifted energy and nutrient transfers from open water to bottom habitats, altered predator-prey relationships, decreased some fish species condition factors, and increased water clarity since 2014. Several other area lakes (Andrew, Diamond, Eagle, Elkhorn, George, Nest, Norway, and Games) were recently reported as infested with Zebra Mussels during 2017-2018. Black Crappie gillnet catch rate (0.25 fish/gillnet) was low in 2024. The historical average gillnet catch (1979-present) is 1.23 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Black Crappie trapnet catch rate was high (4.93 fish/trapnet) and above the historical average (1.09 fish/trapnet). The 2024 Black Crappie average sizes were small for fall gillnets (0.24 pounds and 7.47 inches), but moderate for fall trapnets (0.51 pounds and 9.45 inches). The historical average lengths are 8.18 inches and 8.30 inches respectively from gillnets and trapnets. Approximately 46% of the Black Crappie captured were 10.00 inches or larger in 2024. The largest Black Crappie captured was 12.91 inches in 2024. Bluegill trapnet catch rate (20.47 fish/trapnet) was low in 2024. The historical average trapnet catch (1979-present) is 44.94 fish/trapnet. Bluegill average size was moderate (0.15 pounds and 5.64 inches) from trapnets. The historical average length is 5.58 inches from trapnets. The largest Bluegill captured was 8.70 inches in 2024. Approximately 3% of the Bluegill captured were 8.00 inches or larger in 2024. Largemouth Bass gillnet catch rate (0.67 fish/gillnet) was moderate in 2024. The historical average gillnet catch (1979-present) is 0.85 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Largemouth Bass gillnet average size was small (0.73 pounds and 9.92 inches). Low numbers of small sized Largemouth Bass (0.53 fish/trapnet, 5.98 inches average) were captured in the 2024 fall trapnets. The Largemouth Bass historical average trapnet catch is 0.52 fish/trapnet. The historical average lengths are 10.53 inches and 8.72 inches respectively from gillnets and trapnets. The last Green Lake Spring electrofishing survey for Largemouth (7.00 fish/hour, 1.00 fish/hour at 12.00 inches plus) and Smallmouth Bass (35.00 fish/hour, 24.00 fish/hour at 11.00 inches plus) was conducted in 1999. Northern Pike gillnet catch rate (3.42 fish/gillnet) was moderate in 2024. The historical average gillnet catch rate (1979-present) is 2.90 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Northern Pike average size was moderate (2.93 pounds and 23.64 inches). The historical average length is 23.24 inches. Approximately 48% of the Northern Pike captured were 24.00 inches or larger in 2024 survey nets. The largest Northern Pike captured was 33.62 inches in 2024. Northern Pike growth rates were below the Spicer and Green Lake normal ranges for ages 1-7. The 2020 and 2019 year classes each comprised 23% of the 2024 Northern Pike gillnet and trapnet catch. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Green in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two Northern Pike longer than 26.00 inches; and all from 22.00 to 26.00 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one Northern Pike may be between 22.00 and 26.00 inches or two larger than 26.00 inches. Rock Bass gillnet catch rate (19.33 fish/gillnet) was high in 2024. The historical average gillnet catch (1979-present) is 9.37 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Rock Bass gillnet average size was moderate (0.39 pounds and 7.44 inches). The historical average length is 7.76 inches. The largest Rock Bass captured was 11.61 inches in 2024. Smallmouth Bass gillnet catch rate (2.08 fish/gillnet) was moderate in 2024. The historical average gillnet catch rate (1979-present) is 1.80 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Smallmouth Bass gillnet average size (1.22 pounds and 11.43 inches) was moderate. The historical average length is 13.19 inches. Approximately 36% of the Smallmouth Bass captured was 14.00 inches or larger in 2024 gillnets. The largest Smallmouth Bass captured was 20.08 inches in 2024. Northern Crayfish (important prey species for Smallmouth Bass) numbers were moderate during the 2024 (7.00 crayfish/gillnet), but high during 2023 (10.58 crayfish/gillnet), 2022 (20.50 crayfish/gillnet) and 2021 (16.58 crayfish/gillnet) fall surveys. Crayfish numbers were low in previous surveys from 2002-2020 (<3.00 crayfish/gillnet). Zebra Mussels are an important forage prey for Northern Crayfish. Zebra Mussels may cause a shift to greater numbers of benthic species such as Northern Crayfish and Yellow Perch which would be beneficial to Smallmouth Bass. Tullibee gillnet catch rate was low (0.08 fish/gillnet) in the 2024 fall standard survey. Tullibee numbers were also low in 2023 (0.67 fish/gillnet), 2022 (0.08 fish/gillnet) and 2021 (0.17 fish/gillnet) fall standard surveys. Tullibee were absent in the 2020 September and summer gillnet catches. The Tullibee historical average standard survey catch rate (1979-present) is 1.66 fish/gillnet for Green Lake. Tullibee numbers were also low in the 2023 November Tullibee survey (4.00 fish/gillnet, 10.77 inches). The Tullibee average size was moderate (0.54 pounds and 11.65 inches) in the 2024 fall standard survey. The Tullibee historical average length is 10.81 inches. Yellow Perch gillnet catch rate was high (13.42 fish/gillnet) in 2024. The historical average gillnet catch rate (1979-present) is 10.47 fish/gillnet. The 2024 gillnet catch rate was the highest recorded value since 2002. The 2024 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.12 pounds and 6.47 inches). The historical average length is 6.45 inches. Approximately 4% of the Yellow Perch were 8.00 inches or larger in the 2024 gillnets. The largest Yellow Perch captured was 9.61 inches. Yellow Perch growth rates were generally within the Green Lake normal ranges for ages 1-6, but below the Spicer Area normal ranges. The 2020 and 2021 year classes comprised 40% and 34% respectively of the 2024 Yellow Perch gillnet and trapnet catch. Walleye fry have been stocked into Green with mostly Spicer and Pike River strains of varied amounts (0.5 to 2.5 million fish) from 2000-2013. Approximately 1 million Spicer strain fry were recently stocked in 2016 and 2018. Oxytetracycline "OTC" marked fry were stocked in Green during 2000-2013, 2016 and 2018. Various combinations of Walleye fingerlings, yearlings, or adults were stocked annually (2,000-4,000 pounds/year) from 2000-2017 into Green Lake. Pike River was the primary Walleye fingerling strain that was available and stocked into Green from 2000-2014. Spicer Area Walleye fingerling rearing ponds have been stocked with primarily the Spicer strain since 2015. Marked (fin clipped) Walleye adults and yearlings were stocked at (1,700-7,700 fish/per year) during 2017, 2020 and 2021. Low numbers of fin clipped adults and yearlings (200-450 fish/year) were stocked in 2022-2024. Abundant YOY Walleye numbers (45.00 YOY/hour, 6.34 inches) due to natural reproductions were captured in the 2024 fall nigh electrofishing survey. Abundant numbers of combined Yearling and 2-year-old Walleye (14.00 fish/hour, 9.56 inches) were also captured in the 2024 fall night electrofishing survey. Moderate YOY Walleye numbers (23.40 YOY/hour, 5.13 inches) due to natural reproduction were captured in 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. Yearling Walleye numbers were abundant (31.20 fish/hour, 7.51 inches) in the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. Growth was slow for the 2022 year class in 2023. YOY Walleye numbers were abundant (65.54 YOY/hour, 5.24 inches) due to natural reproduction in the 2022 fall electrofishing survey. The 2022 fall electrofishing survey had the highest historical recorded YOY Walleye catch rate for Green Lake. Young of Year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye numbers due to natural reproduction were moderate (10.50 YOY/hour, 7.39 inches) in 2021. YOY Walleye were absent in the 2020 fall electrofishing survey. Low YOY Walleye numbers (<5.00 YOY/hour) were captured in 2013-2019 fall electrofishing surveys. Moderate YOY Walleye numbers were captured in 2012 (12.00 YOY/hour, 6.87 inches) and 2011 (31.00 YOY/hour, 6.46 inches average length) fall electrofishing surveys. OTC marked fry captured as fingerlings comprised 40% of the 2013 and 55% of the 2012 fall electrofishing survey catches. OTC marked YOY Walleye (fry stocked) comprised 63.3% (19.62 YOY/hour) of the 2011 fall YOY Walleye survey catch. Walleye gillnet catch rate (9.67 fish/gillnet) was moderate in 2024. The historical average gillnet catch (1979-present) is 8.34 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate (1.37 pounds and 14.62 inches). The historical average length is 14.96 inches. Approximately 50% of the Walleye were 15.00 inches or larger in 2024. The largest Walleye captured was 26.65 inches in 2024. Walleye growth rates were within or above the Green Lake normal ranges for ages 1-8, but generally below the normal ranges compared to other Spicer Area Lakes. Walleye year classes have been due mostly to stocking from 2001-2020. Walleye natural reproduction has been primarily responsible for the 2021-2024 year classes. The 2024 Walleye fall standard survey catch was comprised of 2012 (<1%), 2013 (0%), 2014 (1%), 2015 (3%), 2016 (0%) and 2017 (3%), 2018 (5%), 2019 (22%), 2020 (3%), 2021 (18%), 2022 (36%), 2023 (5%) and 2024 (1%) year classes. Fin clipped Walleye accounted for 34% of the 2019 year class in 2024 survey nets which was comparable to previous surveys from 2021-23. Zebra Mussels may negatively affect future Walleye fry stockings or natural reproduction/recruitment by reducing zooplankton food availability, thus causing poor survivability or growth. However, if benthic forage species such as Yellow Perch begin to rebound as indicated in 2024 survey nets, then yearling/adult Walleye recruitment and growth may also respond positively. It is encouraging that good Walleye natural reproduction success was documented in 2022-2024. If fingerling survival to adult size becomes poor, then continued Walleye yearling stockings may be necessary to maintain adequate Walleye numbers in Green. The new Walleye bag limit was reduced from six to three fish on Green Lake in 2021. Only 1 Walleye over 20 inches is allowed. Other species captured during the 2024 fall standard survey included low numbers of White Sucker (0.42 fish/gillnet), Common Carp (0.13 fish/trapnet), Hybrid Sunfish (4.27 fish/trapnet), Pumpkinseed Sunfish (0.47 fish/trapnet) and Bigmouth Buffalo (0.33 fish/trapnet). Abundant numbers of moderate sized Yellow Bullhead (7.67 fish/gillnet, 1.06 pounds) were also captured in the 2024 fall standard survey. We also caught two Muskellunge (40.00 inches plus) in the 2024 fall electrofishing survey. Current fish management activities on Green Lake include monitoring the fish population on an annual basis, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel with invasive species monitoring and education, protecting native aquatic vegetation through the permit process, participating in local watershed initiatives to maintain or improve water quality, and stocking Walleye to meet long-range goals. The Green Lake fishery will be sampled in the fall of 2025 for YOY Walleye abundance by electrofishing, and mid-September of 2025 for all fish species by standard survey nets. Tullibee will be sampled by November gillnetting in 2025 for both Green and Koronis.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Green Lake was conducted on August 12-14, 2024, by DNR Fisheries 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 22 stations and a 15-foot seine at 2 stations. Nearshore sampling captured 25 species of fish (33 species combined with gillnets and trapnets) including 10 species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Cisco, Iowa Darter, Logperch, Longnose Dace, Pugnose Shiner, Rock Bass and Smallmouth Bass) and 6 that are tolerant of disturbance (Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Fathead Minnow, Green Sunfish, and Orangespotted Sunfish). Eight other species were captured in the gillnet and trapnet survey (Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Northern Pike, Cisco, Walleye, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead), but not in the nearshore survey. The Green Lake nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a 2024 standard survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. FIBI tool 2 was used for scoring and resulted in an FIBI score of 51 which is above the impairment threshold (45). Previous FIBI scores included 62 in 2012 and 50 in 2016. Catches comprised the presence of various intolerant, small benthic and insectivore species all of which contributed positively to present and past FIBI scores. 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., Cisco), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead). 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 Minnesota DNR website https://www.dnr.state.mn.us. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the North Fork Crow River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

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

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

Green has a maximum depth of 110 feet and a mean depth of 21 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Green is from 2025.

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