Games

A standard survey of Games Lake was conducted in early 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). Additional sampling conducted in 2024 included spring Largemouth Bass electrofishing and fall electrofishing for Young of Year "YOY" Walleye. Games Lake is a moderately sized (521 acres), moderately deep (42 feet maximum), and low to moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Games Lake is a popular recreational lake. A county park is located along the southeast shoreline. Residential development has occurred throughout the entire shoreline area with the exception of small portions of the south side, north side, and northwest bay. Two public access sites are present with one along the east side (DNR access) and another on the southeast side (county access). A 30 acre Aquatic Management Area "AMA" (acquired in 2003) is located along the north shore. A channel is present that connects Games Lake to Norway Lake and is conducive to boat navigation. Games Lake is also connected to several periodic winterkill (Swan, Henchien) and non-winterkill lakes (Andrew) via the outlet which eventually becomes Shakopee Creek. A low head dam is present at the outlet. Water levels were below normal early, above normal during mid-summer and normal by fall of 2024. Water clarity (secchi=4.5 feet) was poor for Games during the 2024 survey. Dissolved oxygen levels were above 5.0 ppm to depths of 16 feet. Emergent vegetation densities (bulrush, cattails, burreed, and arrowhead) are low to moderate in Games Lake occurring mostly in the northwest and east shore areas. Eurasian watermilfoil "EWM" was found along the west side of Games during 2014. EWM has been present in upstream Norway Lake since 2001. Submergent vegetation species (bladderwort, bushy pondweed, clasping-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flat-stem pondweed, muskgrass, coontail, water celery, sago pondweed, northern milfoil, etc.) are moderately abundant within the shallow areas (<15 feet deep). Shoalwater substrates consisted mostly of sand, gravel, rubble and silt. Zebra Mussels were first documented in Norway, Games and Andrew during 2018. Games 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 (1.20 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (4.26 fish/trapnet) for Games Lake. The 2024 Black Crappie gillnet catch rate (0.25 fish/gillnet) was also below the historical average (2.70 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Black Crappie average size was moderate (0.54 pounds and 9.51 inches) from trapnets. The Black Crappie historical average weight is 0.29 pounds from trapnets. The largest Black Crappie captured was 12.72 inches. Approximately 46% of the Black Crappie were 10.00 inches or larger from the 2024 survey nets. Black Crappie growth rates were within the normal ranges for ages 2-8 compared to area lakes. The 2020 year class comprised 46% of the Black Crappie summer survey catch in 2024. Bluegill abundance was moderate in 2024 (25.10 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (36.66 fish/trapnet) for Games Lake. The 2024 Bluegill average size was moderate (0.20 pounds and 6.19 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.11 pounds from trapnets. Bluegill growth rates were within the normal ranges for ages 1-6 compared to area lakes. The 2021 year class comprised 31% of the Bluegill summer survey catch in 2024. Largemouth Bass abundance was moderate (55.50 fish/hour) in the 2024 pre-spawn spring electrofishing survey. Largemouth Bass abundance was low (9.50 fish/hour) in the previous 2015 spring electrofishing survey. The 2024 Largemouth Bass average size was large (1.31 pounds and 12.97 inches) from spring electrofishing. The largest Largemouth Bass was 19.49 inches. Approximately 23% of the Largemouth Bass were 15.00 inches or larger from the spring electrofishing survey. Largemouth Bass growth rates were within or above the normal ranges for ages 2-8 compared to area lakes. The 2019 year class comprised 35% of the Largemouth Bass electrofishing survey catch in 2024. Northern Pike abundance low in 2024 (1.50 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (5.53 fish/gillnet) for Games Lake. The 2024 Northern Pike average size was moderate (2.94 pounds and 23.89 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 2.66 pounds from gillnets. The largest Northern Pike was 27.99 inches. Approximately 53% of the Northern Pike were 24.00 inches or larger in the combined gillnets and trapnets. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Games 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 low in 2024 (2.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (2.34 fish/gillnet) for Games Lake. The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate (1.24 pounds and 14.03 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.42 pounds from gillnets. The largest Walleye captured was 25.83 inches. Approximately 72% of the Walleye were 15.00 inches or larger from gillnets and trapnets combined. Walleye growth rates were within the normal ranges compared to area lakes. The 2019 year class comprised 41% of the Walleye summer survey catch in 2024. Limited Walleye natural reproduction has been documented by past surveys in Games. YOY Walleye numbers were moderately abundant in 2017 (57.00 YOY/hour, 6.05 inches) and 2019 (40.00 YOY/hour, 5.75 inches) fall electrofishing surveys during fry stocked years. YOY Walleye numbers were fair in 2024 (10.00 YOY/hour, 6.51 inches). YOY Walleye fingerling survival to adult life stage appears poor based on the present survey catch. The Walleye population in Games Lake is due primarily to stocking or limited migration from Norway. Games Lake was recently stocked with Walleye in 2017 (255,002 fry), 2019 (242,957 fry), 2022 (182,674 fry), 2023 (201,248 fry) and 2024 (148,981 fry; 2,172 fingerlings, 356 pounds; 1,277 yearlings, 260 pounds). Yellow Perch abundance was low in 2024 (8.25 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (22.14 fish/gillnet) for Games Lake. The 2024 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.11 pounds and 6.20 inches) from gillnets. The Yellow Perch historical average weight is 0.10 pounds. The largest Yellow Perch captured was 8.27 inches. Freshwater Drum abundance was low in 2024 (2.75 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (7.77 fish/gillnet) for Games Lake. The 2024 Freshwater Drum trapnet catch rate and average size (3.00 fish/gillnet, 2.76 pounds) was similar to the historical averages (2.99 fish/trapnet, 2.28 pounds). The 2024 Freshwater Drum average size was moderate (1.67 pounds and 15.59 inches) from gillnets. The Freshwater Drum historical average weight is 1.56 pounds from gillnets. The largest Freshwater Drum captured was 21.65 inches in 2024. 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". Other fish species captured during 2024 included low numbers of Black Bullhead (0.20 fish/trapnet), Bowfin (0.60 fish/trapnet), Common Carp (0.00 fish/trapnet), Pumpkinseed Sunfish (1.00 fish/trapnet), Shortnose Gar (0.10 fish/trapnet) and Yellow Bullhead (1.90 fish/trapnet). Bigmouth Buffalo were caught in low numbers during past surveys but were not captured in 2019 or 2024. Current fish management activities on Games Lake include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel in educating boaters and monitoring access sites for potential invasive species introductions, participating in local watershed initiatives, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Games Lake fishery will be surveyed in 2026 and 2027 for YOY Walleye by Fall Electrofishing and 2029 summer for all fish species.

A standard survey of Games Lake was conducted in July of 2019. 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). Targeted surveys conducted in 2019 included Score The Shore and Fall Electrofishing for young of year "YOY" Walleye. Games Lake is a moderately sized (521 acres), moderately deep (42 feet maximum), and low to moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Games Lake is a popular recreational lake. A high use county park/campground is located along the southeast shoreline. Residential development has occurred throughout the entire shoreline area with the exception of small portions of the south side, north side, and northwest bay. Two public access sites are present with one along the east side (DNR access) and another on the southeast side (county access). A 30 acre Aquatic Management Area "AMA" (acquired in 2003) is located along the north shore. A channel is present that connects Games Lake to Norway Lake and is conducive to boat navigation. Games Lake is also connected to several periodic winterkill (Swan, Henchien) and non-winterkill lakes (Andrew) via the outlet which eventually becomes Shakopee Creek. A low head dam is present at the outlet. Water levels were above normal during 2019. Water clarity (secchi=15.8 feet) was excellent during the 2019 survey. Dissolved oxygen levels were above 2.0 ppm to depths of 15 feet. Emergent vegetation densities (bulrush, cattails, burreed, and arrowhead) are low to moderate in Games Lake occurring mostly in the northwest and east shore areas. Eurasian watermilfoil "EWM" was found along the west side of Games during 2014. EWM has been present in upstream Norway Lake since 2001. Submergent vegetation species (bladderwort, bushy pondweed, clasping-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, flat-stem pondweed, muskgrass, coontail, water celery, sago pondweed, northern milfoil, etc.) are moderately abundant within the shallow areas (<15 feet deep). Shoalwater substrates consisted mostly of sand, gravel, rubble and silt. Zebra Mussels were first documented in Norway, Games and Andrew during 2018. High fishing pressure and potential over exploitation of gamefish is a concern of anglers on Games Lake due in part to the popular public campground located on the south shore. Games Lake 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. Black Crappie numbers were low in 2019 (1.50 fish/trapnet and 1.33 fish/gillnet). The Black Crappie historical average catch rates were 4.80 fish/trapnet and 3.56 fish/gillnet for Games Lake. Black Crappie average size was small (0.17 pounds) from the trapnets. Winter angling for Black Crappie was popular in Games during the 1990's and early 2000's. In recent years, Black Crappie angling success has been generally poor. Northern Pike numbers were low in 2019 (2.33 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (5.99 fish/gillnet) for Games Lake. However, the 2019 Northern Pike average size was moderate (3.58 pounds and 25.44 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 2.64 pounds from gillnets. Northern Pike grow rates were slow in Games. The 2012 year class comprised 56% of the 2019 Northern Pike survey catch. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Games in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two pike longer than 26 inches; and all from 22 to 26 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one pike may be between 22 and 26 inches or two larger than 26 inches. Yellow Perch numbers were moderate in 2019 (15.67 fish/gillnet). The Yellow Perch historical average catch rate is 22.07 fish/gillnet for Games Lake. The 2019 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.11 pounds and 6.24 inches) from gillnets. Walleye numbers were abundant in 2019 (4.00 fish/gillnet) for Games Lake. The Walleye historical average catch rate is 2.29 fish/gillnet for Games Lake. The 2019 Walleye average size was moderate (1.61 pounds and 15.52 inches) from gillnets. Walleye growth rates were moderate in Games. The 2017 year class comprised 29% of the 2019 Walleye summer survey catch. YOY Walleye numbers were moderately abundant during fry stocked years of 2017 (57.00 YOY/hour, 6.05 inches) and 2019 (40.00 YOY/hour, 5.75 inches) fall electrofishing surveys. The Walleye population in Games Lake is due primarily to stocking or limited migration into Games from Norway. Games Lake was recently stocked with Walleye in 2009 (3,656 fingerlings, 488 pounds), 2011 (15,563 fingerlings, 532 pounds; 721 yearlings, 103 pounds), 2013 (14,297 fingerling, 493 pounds), 2015 (3,498 fingerlings, yearlings and adults combined, 795 pounds), 2017 (255,002 fry) and 2019 (242,957 fry). Bluegill numbers were moderate in 2019 (26.20 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill historical average catch rate is 36.28 fish/trapnet for Games Lake. The 2019 Bluegill average size was small (0.12 pounds and 5.10 inches) from trapnets. There was only one Bluegill over 8.00 inches captured in the 2019 survey nets. Bluegill growth rates were moderate in Games. The 2016 year class comprised 36% of the 2019 Bluegill survey catch. Largemouth Bass spring electrofishing was not conducted in Games during 2019. Largemouth Bass abundance was low (9.50 fish/hour) in the previous 2015 spring electrofishing survey. The 2015 Largemouth Bass average size was moderate (1.05 pounds and 12.10 inches) from spring electrofishing. Largemouth Bass growth rates were generally below the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-8. Freshwater Drum numbers were abundant in 2019 (8.33 fish/gillnet). The Freshwater Drum historical average catch rate is 7.56 fish/gillnet for Games Lake. The 2019 Freshwater Drum average size was moderate (1.38 pounds and 14.67 inches) from gillnets. Other fish species captured during 2019 included low numbers of Black Bullhead (0.10 fish/trapnet), Bowfin (0.40 fish/trapnet), Common Carp (0.50 fish/trapnet), Pumpkinseed Sunfish (0.40 fish/trapnet) and Yellow Bullhead (0.50 fish/trapnet). Bigmouth Buffalo and Shortnose Gar were caught in low numbers in past surveys, but were not captured in 2019. Current fish management activities on Games Lake include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel in educating boaters and monitoring access sites for potential invasive species introductions, participating in local watershed initiatives, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Games Lake fishery will be surveyed in the 2024 spring for Largemouth Bass and 2022 summer for all fish species.

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community on Games Lake was conducted from August 1-6, 2018 by the Spicer Area Fisheries Office staff. Games is a moderate (521 acres), moderately clear and deep (42 feet maximum) lake with moderate submergent and emergent vegetation located in Kandiyohi County. Zebra mussels are present both upstream (Norway and downstream (Florida). Games is located in the Chippewa River Watershed. Seine hauls were conducted at 9 of 14 Fish-based Index of Biologic Integrity "FIBI" stations with a bag seine of 50 foot width and 1/8 inch bar mesh in depths of 3.5 feet or less. Seine hauls were also conducted at 2 stations with a bag seine of 15 foot width and 1/8 inch bar mesh in depths of 3.5 feet or less. Near shore electrofishing was conducted at all 14 FIBI Stations with a back-pack unit in water depths generally less than 2 feet deep. The 14 FIBI Stations were spaced equally apart around the entire shoreline of the lake in a variety of near shore habitats. Each station was approximately 100 feet long. Two back-pack electrofishing runs were conducted with the initial run of 100 feet near the shore-water interface in depths of < 1 foot and the second run of 100 feet long about 10-20 feet from shore in depths up to 2 feet. Three stations were not sampled (S589, S5811 and S5812) due to abundant filamentous algae prohibiting seining. Approximately 18 different fish species (14 species from back-pack electrofishing, and 17 species from seining) were captured from electrofishing and seining combined. Fish species captured included gamefish (i.e. Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass), panfish (Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Green Sunfish, and Hybrid Sunfish), potentially large sized non-gamefish (Yellow Bullhead) and small sized non-gamefish (Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Tadpole Madtom, Pugnose Shiner, Blackchin Shiner, Spottail Shiner and Golden Shiner). Intolerant habitat disturbance species included Iowa Darter, Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, Blackchin Shiner and Pugnose Shiner captured in Games. High tolerant habitat disturbance species included Green Sunfish. Data from this 2018 targeted nearshore survey was combined with data from a standard gill and trap netting survey in July of 2015 to calculate a Tool-2 FIBI score that describes the overall health of the lake. 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. 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. The FIBI score of 40 for Games based on this survey is below the impairment threshold of 45 for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Chippewa River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.

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

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

Games has a maximum depth of 42 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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