East Solomon

A standard survey was conducted on East Solomon Lake during August and September of 2025. A spring night electrofishing survey was conducted during early May of 2025 for sampling pre-spawn Largemouth Bass. A fall night electrofishing survey was conducted for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye in early September of 2025. 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). East Solomon is a moderate sized (658 acres), multi basin, shallow (14 feet maximum depth), aerated, and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. East Solomon is part of the Hawk Creek Watershed. East Solomon is connected to a shallow aerated lake (Long Lake) via an inlet and a shallow non-aerated lake (West Solomon Lake) via an outlet. The immediate shoreline area is composed primarily of undeveloped hardwood trees. Aquatic vegetation densities are moderate to low consisting mostly of sago pondweed, clasping-leaf pondweed, Canada waterweed, curly-leaf pondweed, water moss, filamentous algae, and coontail. Emergent vegetation densities are moderate consisting of primarily hardstem bulrush, cattail species, arrowhead group, and reed canary grass. There are two large mid-water bulrush stands. Shoalwater substrates consist mostly of sand, gravel, rubble, silt, and boulder in East Solomon. Total phosphorus levels were high during August 2020 (0.077 ppm) and 2021 (0.147 ppm). Water clarity was fair on August 18, 2025 (secchi=2.0 feet). Water clarity usually decreases substantially by mid-summer due to blue-green algae blooms. Water levels were high during 2025. Low winter oxygen levels were documented during February of 2019 despite the operation of the aeration system, but no winterkill was noted. An extensive fish kill of Black Crappie occurred during the late summer/early fall of 2012. Low water levels and hot air temperatures were the norm during the late summer and early fall of 2012. The Black Crappie kill was probably due to a combination of factors such as a bacterial disease (i.e. Columnaris) and/or low dissolved oxygen conditions. The 2012-13 winter was harsh and protracted resulting in partial winterkills on some waters. However, this was not the case for East Solomon because adequate numbers of gamefish were captured in follow up ice out test netting during 2013. East Solomon is managed for Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie. East Solomon has been a popular fishing lake especially for Black Crappie, Bluegill, Walleye and quality Largemouth Bass. Walleye fishing has been relatively poor on East Solomon during recent years. Upstream Long Lake (34-0192-00) has Zebra Mussels. Black Crappie were abundant in 2025 (6.40 fish/trapnet). The Black Crappie historical catch rate (1988-present) is 5.50 fish/trapnet. Abundant numbers of small sized Black Crappie were also present in the 2025 gillnets (25.25 fish/gillnet, 0.13 pounds average weight). The 2025 Black Crappie average size was small (0.28 pounds and 7.29 inches) from trapnets. The Black Crappie historical average weight is 0.32 pounds from trapnets. The 2025 catch rate of quality size (8.00 inches and larger) Black Crappie was moderate (2.6 fish/trapnet). Black Crappie growth rates were excellent for ages 1-6. The 2024 and 2023 year classes comprised 73% and 22% respectively of the 2025 Black Crappie catch. The largest Black Crappie captured was 13.90 inches in 2025. Bluegill numbers were low in 2025 (2.30 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill historical catch rate (1988-present) is 9.31 fish/trapnet. The 2025 Bluegill average size was moderate (0.17 pounds and 5.38 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.28 pounds from trapnets. The Bluegill catch rate of 6.00 inches and larger was low (1.00 fish/trapnet). The largest Bluegill captured was 8.66 inches in 2025. Largemouth Bass were abundant (104.40 fish/hour) in the 2025 early May (pre-spawn) spring night electrofishing survey. The 2025 Largemouth Bass average size was moderate (1.35 pounds and 11.98 inches) from spring electrofishing. Largemouth Bass abundance was low (11.47 fish/hour, 1.82 pounds average weight) in the previous 2014 spring electrofishing survey. The Largemouth Bass catch rate of 15.00 inches and larger was high (28.8 fish/hour). Largemouth Bass growth rates were excellent for ages 1-8. The largest Largemouth Bass was 21.18 inches in the 2025 survey. Approximately 58% of the Largemouth Bass were from the 2023 year class in the spring electrofishing survey. Northern Pike were abundant in 2025 (12.00 fish/gillnet). The Northern Pike historical catch rate (1988-present) is 4.07 fish/gillnet. The 2025 Northern Pike average size was moderate (2.78 pounds and 22.96 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 4.26 pounds from gillnets. The Northern Pike catch rate of 22.00 - 26.00 inches was high (3.00 fish/gillnet). The Northern Pike catch rate of 26.00 inches and larger was also high (2.50 fish/gillnet). The largest Northern Pike captured was 33.35 inches in 2025. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for East Solomon 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 numbers were low in 2025 (4.50 fish/gillnet). The Walleye historical catch rate (1988-present) is 8.41 fish/gillnet. The 2025 Walleye average size was large (3.09 pounds and 20.19 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 2.64 pounds from gillnets. The 2025 catch rate of Walleye 15.00 inches and larger was low (4.50 fish/gillnet). The Walleye catch rate of 20.00 inches and larger was moderate (2.50 fish/gillnet). Walleye growth rates were normal for ages 1-4, but slow for ages 5-8. The 2023 year class (fry and fingerling stocked year) comprised 33% of the 2025 Walleye catch. Older Walleye (ages 10-18) comprised 54% of the 2025 Walleye Catch. The oldest Walleye was an 18-year-old female (22.6 inches). The largest Walleye captured was 28.15 inches in 2025. Walleye natural reproduction in East Solomon is generally infrequent and insignificant based on previous fall and summer surveys. Fall night electrofishing surveys have been conducted to primarily evaluate Walleye fry stockings in East Solomon. Low YOY numbers (4.00 YOY/hour, 7.15 inches) were captured in the 2025 fall night electrofishing survey. Moderate YOY Walleye numbers (48.00 YOY/hour, 6.84 inches) were captured in the previous 2019 fall night electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye were absent in 2018 and 2017 fall night electrofishing surveys. Moderate YOY Walleye numbers (49.09 YOY/hour, 5.23 inches) were captured in the 2015 fall night electrofishing survey. Abundant YOY Walleye numbers (360.00 YOY/hour, 6.26 inches) were captured in 2013 fall night electrofishing survey. Abundant YOY numbers were captured in 2009 (102.00 YOY/hour, 5.86 inches). The highest fall night electrofishing catch rate of YOY Walleye occurred in 2007 (563.99 YOY/hour, 5.46 inches average length) for a fry stocked year. Variable Walleye fry numbers (200,000-1,200,000 fish per stocking) were stocked into East Solomon during 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017-2019, 2022-2025. In 2025, 302,719 Walleye fry were stocked in East Solomon. Walleye fingerlings were last stocked in 2023 (21,204 fish, 558 pounds). Present high abundance of adult Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass may be impacting low YOY Walleye numbers by predation in East Solomon. Yellow Perch were abundant in 2025 (28.25 fish/gillnet). The Yellow Perch historical average catch rate (1988-present) is 12.56 fish/gillnet. The 2025 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.10 pounds and 6.09 inches) from gillnets. The Yellow Perch historical average weight was 0.15 pounds from gillnets. Black Bullhead were abundant in 2025 (24.50 fish/gillnet). The Black Bullhead historical average catch rate (1988-present) is 13.99 fish/gillnet for East Solomon. The 2025 Black Bullhead average size was large (0.61 pounds and 9.94 inches) from gillnets. The Black Bullhead historical average weight is 0.64 pounds from gillnets. Common Carp abundance was low in 2025 (1.20 fish/trapnet). The Common Carp historical average catch rate (1988-present) is 2.40 fish/trapnet for East Solomon. The 2025 Common Carp average size was large (10.68 pounds and 27.64 inches) from trapnets. The Common Carp historical average weight is 7.48 pounds from trapnets. Current fish management activities on East Solomon include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen levels, assisting the county with the operation of the aeration system, protecting 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 East Solomon fishery will be sampled in the 2030 summer for all fish species.

A standard survey was conducted on East Solomon Lake during late June of 2020. 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). East Solomon is a moderate sized (658 acres), multi basin, shallow (14 feet maximum depth), aerated, and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. East Solomon is part of the Hawk Creek Watershed. East Solomon is connected to a shallow aerated lake (Long Lake) via an inlet and a shallow non-aerated lake (West Solomon Lake) via an outlet. The immediate shoreline area is composed primarily of undeveloped hardwood trees. Aquatic vegetation densities are moderate to low consisting mostly of sago pondweed, clasping-leaf pondweed, Canada waterweed, curly-leaf pondweed, water moss, filamentous algae, and coontail. Emergent vegetation densities are moderate consisting of primarily hardstem bulrush, cattail species, arrowhead group, and reed canary grass. There are two large mid-water bulrush stands. Shoalwater substrates consist mostly of sand, gravel, rubble, silt, and boulder in East Solomon. Total phosphorus levels were high (0.086 ppm) on June 9, 2014. Water clarity was fair on July 6, 2020 (secchi=3.7 feet). Water clarity usually decreases substantially by mid-summer due to blue-green algae blooms. Water levels were low during 2020. Low winter oxygen levels were documented during February of 2019 despite the operation of the aeration system, but no winterkill was noted. An extensive fish kill of Black Crappie occurred during the late summer/early fall of 2012. Low water levels and hot air temperatures were the norm during the late summer and early fall of 2012. The Black Crappie kill was probably due to a combination of factors such as a bacterial disease (i.e. Columnaris) and/or low dissolved oxygen conditions. The 2012-13 winter was harsh and protracted resulting in partial winterkills on some waters. However, this was not the case for East Solomon because adequate numbers of gamefish were captured in follow up ice out test netting during 2013. East Solomon is managed for Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie. East Solomon has been a popular fishing lake especially for Black Crappie, Bluegill, Walleye and quality Largemouth Bass. Walleye fishing has been relatively poor on East Solomon during recent years. Black Crappie numbers were abundant (14.70 fish/trapnet), but the average size was small (0.07 pounds and 4.95 inches) in 2020. The Black Crappie historical catch rate is 5.34 fish/trapnet. Abundant numbers of small sized Black Crappie were also present in the 2020 gillnets (10.33 fish/gillnet). The Black Crappie historical average weight is 0.33 pounds from trapnets. Black Crappie growth rates were excellent for ages 1-3. The 2019 year class comprised 96% of the 2020 Black Crappie catch. Bluegill numbers were abundant in 2020 (51.90 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill historical catch rate is 10.31 fish/trapnet. The 2020 Bluegill average size was small (0.13 pounds and 5.34 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.30 pounds from trapnets. The largest Bluegill captured was 8.98 inches. Largemouth Bass spring electrofishing survey was not conducted in 2020. Largemouth Bass abundance was low (11.47 fish/hour, 1.82 pounds average weight) in the previous 2014 spring electrofishing survey. Largemouth Bass numbers were abundant in the 2020 trapnets (2.60 fish/trapnet). The 2020 Largemouth Bass average size was small (0.68 pounds and 7.78 inches) from trapnets. A 20.87 inch Largemouth Bass was captured in the 2020 trapnets. Northern Pike numbers were abundant in 2020 (8.33 fish/gillnet). The Northern Pike historical catch rate is 2.94 fish/gillnet. The 2020 Northern Pike average size was small (2.34 pounds and 21.45 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 4.51 pounds from gillnets. The largest Northern Pike captured was 36.22 inches in the 2020 survey. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for East Solomon 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. Walleye numbers were low in 2020 (5.00 fish/gillnet). The Walleye historical catch rate is 8.96 fish/gillnet. The 2020 Walleye average size was large (3.72 pounds and 21.76 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 2.57 pounds from gillnets. Walleye growth rates were excellent for ages 1-6. The 2015 and 2013 year classes (fry stocked years) comprised 44% and 17% respectively of the 2020 Walleye catch. Walleye natural reproduction in East Solomon is generally infrequent and insignificant based on previous fall and summer surveys. Fall electrofishing surveys have been conducted to evaluate Walleye fry stockings in East Solomon. Walleye fry have been stocked (500,000-1,200,000 fish per stocking) recently into East Solomon during 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017-2019. Moderate young of year "YOY" Walleye numbers (48.00 YOY/hour, 6.84 inches) were captured in the most recent 2019 fall electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye were absent in 2018 and 2017 fall electrofishing surveys. Moderate YOY Walleye numbers (49.09 YOY/hour, 5.23 inches) were captured in the 2015 fall electrofishing survey. Abundant YOY Walleye numbers (360.00 YOY/hour, 6.26 inches) were captured in 2013 fall electrofishing survey. The East Solomon Lake fall electrofishing Walleye historical average catch rate and length are 102.57 YOY/hour and 6.52 inches respectively. Yellow Perch numbers were abundant in 2020 (24.00 fish/gillnet). The Yellow Perch historical average catch rate is 10.32 fish/gillnet. The 2020 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.11 pounds and 6.17 inches) from gillnets. The Yellow Perch historical average weight was 0.15 pounds from gillnets. Black Bullhead numbers were moderate in 2020 (17.67 fish/gillnet). The Black Bullhead historical average catch rate is 12.49 fish/gillnet for East Solomon. The 2020 Black Bullhead average size was large (1.19 pounds and 12.32 inches) from gillnets. The Black Bullhead historical average weight is 0.65 pounds from gillnets. Common Carp numbers were low in 2020 (0.70 fish/trapnet). The Common Carp historical average catch rate is 2.57 fish/trapnet for East Solomon. The 2020 Common Carp average size was large (10.13 pounds and 27.76 inches) from trapnets. The Common Carp historical average weight is 6.94 pounds from trapnets. Current fish management activities on East Solomon include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen levels, assisting the county with the operation of the aeration system, protecting 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 East Solomon fishery will be sampled in the 2025 summer for all fish species.

A targeted fall night electrofishing survey was conducted on East Solomon Lake during September 15, 2019 to evaluate young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye numbers due to a fry stocking. East Solomon is a moderate sized (658 acres), shallow (14 feet maximum depth), turbid, aerated and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. The Walleye population in East Solomon had been due primarily to fry stockings as documented by past surveys. Walleye fry are generally stocked every other year in East Solomon Lake. Walleye fry were stocked recently during 2019 (501,661 fish) and 2018 (1,200,673 fish) in East Solomon. Walleye fry were also stocked (approximately 700,000-820,000 fish per stocking) into East Solomon during 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. Walleye fingerlings (24,000-35,000 fish per stocking) were last stocked during even years from 1994-1998. Fingerling stocking results were mixed or inclusive due to fry stocking occurring during the same years. Moderate YOY Walleye numbers (48.00 YOY/hour, 6.84 inches) were captured in the 2019 fall electrofishing survey. No YOY or Yearling Walleye were captured in the 2018 or 2017 fall night electrofishing surveys. Moderate numbers of small YOY Walleye were captured (49.09 YOY/hour, 5.23 inches average) in the 2015 fall night electrofishing survey. Abundant numbers of moderate sized YOY Walleye were captured (360.00 YOY/hour, 6.26 inches average) in the 2013 fall night electrofishing survey. The highest fall night electrofishing catch rate of YOY Walleye occurred in 2007 (563.99 YOY/hour, 5.46 inches average) for a fry stocked year. Adult Walleye abundance (11.50 fish/gillnet) was above the normal range for East Solomon, but within the normal range for similar lakes in the most recent 2014 survey. The 2014 Walleye average weight and length were 2.14 pounds and 17.44 inches from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 2.34 pounds from gillnets. The 2011 and 2009 year classes (fry stocked years) comprised 32% and 18% respectively of the 2014 Walleye catch. The East Solomon Lake fishery will be surveyed in the 2020 summer for all fish species. Walleye fry will be stocked in 2021. Fall night electrofishing surveys will be conducted during Walleye fry stocked years to assess the success or failure of the stockings.

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

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

East Solomon has a maximum depth of 14 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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