Monongalia Lake

A targeted trapnet survey of Middle Fork Crow Reservoir "MFCR", also known as Monongalia or Mud Lake, was conducted in early June of 2023. The purpose of the survey was to determine the extent of a partial winterkill in February/March of 2023. Four lake survey trapnets were set at standard stations. At least one trapnet was set in each major basin (Mill Pond, Lower Reservoir, Upper Reservoir and Mud). The surface water temperature was 78.6 F. The water was slightly turbid with a brown stained color. Submergent vegetation density was light. Moderate stands of yellow waterlily were present. Filamentous algae blooms were not apparent during the 2023 early June survey unlike other years. 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). MFCR is a large (1,565 acres) and productive reservoir located in Kandiyohi County with three distinct basins starting upstream to downstream which includes: Mud Lake also known as Monongalia, the reservoir, and the Mill Pond located within the City of New London. In addition, there are multiple smaller bays within these basins. The MFCR maximum depth is 14 feet, which occurs in the Mill Pond basin near the New London Dam. The depth in Mud Lake basin is usually less than 4 feet. The reservoir basin maximum depth is about 6 feet deep. Water quality (total phosphorus=0.036 mg/l) was moderate during June of 2013 for MFCR. Water clarity was good (6.5 feet) on June 8, 2023. A helixor aeration system operates in the mid-portion of the reservoir basin during the winter months. It is adequate at maintaining oxygen levels during mild or low snowfall winters. However, both partial and significant winterkills have been frequent occurrences during winters with abundant snowfall accumulations. The present aeration system is unable to maintain adequate oxygen during these winters due to the large upstream volume of low/no oxygenated water flowing thru the aeration site and downstream portions of the reservoir. Installing a functional aeration system upstream on the Mud basin that maintains adequate oxygen levels is not feasible due to poor bottom substrates (muck), shallow depth, abundant decaying vegetation, poor accessibility, and large size. Low dissolved oxygen often releases high levels of hydrogen sulfide from the sediments during the late winter/early spring months for MFCR basins. Winter oxygen levels in MFCR were adequate from 2014-2018. However, significant snowfall in February of 2019 resulted in rapid depleted oxygen levels and probable winterkill. Winter dissolved oxygen levels were also low (1-2 ppm) during January/February of 2019, 2020 and 2022. Winter oxygen levels were less than 1 ppm in late February and early March of 2023. Sporadic numbers and species of dead fish were noted after ice out during these same years. The aeration system was operated in 2022-2023 winter. The 2023-24 winter was mild. The aeration system was not operated in 2023-24 winter. Various fish species were captured in the four standard lake survey trapnets for the MFCR June survey. Yellow Bullhead were the most numerous fish species present with 24.25 fish/trapnet and average size of 8.25 inches. Black Bullhead numbers were low (4.00 fish/trapnet, 7.43 inches). Pumpkinseed were captured in low numbers (4.50 fish/trapnet, 5.73 inches) during 2023. Northern Pike numbers (2.75 fish/trapnet, 21.80 inches) were moderate in the 2023 trapnets. The largest Northern Pike captured was 30.55 inches. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for MFCR in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two pike longer than 26.0 inches; and all from 22.0 to 26.0 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one pike may be between 22.0 and 26.0 inches or two larger than 26.0 inches. Other species captured included low numbers of Black Crappie and Bowfin. No Bluegill or Largemouth Bass were captured in the 2023 trapnets. Walleye were also absent from the 2023 trapnet survey. A local fishing tournament held on June 10, 2023 yielded moderate numbers of Northern Pike (66 fish, 5.5 pounds average) and low numbers of Largemouth Bass (3 fish, 1.42 pounds average). Although a partial winterkill occurred, it appears that adequate numbers of gamefish survived the 2022-23 winter. Current fish management activities on MFCR include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen levels, assisting local residents and Kandiyohi County in the operation of the aeration system, protecting native aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, participating in local watershed initiatives, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The MFCR fishery will be assessed in the 2027 summer for all fish species.

A standard survey of Middle Fork Crow Reservoir "MFCR", also known as Monongalia or Mud Lake, was conducted in late May of 2018. A representative spring day electrofishing survey was conducted for Largemouth Bass during mid-June of 2018. 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). MFCR is a large (2,271 acres) and productive reservoir located in Kandiyohi County with three distinct basins starting upstream to downstream include: Mud Lake also known as Monongalia, the reservoir, and the Mill Pond located within the City of New London. The MFCR maximum depth is 14 feet, which occurs in the Mill Pond basin near the New London Dam. The depth in Mud Lake basin is usually less than 4 feet. The reservoir basin maximum depth is about 6 feet deep. Water quality (total phosphorus=0.036 mg/l) was moderate during June of 2013 for MFCR. Water clarity was good (9.0 feet) on May 29, 2018. A helixor aeration system operates in the mid-portion of the reservoir basin during the winter months. It is adequate at maintaining oxygen levels during mild or low snowfall winters. However, both partial and significant winterkills have been frequent occurrences during winters with abundant snowfall accumulations. A partial winterkill occurred in late February of 2014, but few dead fish were observed in the 2014 spring. The present aeration system is unable to maintain adequate oxygen during these heavy snowfall winters due to the large upstream volume of low/no oxygenated water flowing thru the aeration site and downstream portions of the reservoir. Installing a functional aeration system upstream on the Mud basin that maintains adequate oxygen levels is not feasible due to poor bottom substrates (muck), shallow depth, abundant decaying vegetation, poor accessibility and large size. Low dissolved oxygen often releases of high levels of hydrogen sulfide from the sediments during the late winter/early spring months for MFCR basins. Winter oxygen levels in MFCR were adequate from 2015-2018. Oxygen levels were high during January of 2019. However, significant snowfall in February of 2019 resulted in rapid depleted oxygen levels for MFCR and other shallow basins. A partial winterkill of Common Carp and low numbers of gamefish occurred, but spring test netting yielded decent numbers of gamefish (Northern Pike) and panfish (Bluegill, Pumpkinseed Sunfish and Black Crappie) in early May of 2019. Residential development (176 homes/cabins) has occurred primarily along the west shoreline and bay areas of the reservoir portion adjacent to the city of New London. There are four public access sites located adjacent to the MFCR basins, which include one on the north shore of Mud Lake basin, two adjacent to the reservoir basin and one on the Mill Pond basin. Storm water and residential lawn runoff from the city of New London and residential homes enters the reservoir portion. Agricultural row crop drainage into the MFCR occurs via several inlets/tiles, but mostly into the Mud Lake basin. The Middle Fork Crow River enters Mud Lake basin near the north shore, flows through Mud and into the reservoir basin, then Mill Pond, and eventually outlets at the New London Dam (southwest portion of Mill Pond). The New London Dam was replaced in 2010. It is a formidable fish barrier and is classified as a high hazard dam. Water levels have been relatively stable in the reservoir in recent years. The Middle Fork Crow River eventually flows into Nest Lake, Green Lake, Calhoun and connects to the North Fork Crow River near Manannah, Minnesota. Emergent vegetation (cattail species, bulrush species, wild rice, waterlily species, etc.) densities were prevalent within the MFCR, especially in the Mud Lake basin. Submergent vegetation species are varied and often dense within the basins. Submergent vegetation densities were moderate in May of 2018, but dense during June of 2018. Submergent vegetation densities were lower in 2013 and 2008, but high in 2003 especially within the Mud Lake basin. Boat travel was almost impossible during 2003 due to abundant vegetation, unlike 2013. Approximately 40 species/groups of aquatic vegetation were observed during the 2013 vegetation transect survey. The most commonly occurring submergent species present within the MFCR basins were water celery, sago pondweed, coontail, clasping-leaf pondweed and northern milfoil. Other abundant algal/floating/submergent species observed included muskgrass, lesser duckweed and various pondweed species. Intense filamentous algae blooms are common by late June to early July. The most commonly occurring substrates included sand, detritus, muck, and silt. MFCR is also a popular fishery for Northern Pike, sunfish and largemouth bass. Largemouth Bass numbers were low to moderate (14.00 fish/hour) in a daytime electrofishing survey conducted during mid-June of 2018. Largemouth Bass average size was small (0.39 pounds and 7.8 inches) from the 2018 electrofishing survey. Submergent and emergent (lily pads, bulrush, etc.) vegetation was dense during the electrofishing survey. Black Crappie numbers were low in 2018 (0.50 fish/trapnet). The Black Crappie historical average catch rate was 0.74 fish/trapnet. There were low numbers of Black Crappie (1.67 fish/gillnet) captured in the 2018 gillnets. The 2018 Black Crappie average size was small (0.25 pounds and 7.6 inches) from trapnets. The 2015 Black Crappie year class comprised 75% of the 2018 total Black Crappie catch. Black Crappie adults were most recently stocked in 2008 (468 fish, 117 pounds), 2010 (1,056 fish, 264 pounds) and 2011 (944 fish, 236 pounds). Northern Pike numbers were abundant in 2018 (10.67 fish/gillnet) compared to similar lakes. The Northern Pike historical average catch rate is 9.82 fish/gillnet. The 2018 Northern Pike average size (2.47 pounds and 21.7 inches) was small, but above the historical average (1.60 pounds) from gillnets. Northern Pike growth rates below average. The 2014 year class comprised 21% of the 2018 Northern Pike catch. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for MFCR in the North-central Zone are as follows: 10 (Not more than 2 over 26". All from 22-26" must be immediately released.) by angling; 10 (only 1 Northern Pike between 22-26" and 1 over 26"; or 2 over 26") by dark house spearing. Yellow Perch numbers were low in 2018 (0.33 fish/gillnet) The 2018 Yellow Perch average weight (0.08 pounds) was small. Yellow Perch were recently stocked in the 2013 fall (13,494 fish, 519 pounds), 2015 (2,742 fish, 614 pounds) and 2018 (360 fish, 90 pounds). Walleye abundance in 2018 (4.67 fish/gillnet) was above the historical average (2.23 fish/gillnet). The 2018 Walleye average size was large (3.67 pounds and 20.7 inches). Walleye growth rates were above average. The 2013 and 2014 year classes comprised 40% and 33% respectively of the 2018 Walleye catch. MFCR was stocked recently with approximately 500,000 Walleye fry per year in 2009-2011, 100,000 fry in 2012, 765,000 fry in 2013 and 1,160,000 fry in 2014. Bluegill numbers were abundant in 2018 (40.00 fish/trapnet) compared to similar lakes and the historical average (11.46 fish/trapnet). The 2018 Bluegill average size was moderate (0.17 pounds and 6.0 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.23 pounds from trapnets. The 2018 catch rate of quality size (6.0 inches and larger) Bluegill was high at 15.47 fish/trapnet. The 2018 catch rate of preferred size (8.0 inches and larger) Bluegill was moderate at 2.78 fish/trapnet. Bluegill growth rates in MFCR were moderate for ages 1-8. The 2015 year class comprised 37% of the 2018 Bluegill catch. Bluegill adults were last stocked in 2004 (1,365 fish, 195 pounds). Pumpkinseed Sunfish numbers were abundant in 2018 (25.36 fish/trapnet) compared to similar lakes. The Pumpkinseed Sunfish historical average catch rate is 9.25 fish/trapnet. The 2018 Pumpkinseed Sunfish average length and weight were 5.5 inches and 0.16 pounds. The Pumpkinseed Sunfish historical average weight is 0.18 pounds. Hybrid Sunfish abundance in 2018 (1.79 fish/trapnet) was below the historical average (1.95 fish/trapnet). The Hybrid Sunfish average size was 7.2 inches and 0.38 pounds in 2018. The Hybrid Sunfish historical average weight is 0.35 pounds in MFCR. Black Bullhead numbers were abundant in 2018 (61.00 fish/gillnet). The Black Bullhead historical average catch rate is 41.06 fish/gillnet for MFCR. The 2018 Black Bullhead average weight was 0.20 pounds from gillnets. The Black Bullhead historical average weight is 0.25 pounds from gillnets. Yellow Bullhead numbers were moderately abundant in 2018 (11.50 fish/trapnet). The 2018 Yellow Bullhead average weight was 0.29 pounds. The Yellow Bullhead historical average weight is 0.30 pounds. Other fish species of special interest captured in the 2018 included moderate numbers of Common Carp (1.14 fish/trapnet) and White Sucker (1.67 fish/gillnet). The Common Carp and White Sucker historical average catch rates were 2.80 Common Carp/trapnet and 2.58 White Sucker/gillnet. The 2018 Common Carp and White Sucker average weights were 8.96 pounds and 2.02 pounds respectively. The Common Carp and White Sucker historical average weights were 9.10 pounds and 2.29 pounds respectively. Current fish management activities on MFCR include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen levels, assisting local residents and Kandiyohi County in the operation of the aeration system, protecting native aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, participating in local watershed initiatives, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The MFCR fishery will be assessed in the 2023 summer for all fish species.

A resurvey of Middle Fork Crow Reservoir "MFCR", also known as Monongalia or Mud Lake, was conducted in June of 2013. MFCR is a large (1,565 acres) and productive reservoir located in Kandiyohi County with three distinct basins starting upstream to downstream include: Mud Lake also known as Monongalia, the reservoir, and the Mill Pond located within the city limits of New London. Residential development (176 homes/cabins) has occurred primarily along the west shoreline and bay areas of the reservoir portion adjacent to the city of New London. There are four public access sites located adjacent to the MFCR basins, which include one on the north shore of Mud Lake basin, two adjacent to the reservoir basin and one on the Mill Pond basin. The MFCR maximum depth is 14 feet, which occurs in the Mill Pond basin near the New London Dam. The depth in Mud Lake basin is usually less than 4 feet with abundant aquatic vegetation and limited development. The reservoir basin maximum depth is about 6 feet deep with development primarily along the west shores with relatively undeveloped hardwoods and wetlands along the east shore. Water quality (total phosphorus=0.036 mg/l) was moderate during June of 2013 for MFCR. Water clarity was moderate (7.6 feet) during June of 2013. A helixor aeration system operates in the mid-portion of the reservoir basin during the winter months. Partial winterkills are frequent occurrences during winters with abundant snowfall accumulations. Low dissolved oxygen and the release of high levels of hydrogen sulfide can also be persistent problems during the late winter/early spring months for MFCR basins. Storm water and residential lawn runoff from the city of New London and residential homes enters the reservoir portion. Agricultural row crop drainage into the MFCR occurs via several inlets/tiles, but mostly into the Mud Lake basin. The Middle Fork Crow River enters Mud Lake basin near the north shore, flows through Mud and into the reservoir basin, then Mill Pond, and eventually outlets at the New London Dam (southwest portion of Mill Pond). The New London Dam was replaced in 2010. It is a formidable fish barrier and is classified as a high hazard dam. The Middle Fork Crow River eventually flows into Nest Lake, Green Lake and Calhoun. Emergent vegetation (cattail species, wild rice, waterlily species, etc.) densities were prevalent within the MFCR, especially in the Mud Lake basin. Submergent vegetation species are varied and often dense within the basins. Submergent vegetation densities were lower in 2013 and 2008 compared to 2003, especially within the Mud Lake basin. Boat travel was almost impossible during 2003 due to abundant vegetation, unlike 2013. Approximately 40 species/groups of aquatic vegetation were observed during the 2013 vegetation transect survey. The most commonly occurring submergent species present within the MFCR basins were water celery, sago pondweed, coontail, clasping-leaf pondweed and northern milfoil. Other abundant algal/floating/submergent species observed included muskgrass, lesser duckweed and various pondweed species. Intense filamentous algae blooms are common by early July. The most commonly occurring substrates included sand, detritus, muck, and silt. MFCR is also a popular fishery for northern pike, sunfish and largemouth bass. Largemouth bass were not captured in either gillnets or trapnets during the 2013 or 2008 MFCR resurveys. Largemouth bass were captured in low numbers during other previous surveys and assessments. Black crappie numbers were low in 2013 (0.93 fish/trapnet) compared to the normal range for similar lakes. The black crappie gillnet historical average catch rate was 0.78 fish/trapnet. The 2013 black crappie average size was moderate (0.44 pounds and 8.64 inches) from trapnets. Black crappie growth rates in MFCR were below the Spicer Area normal range for age 1 and near upper ends of the normal ranges for ages 2-6. The 2011 black crappie year class comprised 50% of the 2013 total black crappie catch. Black crappie adults were recently stocked in 2008 (468 fish, 117 pounds), 2010 (1,056 fish, 264 pounds) and 2011 (944 fish, 236 pounds). Northern pike numbers were high in 2013 (11.23 fish/gillnet) compared to the normal range of similar lakes and the MFCR historical average (9.68 fish/gillnet). The 2013 northern pike average size was small (1.68 pounds and 19.10 inches) from gillnets. Abundant stunted northern pike numbers have been the norm due to abundant spawning habitat and limited preferred prey species (yellow perch). The northern pike historical average weight is 1.46 pounds from gillnets. The 2013 catch rate of northern pike >21 inches was fair (2.67 fish/gillnet). However, the 2013 catch rate of larger (>28 inches) northern pike was low (0.20 fish/gillnet). Northern pike growth rates in MFCR were below the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-8. The 2011 and 2010 year classes comprised 54% and 20% of the 2013 northern pike catch. Yellow perch numbers were low in 2013 (0.67 fish/gillnet) compared to the normal range of similar lakes and the historical average (3.29 fish/gillnet). The 2013 yellow perch average weight (0.17 pounds) was moderate from gillnets. Yellow perch growth rates in MFCR were below the Spicer Area normal range for age 1, but within the normal ranges for ages 2-5. The 2007-10 year classes each comprised 33% of the 2013 yellow perch catch. Yellow perch were recently stocked in the 2013 fall (13,494 fish, 519 pounds). Walleye numbers were low in 2013 (2.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the normal range for similar lakes. The walleye historical catch rate is 1.83 fish/gillnet. The walleye average size was moderately large (2.00 pounds and 17.59 inches) in 2013. The walleye historical average weight is 2.10 pounds from gillnets. Walleye growth rates were above the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-5. The 2010 year class comprised 43% of the 2013 walleye catch. MFCR was stocked recently with 0.5 million walleye fry per year during 2009-2011 and 0.1 million fry during 2012. Bluegill numbers were low in 2013 (0.40 fish/trapnet) compared to the normal range of similar lakes and the MFCR historical average (6.70 fish/trapnet). The 2013 bluegill average size was large (0.35 pounds and 6.76 inches) from trapnets. The bluegill historical average weight is 0.24 pounds from trapnets. Bluegill growth rates in MFCR were above the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-7. The 2011 and 2010 year classes comprised 50% and 33% respectively of the 2013 bluegill catch. Bluegill adults were last stocked in 2004 (1,365 fish, 195 pounds). Pumpkinseed sunfish numbers were abundant in 2013 (9.20 fish/trapnet) compared to the normal range of similar lakes. The pumpkinseed sunfish historical average catch rate is 6.56 fish/trapnet for MFCR. The 2013 MFCR pumpkinseed sunfish average size was moderate (6.39 inches and 0.24 pounds) from trapnets. Hybrid sunfish abundance in 2013 (1.07 fish/trapnet) was below the historical average (1.97 fish/trapnet) in MFCR. The hybrid sunfish average size was large (7.16 inches and 0.39 pounds) in 2013. Black bullhead numbers were abundant in 2013 (64.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the normal range of similar lakes. The black bullhead historical average catch rate is 37.74 fish/gillnet for MFCR. The 2013 black bullhead average size was small (0.21 pounds) from gillnets. Yellow bullhead numbers were also abundant in 2013 (13.67 fish/trapnet) compared to the normal range of similar lakes. The 2013 yellow bullhead average weight was moderate (0.37 pounds). Other fish species of interest captured in the 2013 included abundant numbers of carp (5.07 fish/trapnet) and moderate numbers of white sucker (2.33 fish/gillnet). The carp and white sucker historical average catch rates were 3.08 carp/trapnet and 2.74 white sucker/gillnet for MFCR. The 2013 carp and white sucker average weights were 5.91 pounds and 2.14 pounds respectively. Current fish management activities on MFCR include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen levels, assisting local residents and Kandiyohi County in the operation of the aeration system, protecting native aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, participating in local watershed initiatives, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The MFCR fishery will be assessed in the 2018 summer for all fish species.

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

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

Monongalia Lake has a maximum depth of 14 feet and a mean depth of 3.8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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