Florida

A standard survey of Lake Florida was conducted in July of 2024. 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). Special regulations for several area lakes (Nest, Long (Hawick, Minnesota), Diamond, George and Florida) currently entail reduced bag limits (i.e., 5 or 10 fish) for Sunfish or Crappie. Special regulations for Florida entail reduced bag limits of ten fish for Sunfish. Florida is a moderately sized (705 acres), moderately deep (40 feet maximum), and low to moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Two public access sites are present on Florida with one boat ramp along the north side (DNR) and one shore fishing site on the west side. The shore fishing site is located on the west side of the outlet dike area (DNR owned). A concrete shore fishing structure was installed at this site in 2009. Residential development has occurred throughout the entire shoreline area with the exception of a small portion of the south side. There are approximately 220 homes (2010 survey) and one resort. Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center is located near the southeast shoreline area. The immediate shoreline area is mostly residential development with lesser amounts of wetlands and hardwoods. The surrounding watershed consists of marshlands, croplands, and hardwoods with some pasture and grasslands. Florida is connected to several periodic winterkill (Florida Slough Lake, Crook) and non-winterkill lakes (Norway, Games, Andrew) via Shakopee Creek. The outlet is a fixed concrete sill with a swinging metal finger barrier. It flows into the wetland/creek complex known as the Florida Sloughs on the southwest corner of the lake. It can also act as an inlet depending upon corresponding water levels in Shakopee Creek and Florida. Shakopee Creek outflows from Lake Andrew through the Florida Sloughs, several other shallow basins and eventually into the Chippewa River. Water levels were above normal during 2024 survey. Emergent vegetation (bulrush) is sparse in Florida. Dissolved oxygen was above 4.0 ppm at depths down to 24 feet. Water clarity was good (secchi reading=9.0 feet) during the July survey. Submergent and macro algae vegetation species present include bladderwort, clasping-leaf pondweed, Frie's pondweed, sago pondweed, coontail, floating pondweed, white water buttercup, water moss, northern milfoil, Eurasian water milfoil, muskgrass and curly-leaf pondweed within the lake at various densities. Currently, scattered Eurasian watermilfoil and native submergent species stands were also present along the break line (>10 feet deep) areas. Eurasian watermilfoil has been in Florida since 2009. It is providing added habitat for Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye and Northern Pike. Zebra Mussels were found in Florida during 2016. Zebra mussel abundance levels are moderate to low in Florida. Shoalwater substrates are primarily sand, gravel and rubble along with a few areas with silt, detritus, and clay. Scattered boulders are also present along the shoreline. Although natural rock habitat is generally lacking, there are abundant docks and boat lifts for potential zebra mussel attachment surfaces in Florida. Florida lies within the larger Chippewa River Watershed District and sub watershed of Upper Shakopee Creek. The Chippewa River Watershed District was the lead agency for coordinating: nutrient reduction measures, protection from invasive species, information/education, storm water management and the Shakopee Creek Headwaters Project prior to 2019. The local Soil Water Conservation District is currently the lead agency. A comprehensive set of in-lake and watershed projects since the mid-1990's have been conducted/proposed as part of the Shakopee Creek Headwaters Project (e.g., lakeshore re-vegetation demonstration sites, buffer strips and grassed waterways, wetland restorations, septic system upgrades, livestock exclusion projects and other various agricultural and shoreland best management practice implementations) to reduce nutrient, bacteria and sediment inputs. The Shakopee Creek Headwaters Project was composed of individuals representing several lake associations (Florida, Norway & Games and Andrew), private landowners and various government agency personnel in order more efficiently enact beneficial watershed projects. Thus far, DNR Fisheries has provided assistance with lakeshore re-vegetation and water quality monitoring projects within the watershed. Black Crappie abundance was low in 2024 (0.80 fish/trapnet). The Black Crappie trapnet historical average catch rate is 1.70 fish/trapnet. The Black Crappie catch rate from the 2024 gillnets (1.25 fish/gillnet) was similar to the historical average (1.08 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Black Crappie average size was moderate in trapnets (0.52 pounds and 8.87 inches), but large in gillnets (0.89 pounds, 11.57 inches). The Black Crappie historical average weight is 0.32 pounds and 0.57 pounds from trapnets and gillnets respectively. The largest Black Crappie captured was 12.68 inches. Bluegill abundance was low in 2024 (13.80 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (34.96 fish/trapnet) in Florida. The 2024 Bluegill average size was moderate (0.19 pounds and 5.95 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.15 pounds from trapnets. The largest Bluegill captured was 8.74 inches. Approximately 10% of the Bluegill were 8.00 inches and larger from gillnets and trapnets combined. A special regulation bag limit of 10 Sunfish is currently in place for Florida. Largemouth Bass abundance was moderate in 2024 (3.75 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Largemouth Bass average size was moderate (0.90 pounds and 11.13 inches) from gillnets. The largest Largemouth Bass captured was 15.55 inches. Spring electrofishing was not conducted in 2024. A post spawn Largemouth Bass night electrofishing survey was conducted during mid-June of 2019. Sampling was done at 6 representative sampling stations. Abundant numbers of Largemouth Bass were captured (37.00 fish/hour, 1.34 pound and 12.57 inches average length) in the 2019 June electrofishing survey. A pre-spawn night electrofishing survey for Largemouth Bass in Florida was last done during 2001 (17.59 fish/hour and 9.4 inches average length). Northern Pike abundance was high in 2024 (19.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (9.27 fish/gillnet). The highest Northern Pike catch rate occurred in 2015 (25.67 fish/gillnet, 19.42 inches). The 2024 Northern Pike size was small (2.01 pounds and 20.79 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 2.13 pounds from gillnets. The largest Northern Pike captured was 31.85 inches. Approximately 12% of the Northern Pike were 24.00 inches or larger from gillnets and trapnets combined. Northern Pike growth rates were below normal for ages 1-6 compared to area lakes. The 2022 year class comprised 48% of the 2024 Northern Pike gillnet and trapnet catch. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Florida 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. Walleye abundance was high in 2024 (13.25 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (8.36 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate (1.77 pounds and 16.43 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.88 pounds from gillnets. The largest Walleye captured was 26.57 inches. Approximately 60% of the Walleye were 15.00 inches or larger from gillnets and trapnets combined. Walleye growth rates were slightly below normal for ages 3-7 compared to area lakes. Three Walleye year classes that comprised the majority of the 2024 gillnet and trapnet catch included 2022 (36%), 2017 (31%) and 2019 (10%). The Walleye population is due primarily to stocking. Young of year "YOY" Walleye abundance was low or absent (fry stocked years) in 2017 (20.57 YOY/hour, 6.22 inches), 2019 (2.40 YOY/hour, 5.24 inches) and 2023 (0.0 YOY/hour) fall electrofishing surveys. Florida was recently stocked with Walleye in 2017 (256,823 fry; 18,170 fingerlings, 1,069 pounds), 2019 (267,702 fry; 12,621 fingerlings, 1,160 pounds; 126 adults/yearlings, 28 pounds), 2021 (3,845 fingerlings, 751 pound; 174 adults, 74.5 pounds), 2023 (201,248 fry; 11,078 fingerlings, 501 pounds; 160 yearlings, 34 pounds; 10 adults, 10 pounds) and 2024 (4,828 fingerlings, 653 pounds; 4 yearlings, 2 pounds; 9 adults, 6 pounds). Yellow Perch abundance was low in 2024 (4.50 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (30.42 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.09 pounds and 5.88 inches) from gillnets. The Yellow Perch historical average weight is 0.13 pounds from gillnets. There were no Yellow Perch 8.00 inches or larger present in the 2024 survey nets. Yellow Perch growth rates were below normal for ages 1-3 compared to area lakes. The 2021 year class comprised 100% of the 2024 Yellow Perch gillnet and trapnet catch. Freshwater Drum abundance was low in 2024 (1.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (6.09 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Freshwater Drum average size was large (4.86 pounds and 21.51 inches) from gillnets. The Freshwater Drum historical average weight is 2.15 pounds from gillnets. Freshwater Drum are an under-utilized food fish. They are good to eat if prepared properly, especially if the small amounts of red and belly fat meat are trimmed from the fillets. Freshwater Drum are an excellent choice for a fish fry since they can be easy to catch in high numbers. Many good Freshwater Drum recipes can be located on the internet by searching "drum recipes".

A targeted fall night electrofishing survey for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye on Florida was conducted during September 19, 2023. Three stations were sampled for a total of 30 minutes. Submergent vegetation densities were moderate. Water clarity was moderate (2.3 feet). We observed abundant numbers of Largemouth Bass, Shiners/Darters, Black Crappie and Bluegill. 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). Florida is a moderate sized (705 acres), moderate depth (40 feet maximum), good water clarity (10 feet secchi on 7/8/19), and moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Submergent and emergent aquatic vegetation species are abundant within Florida. Invasive species such as Eurasian Watermilfoil (2009) and Zebra Mussels (2016) are present in Florida. There are abundant numbers of Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike during most years in Florida. The Walleye population in past years for Florida was due primarily to fingerling or yearling stockings based on previous surveys. Moderate adult Walleye numbers (5.33 fish/gillnet) were caught in the 2019 summer survey. Multiple year classes (2017, 2016 and 2014) comprised 63% of the 2019 Walleye summer survey catch. Although past Walleye fingerlings stockings have been successful, a less expensive Walleye fry stocking was attempted in 2017. Additional fry stockings occurred in 2019, 2021 and 2023 in order to evaluate a change in Walleye stocking strategies for Florida and several other area lakes (Games, Andrew, Monson and Eagle). Walleye fingerling/yearling stockings are contingent the same year if the fry stockings are unsuccessful as documented by fall electrofishing. Florida was recently stocked with Walleye in 2009 (16,632 fingerlings, 927 pounds), 2010 (4,740 yearlings, 158 pounds), 2011 (19,233 fingerlings, 965 pounds; 1,410 yearlings, 290 pounds), 2013 (23,502 fingerlings, 1,130 pounds), 2015 (113 fingerlings, 21 pounds; 3,943 yearlings, 1,597 pounds; 76 adults, 63 pounds), 2017 (256,823 Spicer strain fry; 18,170 fingerlings, 1,069 pounds), 2019 (267,702 Spicer strain fry; 12,421 fingerlings, 1,160 pounds; 126 adults, 28 pounds), 2021 (267,702 Spicer strain fry; 2,945 fingerlings, 351 pounds; 174 adults, 75 pounds) and 2023 (201,248 fry; 1,078 fingerlings, 501 pounds; 160 yearlings, 34 pounds; 10 adults, 10 pounds). Walleye fry were stocked from a truck fish tank with a stocking tube at the Lake Florida public access site, unlike successful (>50 YOY/hour) fry stocked lakes such as Games and Andrew. These successful lakes were stocked by boat with 5-6 jugs (each 5 gallon size jug containing oxygen, water and fry) in the deeper portion near the middle of the lake during 2017. Predation upon fry by other fish (i.e. Bluegill or other species) may be greater in the near shore areas of moderate to excellent clarity lakes like Andrew, Games and Florida. Both fry stocking methods have been successful in shallow and turbid lakes during the past. However, Walleye fry had poor results when stocked in the middle and deepest part of Florida during 2023 and 2019, but were successful in Andrew. No YOY or Yearling Walleye were captured in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. Low numbers of 2+ age fish were captured. Low YOY Walleye numbers were caught in 2019 (2.40 YOY/hour, 5.24 inches) and 2017 (20.57 YOY/hour, 6.22 inches average length) fall night electrofishing surveys as compared to other Spicer Area lakes. However, YOY Walleye catch rates of 10-30 fish per hour may be adequate for providing a moderate year class in larger or clearer lakes. Two prior fall electrofishing surveys were conducted during the mid 1990's, but no YOY Walleye were caught. Current fish management activities on Florida include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, protecting native aquatic vegetation through the permit process, participating in local watershed initiatives, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Florida fishery will be surveyed in the 2024 summer for all fish species.

A targeted survey was conducted on Florida during May 30 to June 1, 2023 as part of the ongoing statewide Quality Sunfish Initiative. Ten standard lake survey trapnets were set at historical stations to target Bluegill. Special regulations for several area lakes (Nest, Long (Hawick, Minnesota), Diamond, George and Florida) currently entail reduced bag limits (i.e., 5 or 10 fish) for Sunfish or Crappie. The Florida regulation is a ten Sunfish bag limit. Submergent vegetation densities were moderate. 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). Trapnet sampling pre-spawn Bluegill during early/mid-May or September is preferred to summer (June-August) netting for regulation evaluation. Florida is a moderate sized (705 acres), moderate depth (40 feet maximum), good water clarity (10 feet secchi on 7/21/15), and moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Submergent and emergent aquatic vegetation species are abundant within Florida. Invasive species such as Eurasian Watermilfoil (2009) and Zebra Mussels (2016) are present in Florida. There are abundant numbers of Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike during most years in Florida. Bluegill numbers were abundant (53.20 fish/trapnet) in the late May 2023 survey. The Bluegill average size was moderate (0.24 pounds and 6.38 inches). The Bluegill catch rate of quality size (6.00 inches plus) was moderate (28.40 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill catch rate of preferred size (8.00 inches plus) was low (3.00 fish/trapnet). The 2020 year class comprised 29% of the 2023 Bluegill catch. Other moderate year classes included 2017 (18%) and 2018 (21%). Bluegill growth rates in 2023 were similar to the 2019 survey. Growth rates were slow for ages 1-4, but moderate for ages 5-8 compared to local lakes. Pumpkinseed Sunfish numbers were low (3.00 fish/trapnet) in 2023. The Pumpkinseed average size was large (0.30 pounds, 6.78 inches) in 2023. Hybrid Sunfish numbers were also low (1.10 fish/trapnet) in 2023. The Hybrid Sunfish average size was small (0.10 pounds, 4.92 inches). Both Pumpkinseed and Hybrid Sunfish numbers were low (0.20 fish/trapnet) in a 2019 July standard survey. Current fish management activities on Florida include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, evaluating the Sunfish special regulation, protecting native aquatic vegetation through the permit process, participating in local watershed initiatives, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Florida fishery will be surveyed in the 2024 summer for all fish species.

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

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

Florida has a maximum depth of 40 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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