Norway

A targeted survey was conducted for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye on September 24, 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). Five stations were sampled for a total of 60 minutes in the 2025 fall night electrofishing survey. Clarity was poor (6 inches) due to a moderate blue-green algae bloom in the West Norway basin. Clarity was 12 inches with a moderate blue-green algae bloom in the Big Norway basin. The water temperature was 75 F. We observed abundant numbers of Bluegill, Black Crappie and Yellow Perch. Moderate numbers of adult Walleye, Freshwater Drum and Largemouth Bass were also observed in the 2025 fall night electrofishing survey. Norway is a large sized (2,339 acres), moderately deep (33 feet maximum depth), multi basin (West Norway, Big Norway, Little Norway), and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. West Norway basin (approximately 1,300 acres) is a shallow (<10 feet deep), turbid, and windswept basin with high nutrient levels and limited submergent vegetation. Little Norway basin (150 acres) is a protected and shallow (<10 feet deep) basin with abundant aquatic vegetation. The Big Norway basin (approximately 900 acres) is 33 feet deep maximum with moderate aquatic vegetation densities and moderate water clarity. Water levels were above normal during the 2025 summer. Eurasian watermilfoil was first found scattered throughout the West Norway basin in August of 2001 and in the Big Norway basin during 2005. Eurasian watermilfoil is also present in downstream lakes of Games (2014), Andrew (2019) and Florida (2009). Zebra Mussels were found in Norway, Games and Andrew in 2018. Shoalwater substrates consist mostly of sand, silt, gravel, rubble, and boulder in Norway. Walleye natural reproduction occurs in Norway but is sporadic based on previous surveys. Spicer Strain Walleye fry were recently stocked in Norway during 2012 (1,568,599 fry), 2016 (885,643 Oxytetracycline "OTC" marked fry), 2018 (1,132,151 fry), 2022 (861,474 fry), 2023 (504,179 fry), 2024 (415,578 fry) and 2025 (701,572 fry). OTC marked fry were also stocked in 2009 (2,152,425 fish). OTC marked Walleye frylings were stocked in 2011 (16,779 frylings) and 2014 (33,373 frylings). OTC marked fish accounted for 0%, 42% and 67% respectively of the 2011, 2014 and 2016 fall electrofishing YOY Walleye catch rates. A combination of Walleye fingerlings, adults and yearlings were stocked in 2008 (85,235 fingerlings, 1,864 pounds), 2009 (11,651 yearlings, 987 pounds; 318 fingerlings, 91 pounds; 360 adults, 287 pounds), 2011 (15,477 fingerlings, 737 pounds; 1,400 yearlings, 200 pounds; 3 adults, 6 pounds), 2012 (16,842 yearlings, 802 pounds), 2020 (959 yearlings, 442 pounds) and 2024 (6,685 fingerlings, 1,082 pounds; 750 yearlings, 467.5 pounds; 10 adults, 13.5 pounds). YOY Walleye numbers were moderate in 2025 (30.00 YOY/hour, 6.79 inches). YOY Walleye numbers were low in 2024 (12.00 YOY/hour, 6.56 inches average). YOY Walleye numbers were moderate (37.71 YOY/hour, 6.15 inches) in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye numbers were abundant (133.20 YOY/hour, 5.82 inches) in the 2022 fall electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye numbers in in other fall electrofishing surveys were abundant in 2010 (72.00 YOY/hour,) and 2016 (94.00 YOY/hour); moderate in 2012 (32.00 YOY/hour), 2014 (50.00 YOY/hour) and 2018 (56.40 YOY/hour); low in 2011 (14.00 YOY/hour), 2013 (4.00 YOY/hour), 2015 (16.00 YOY/hour) and 2019 (4.00 YOY/hour). No fall electrofishing surveys were conducted in 2017, 2020-2021. The Norway YOY Walleye historical average catch rate and length are 31.25 YOY/hour and 6.66 inches respectively. Yearling Walleye numbers were moderately abundant (14.00-22.00 fish/hour) in 2010-2012, 2014, and 2023; low in 2013 (0.00 fish/hour), 2019 (4.00 fish/hour), 2022 (6.00 fish/hour, 11.23 inches), 2024 (7.00 fish/hour) and 2025 (7.00 fish/hour) fall electrofishing surveys. Two-year-old Walleye were moderately abundant (11.00 fish/hour, 11.75 inches) in 2025. Walleye abundance was moderate in the recent 2024 standard survey (8.60 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate of 7.55 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate (1.30 pounds and 14.60 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.62 pounds from gillnets. The largest Walleye captured was 25.94 inches in 2024. Approximately 46% of the Walleye were 15.00 inches or larger in the 2024 survey gillnets and trapnets. Walleye growth rates were generally within the Spicer Area normal ranges. The 2022 and 2019 Walleye year classes comprised 36% and 14% respectively of the 2024 Walleye gillnet and trapnet catch.

A standard survey was conducted on Norway Lake during late 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). Other sampling conducted included a Fall Electrofishing for young of year "YOY" Walleye in late September of 2024. Norway is a large sized (2,339 acres), moderately deep (33 feet maximum depth), multi basin (West Norway, Big Norway, Little Norway), and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. West Norway basin (approximately 1,300 acres) is a shallow (<10 feet deep), turbid, and windswept basin with high nutrient levels and limited submergent vegetation. Little Norway basin (150 acres) is a protected and shallow (<10 feet deep) basin with abundant aquatic vegetation. The Big Norway basin (approximately 900 acres) is 33 feet deep maximum with moderate aquatic vegetation densities and moderate water clarity. There were 328 lake homes/cabins, 53 recreational vehicles and 2 resorts that existed along the lakeshore in 2010. Norway receives moderate recreational and angling use in the summer from local residents, visitors to the resorts, and lakeshore homeowners. The immediate watershed is mostly agricultural row crops with lesser amounts of residential development, wetlands and hardwood stands. There are 8 inlets that flow into the various Norway basins and an outlet channel that flows into Games Lake. Two large inlets carry significant agricultural runoff which includes Kandiyohi County Ditches 27 & 29. Nutrient levels are generally high to moderate in the lake. Water levels were high for the 2024 summer. Dissolved oxygen levels were above 4.0 ppm to depths of 12 feet. Water clarity was fair to poor during July of 2024 (secchi reading=3.0 feet). Blue-green algae blooms are common and intense during late summer especially in the West Norway basin. The Engen Northern Pike Spawning Area (1979 acquired) is located on the southwest shore of the West Norway basin. There are two Norway Aquatic Management Area "AMA" tracts (Larson and Little Norway). The Larson Tract (2011 acquired) is located along a channel between the main and West Norway basins. A recently acquired Norway "AMA" Little Norway Tract (2014) is located on the southwest side of Little Norway and north side of the main basin. Little Norway basin connects to Games Lake via a narrow outlet channel. Water flows out of Games Lake and eventually downstream into Swan, Henchien, Andrew and Florida. Aquatic vegetation was surveyed at 40 transect sites in 2010 and 2019. Emergent vegetation consisted of scattered stands of cattails and hardstem bulrush in all three basins. Submergent vegetation density was light to moderate in 2019 consisting mostly of sago pondweed, bushy pondweed, water celery, muskgrass, northern milfoil, Eurasian watermilfoil "EWM", coontail, clasping-leaf pondweed flat-stemmed pondweed and water moss within the shallow areas (< 10 feet deep). Eurasian watermilfoil was found scattered throughout the West Norway basin in August of 2001 and in the Big Norway basin during 2005. Eurasian watermilfoil was found at 30% of the transect sites in 2010, but 75% of the transect sites in 2019. Although Eurasian watermilfoil is present at most sites, densities are generally low to moderate in all three Norway basins. Eurasian watermilfoil is also present in downstream lakes of Games (2014), Andrew (2019) and Florida (2009). Zebra Mussels were found in Norway, Games and Andrew in 2018. Shoalwater substrates consist mostly of sand, silt, gravel, rubble, and boulder in Norway. Norway 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. The two large Kandiyohi County Ditches (CD 27 & 29) upstream of Norway are considered the headwaters of Shakopee Creek. An intensive watershed study of water flow and nutrient runoff was conducted on Andrew, Games, and Norway Lakes in addition to associated inlets from 1996-1998. A group of private landowners and public conservation agency personnel have been involved in the Shakopee Creek Headwaters Project. The Shakopee Creek Headwaters group has monitored water quality and flows in the watershed, encouraged landowners to implement best management practices through grant funding, utilized existing government programs, provided education, and technical assistance. Thus far, DNR Fisheries has provided assistance with lakeshore re-vegetation and water quality monitoring projects within the watershed. Black Crappie abundance was moderate in 2024 (7.47 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average catch rate of 9.65 fish/trapnet. Abundant numbers of small Black Crappie were caught in the 2024 gillnets (27.60 fish/gillnet, 6.07 inches average). The 2024 Black Crappie average size was moderate (0.37 pounds and 8.22 inches) from trapnets. The Black Crappie historical average weight is 0.26 pounds from trapnets. The largest Black Crappie captured was 12.99 inches in 2024. Approximately 19% of the Black Crappie were 10.00 inches or larger in the 2024 trapnets. Bluegill abundance was low in 2024 (6.41 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average catch rate of 22.63 fish/trapnet. The 2024 Bluegill average size was moderate (0.18 pounds and 5.77 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.15 pounds from trapnets. The largest Bluegill captured was 8.46 inches which was the only fish over 8.00 inches in 2024 survey nets. Approximately 38% of the Bluegill were 7.00 inches or larger in the 2024 survey gillnets and trapnets. Largemouth Bass abundance was moderate in 2024 trapnets (0.53 fish/trapnet, 1.83 pounds average). A spring electrofishing survey was not conducted in 2024. Largemouth Bass abundance was high (41.00 fish/hour) in the previous 2019 post spawn mid-June electrofishing survey. The 2019 Largemouth Bass average weight and length were 1.02 pounds and 11.30 inches from spring electrofishing. Northern Pike abundance was low in 2024 (1.20 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate of 4.48 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Northern Pike average size was small (2.33 pounds and 21.63 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 3.41 pounds from gillnets. The largest Northern Pike captured was 32.99 inches in 2024. Northern Pike growth rates were above the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-8. The 2019 year class comprised 31% of the 2024 Northern Pike gillnet and trapnet catch. Norway has a history of producing large Northern Pike. There is adequate Northern Pike spawning habitat within Norway and adjacent upstream wetland areas, however natural reproduction and recruitment have been poor in recent years. It is unclear if chemical runoff pollution, low spring water levels, degraded habitat or a combination of factors is negatively affecting Northern Pike recruitment in Norway. The Engen Northern Pike Spawning Area "NPSA" had been used to produce low to modest Northern Pike fingerling numbers in past years. In prior years, the spawning structure needed repair. The Engen NPSA water control structure and dike was repaired with cooperation from the West Central Chapter of the Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Association in 2012. However, low water levels prevented the use of Engen NPSA in 2014 and 2015. Northern Pike were recently stocked from a variety of sources in 2016 (4,766 fingerlings; 79 adults; Engen NPSA), 2017 (500 fingerlings; Engen NPSA), 2018 (24,324 fry; 330 fingerlings; Engen NPSA), 2021 (3,361 fingerlings), 2022 (6,746 fingerlings; 147 adults, 226 pounds) and 2024 (93 adults, 157 pounds). Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Norway 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 moderate in 2024 (8.60 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate of 7.55 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate (1.30 pounds and 14.60 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.62 pounds from gillnets. The largest Walleye captured was 25.94 inches in 2024. Approximately 46% of the Walleye were 15.00 inches or larger in the 2024 survey gillnets and trapnets. Walleye growth rates were generally within the Spicer Area normal ranges. The 2022 and 2019 Walleye year classes comprised 36% and 14% respectively of the 2024 Walleye gillnet and trapnet catch. Young of Year "YOY" Walleye numbers in fall electrofishing surveys were abundant in 2010 (72.00 YOY/hour,), 2016 (94.00 YOY/hour, 6.36 inches average) and 2022 (133.20 YOY/hour, 5.22 inches average); moderate in 2012 (32.00 YOY/hour), 2014 (50.00 YOY/hour), 2018 (56.40 YOY/hour, 6.08 inches average) and 2023 (37.70 YOY/hour, 6.15 inches average); low in 2011 (14.00 YOY/hour), 2013 (4.00 YOY/hour), 2015 (16.00 YOY/hour), 2019 (4.00 YOY/hour, 7.54 inches average) and 2024 (12.00 YOY/hour, 6.56 inches average). No fall electrofishing surveys were conducted in 2017 and 2020-21. Yearling Walleye numbers were moderately abundant (14.00-22.00 fish/hour) during 2010-2012 and 2014, but low in 2013 (0.00 fish/hour) and 2015 (4.00 fish/hour) fall electrofishing surveys. A combination of Spicer strain Walleye fry, fingerlings, yearlings, and adults have been stocked recently in 2018 (1,132,151 fry), 2020 (959 yearlings, 442 pounds), 2022 (861,474 fry), 2023 (504,179 fry) and 2024 (415,578 fry; 6,685 fingerlings, 1,082 pounds; 750 yearlings, 467.5 pounds; 10 adults, 13.5 pounds). Yellow Perch abundance was low in 2024 (6.40 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate is 18.11 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.12 pounds and 6.32 inches) from gillnets. The Yellow Perch historical average weight and length are 0.12 pounds and 6.38 inches from gillnets. The largest Yellow Perch captured was 8.27 inches in 2024. Yellow Perch growth rates were within the Spicer Area normal ranges for ages 1-8. The 2021 year class comprised 66% of the 2024 Yellow Perch gillnet and trapnet catch. Black Bullhead abundance was low in 2024 (0.06 fish/trapnet, 0.20 fish/gillnet). The Black Bullhead historical average catch rates are 1.53 fish/trapnet and 3.33 fish/gillnet for Norway. The 2024 Black Bullhead average size was large (0.94 pounds and 11.85 inches) from trapnets. The Black Bullhead historical average weight is 0.70 pounds from trapnets. Common Carp abundance was moderate in 2024 (0.82 fish/trapnet) and identical to the historical average catch rate. The 2024 Common Carp average size was large (9.36 pounds and 26.56 inches) from trapnets. The historical average weight is 9.83 pounds from trapnets. The largest Common Carp captured was 31.65 inches in 2024. Freshwater Drum abundance was high in 2024 (24.00 fish/gillnet), but similar to the historical average catch rate of 23.33 fish/gillnet for Norway. The 2024 Freshwater Drum average size was moderate (1.32 pounds and 14.41 inches) from gillnets. The Freshwater Drum historical average weight is 1.09 pounds from gillnets. The largest Freshwater Drum captured was 25.28 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". Current fish management activities on Norway include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring and preventing the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil in connected waters, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel in educating boaters and monitoring access sites for other potential invasive species introductions, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, participating in the Shakopee Creek Watershed Project, operating the Engen Northern Pike Spawning Area, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Norway fishery will be sampled in the 2029 summer for all fish species and 2025 for YOY Walleye by fall electrofishing.

A targeted survey was conducted for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye on September 20, 2023. Five stations were sampled for a total of 35 minutes in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. Moderate submergent vegetation densities (Eurasian watermilfoil) were present in the main basin during the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. Clarity was poor (6-12 inches) with a water temperature of 73 F. Blue-green algae bloom was moderate in the West Basin. We observed abundant numbers of Bluegill, Freshwater Drum and Largemouth Bass. Moderate numbers of Yellow Perch, shiners, Common Carp and Black Crappie were also observed in the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. 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). Norway is a large sized (2,339 acres), moderately deep (33 feet maximum depth), multi basin (West Norway, Big Norway, Little Norway), and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. West Norway basin (approximately 1,300 acres) is a shallow (<10 feet deep), turbid, and windswept basin with high nutrient levels and limited submergent vegetation. Little Norway basin (150 acres) is a protected and shallow (<10 feet deep) basin with abundant aquatic vegetation. The Big Norway basin (approximately 900 acres) is 33 feet deep maximum with moderate aquatic vegetation densities and moderate water clarity. Water levels were low in 2020-2022. Eurasian watermilfoil was found scattered throughout the West Norway basin in August of 2001 and in the Big Norway basin during 2005. Eurasian watermilfoil is also present in downstream lakes of Games (2014), Andrew (2019) and Florida (2009). Zebra Mussels were found in Norway, Games and Andrew in 2018. Shoalwater substrates consist mostly of sand, silt, gravel, rubble, and boulder in Norway. Walleye natural reproduction occurs in Norway but is sporadic based on previous surveys. Spicer Strain Walleye fry were recently stocked in Norway during 2012 (1,568,599 fry), 2016 (885,643 Oxytetracycline "OTC" marked fry), 2018 (1,132,151 fry), 2022 (861,474 fry) and 2023 (504,179 fry). OTC marked fry were also stocked in 2009 (2,152,425 fish). OTC marked Walleye frylings were stocked in 2011 (16,779 frylings) and 2014 (33,373 frylings). OTC marked fish accounted for 0%, 42% and 67% respectively of the 2011, 2014 and 2016 fall electrofishing YOY Walleye catch rates. A combination of Walleye fingerlings, adults and yearlings have been stocked in 2008 (85,235 fingerlings, 1,864 pounds), 2009 (11,651 yearlings, 987 pounds; 318 fingerlings, 91 pounds; 360 adults, 287 pounds), 2011 (15,477 fingerlings, 737 pounds; 1,400 yearlings, 200 pounds; 3 adults, 6 pounds), 2012 (16,842 yearlings, 802 pounds) and 2020 (959 yearlings, 442 pounds). YOY Walleye numbers were moderate (37.71 YOY/hour, 6.15 inches) in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye numbers were abundant (133.20 YOY/hour, 5.82 inches) in the 2022 fall electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye numbers in fall electrofishing surveys were abundant in 2010 (72.00 YOY/hour,) and 2016 (94.00 YOY/hour); moderate in 2012 (32.00 YOY/hour), 2014 (50.00 YOY/hour) and 2018 (56.40 YOY/hour); low in 2011 (14.00 YOY/hour), 2013 (4.00 YOY/hour), 2015 (16.00 YOY/hour) and 2019 (4.00 YOY/hour). No fall electrofishing surveys were conducted in 2017 or 2020. The Norway YOY Walleye historical average catch rate and length are 31.84 YOY/hour and 6.68 inches respectively. Yearling Walleye numbers were moderately abundant (14.00-22.00 fish/hour) in 2010-2012 and 2014, but low in 2013 (0.00 fish/hour), 2019 (4.00 fish/hour), and 2022 (6.00 fish/hour, 11.23 inches) fall electrofishing surveys. Yearling Walleye numbers were abundant (18.86 fish/hour, 10.85 inches) in 2023. Walleye numbers were abundant in the most recent 2019 standard survey (12.67 fish/gillnet). The Walleye historical average catch rate is 7.33 fish/gillnet. The 2019 Walleye average size was moderate (1.26 pounds and 14.98 inches) from gillnets. The 2019 catch rate of quality size (15.00 inches plus) Walleye was also high (6.83 fish/gillnet) for Norway. Walleye growth rates were fair. The 2016 and 2015 Walleye year classes comprised 35% and 17% respectively of the 2019 Walleye gillnet and trapnet catch. Current fish management activities on Norway include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring and preventing the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil in connected waters, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel in educating boaters and monitoring access sites for other potential invasive species introductions, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, participating in the Shakopee Creek Watershed Project, operating the Engen Northern Pike Spawning Area, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Norway fishery will be sampled in the 2024 summer for all fish species and 2024 for YOY Walleye.

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

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

Norway has a maximum depth of 33 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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