Swenson

A targeted survey was conducted for various fish species during mid-May of 2024 in Swenson Lake. 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). A gillnetting survey did not take place in 2024 due to the March 2023 winterkill and high abundance of walleye yearlings in 2023 iceout trapnetting/electrofishing survey. Standard lake survey trapnets were used to sample the fish population in May of 2024. Shoreline seine hauls were conducted to sample small fish in August. Fall night electrofishing was conducted for young of year "YOY" Walleye. Swenson is a small sized (108 acres), shallow (15 feet maximum depth), aerated, and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. The surrounding watershed is comprised mostly of agricultural row crops with small areas of woodland and wetland areas. The immediate shoreline area consists mostly of undeveloped woodlands (hardwood trees) with small areas of wetlands, row crops, and residential homes. Agricultural row crop runoff (via inlets) is the primary source of nutrient pollution into Swenson. Nutrient levels were high (total phosphorus=0.084 ppm, chlorophyll a=75.9 ppb) during 2015. There are three small to moderate sized inlets (north, west, and south shores) that flow into Swenson. The outlet connects to Shakopee Creek. Water levels were above normal during 2024. Dissolved oxygen was at 10 ppm throughout the water column during the 2024 survey. Water clarity was fair (secchi reading=3.0 feet) on August 15, 2024. Blue-green algae blooms are common and intense during the mid-summer months in Swenson Lake. Submergent vegetation was limited to water moss in 2015. Other aquatic vegetation species present included curly-leaf pondweed, sago pondweed and filamentous algae during past surveys. Emergent vegetation consists mainly of bulrush and cattail species scattered throughout the shoreline areas. A helixor aeration system is operated each winter. A partial winterkill (Walleye, Bigmouth Buffalo and Common Carp) occurred in late February or early March of 2023 due to low oxygen caused by heavy snowfall and prolonged winter into March. Prior documented winterkills occurred in 1974, 1978 and 1984. A bubbler aeration system was installed and operated during the 1984-85 winter. Winter oxygen levels were low (near or less than 1 ppm) during the late 1980's winters, 1996-97 winter and 2003-04 winter even with the aeration system running, but no significant winterkills were reported. The 2023-24 winter was mild in temperature with little snow accumulation and thin ice. Dissolved oxygen levels were excellent during the 2023-24 winter which made the use of aeration unnecessary in most area lakes. We captured a variety of gamefish and non-gamefish species in the 2023 May trapnet survey. It appears that gamefish and panfish survived in sufficient numbers. These species included Black Crappie (1.67 fish/trapnet), Bluegill (4.67 fish/trapnet), Northern Pike (0.33 fish/trapnet), Walleye (3.67 fish/trapnet) and Yellow Perch (0.67 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill were from the 2020 and 2021 year classes. The majority of Walleye were from the 2021 year class. Other Walleye year classes present included 2018 and 2019. Local anglers reported catching small Walleye during the 2023-24 winter. Various fish species (pre and post spawn) were stocked shortly following the 2023 iceout trapnet survey. These species included Black Crappie (24 fish, 12 pounds), Bluegill (140 fish, 35 pounds) and Largemouth Bass (126 fish, 82 pounds). These gamefish/panfish species were stocked to boast broodstock numbers to expediate natural reproduction. Bluegill natural reproduction was documented in Swenson during 2023. Abundant numbers of YOY Bluegill were observed in the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. Northern Pike numbers were low in 2024 (0.60 fish/trapnet). The Northern Pike historical average catch rate (1983-present) is 0.76 fish/trapnet for Swenson. The 2024 Northern Pike average size was small (1.54 pounds and 19.13 inches) from trapnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 3.34 pounds from trapnets. There were no fish over 30.00 inches caught in the 2024 survey nets. Northern Pike growth limits were slow. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Swenson 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. Black Crappie numbers were low in 2024 (1.50 fish/trapnet). Black Crappie abundance was high during the 2010 survey (210.20 fish/trapnet, 7.71 inches average). The Black Crappie historical average catch rate is 26.78 fish/trapnet. The 2024 Black Crappie size was large (1.09 pounds and 12.33 inches) from trapnets. The Black Crappie historical average weight is 0.34 pounds from trapnets. Black Crappie growth rates were excellent. The 2020 year class comprised 93% of the 2024 trapnet catch. Yellow Perch numbers were low in 2024 (0.10 fish/trapnet). The Yellow Perch historical average catch rate is 0.55 fish/trapnet for Swenson Lake. The 2024 Yellow Perch average size was large (0.46 pounds and 9.92 inches) from trapnet. No YOY Yellow Perch were captured in the seine hauls. Bluegill numbers were low in 2024 (1.80 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill historical average catch rate is 7.09 fish/trapnet for Swenson. The 2024 Bluegill average size was large (0.53 pounds and 8.60 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.26 pounds from trapnets. Bluegill growth rates were excellent. The 2020 year class comprised 50% of the 2024 Bluegill trapnet catch. Low numbers of YOY Bluegill were captured in the August seine hauls (4.25 fish/seine haul). Walleye numbers were moderate in 2024 (5.90 fish/trapnet). The Walleye historical average catch rate is 1.71 fish/trapnet for Swenson. The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate to small (0.87 pounds and 13.57 inches) from trapnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.72 pounds from gillnets. Walleye growth rates were normal. The 2021 year class (fry stocked) comprised 93% of the 2024 Walleye trapnet catch. The largest Walleye captured was 21.42 inches in 2024. Walleye natural reproduction in Swenson is generally infrequent and insignificant based on previous fall and summer surveys. Various Walleye stockings of fry, frylings, fingerlings and yearlings have occurred in Swenson. Walleye fryling stockings occurred in 2012 (31,218 fish), 2014 (31,690 fish) and 2016 (27,014 fish). Walleye fry were recently stocked in 2018 (100,000 fish), 2021 (105,525 fish), 2023 (50,842) and 2024 (50,967 fish). Walleye yearlings were last stocked in 2012 (565 fish, 226 pounds). Young of year "YOY" Walleye abundance was high in 2010 (63.00 YOY/hour, 5.91 inches average), 2014 (210.00 YOY/hour, 6.12 inches), 2016 (136.00 YOY/hour 4.97 inches), 2018 (163.33 YOY/hour, 5.49 inches) 2023 (117.00 YOY/hour, 5.57 inches) and 2024 (81.00 YOY/hour, 5.46 inches); but low in 2012 (9.00 YOY/hour, 6.77 inches average) fall electrofishing surveys. One YOY Walleye was captured in the 2024 seine hauls. Largemouth Bass electrofishing survey was not conducted in 2024. Largemouth Bass abundance was low (12.75 fish/hour) in the previous 2015 spring electrofishing survey. The 2015 Largemouth Bass average size was large (2.09 pounds and 15.26 inches) from spring electrofishing. Low YOY Largemouth Bass numbers (2.75 fish/seine haul) were caught in the 2024 shoreline seine hauls. Black Bullhead numbers were absent in 2024 surveys. The Black Bullhead historical average catch rate is 97.31 fish/trapnet for Swenson. The 2019 Black Bullhead trapnet catch rate (3.10 fish/trapnet) was also low. Low Brown Bullhead numbers were present in the 2024 trapnets (0.50 fish/trapnet) but the average size was large (15.96 inches). Yellow Bullhead numbers were also low (0.90 fish/trapnet) in 2024. The Yellow Bullhead average size was large (1.14 pounds and 12.39 inches). Freshwater Drum were first netted in Swenson during 2019 (0.50 fish/gillnet, 9.25 inches). Freshwater Drum are abundant in Norway Lake which is upstream of potential watershed connections that flow into Swenson. No Freshwater Drum were captured in 2024 but were observed in the 2023 spring electrofishing survey. Common Carp numbers were moderate in 2024 (1.20 fish/trapnet). The Common Carp historical average catch rate is 2.81 fish/trapnet for Swenson Lake. The 2024 Common Carp average size was large (8.51 pounds and 25.36 inches) from trapnets. Low numbers of large sized White Sucker and Bigmouth Buffalo were also present in the 2024 trapnets. Current fish management activities on Swenson include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen levels, 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 Swenson fishery will be sampled in the 2029 summer for all fish species and 2026 fall for YOY Walleye abundance.

A targeted fall night electrofishing survey was conducted on Swenson during September 19, 2023 to evaluate young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye numbers due to a fry stocking. Two stations were sampled for a total of 20 minutes during the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. The water temperature was 72 F. Clarity was less than 1 foot. Blue-green algae bloom was severe. We observed abundant numbers of YOY Bluegill; moderate numbers of adult Bluegill and Walleye; low numbers of Common Carp, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. 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). Swenson is a small (108 acres), shallow (14 feet maximum), aerated and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. A helixor aeration system is operated each winter. A partial winterkill (Walleye, Bigmouth Buffalo and Common Carp) occurred in late February or early March of 2023 due to low oxygen caused by heavy snowfall and prolonged winter into March. Three single frame 1/2 inch bar mesh trapnets were set on May 30, 2023 to assess winterkill in Swenson. We captured a variety of gamefish and non-gamefish species in the 2023 May trapnets. Walleye natural reproduction in Swenson is generally infrequent and insignificant based on previous surveys and markings. Walleye fry (Spicer Strain) were last stocked into Swenson during 2023 (50,842 fry). Walleye fry were also stocked in 2021 (105,525 Spicer Strain fry) and 2018 (100,000 Pike River Strain fry). Walleye frylings (OTC marked) were stocked into Swenson during 2009 (27,000 Pike/Red River strain fish), 2010 (40,062 Pike River Strain fish), 2012 (31,218 Pike River Strain fish), 2014 (31,690 Pike River Strain fish) and 2016 (27,014 Spicer Strain fish). Walleye fingerlings and yearlings were last stocked into Swenson during 2012 (126 fingerlings, 21 pounds; 565 yearlings, 226 pounds) after the fall electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye numbers were abundant (117.00/hour, 5.57 inches) in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye numbers were abundant in 2018 (163.33 YOY/hour, 5.49 inches) and 2016 (136.00 YOY/hour, 4.97 inches) fall electrofishing surveys. Oxytetracycline "OTC" marked fish accounted for 54.2% of the 2016 Fall YOY Walleye catch. Abundant YOY Walleye numbers (210.00 YOY/hour, 6.12 inches average length) were also captured in the 2014 fall electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye numbers were low (9.00 YOY/hour, 6.77 inches) in 2012. YOY Walleye abundance was high in 2010(63.00 YOY/hour, 5.91 inches), but low in the 2009 (3.00 YOY/hour, 4.69 inches) fall electrofishing survey. All of the YOY Walleye captured in 2010 were OTC marked fish from a 2010 early summer Walleye fryling stocking. No yearling Walleye were caught in 2023, 2018 or 2016. Abundant numbers of age 2 (2021 year class) Walleye (66.00/hour, 13.10 inches) were caught in the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. Walleye abundance in the 2019 summer survey (5.00 fish/gillnet) was below the historical average catch rate of 8.54 fish/gillnet for Swenson. The 2019 Walleye average weight and length were 2.29 pounds and 18.61 inches from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.68 pounds from gillnets. The 2019 catch rate of quality size (15.00 inches and larger) Walleye was 5.00 fish/gillnet. Walleye growth rates were with the Spicer Area normal ranges. The 2016 year class (fryling stocked) comprised 43% of the 2019 Walleye survey catch. The Swenson Lake fishery will be surveyed in the 2024 summer for all fish species. Fall electrofishing surveys will be conducted periodically during Walleye fry stocked years to assess the success or failure of the stockings.

A targeted survey was conducted on Swenson during late May of 2023 to evaluate the extent of winterkill. Three single frame trapnets (1/2-inch bar measure) were set at standard trapnet locations located along the southeast and southwest portions of the lake. 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). A targeted fall night electrofishing survey for young of year "YOY" Walleye was also conducted in the 2023. Swenson is a small (108 acres), shallow (14 feet maximum), aerated and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. A helixor aeration system is operated each winter. A partial winterkill (Walleye, Bigmouth Buffalo and Common Carp) occurred in late February or early March of 2023 due to low oxygen caused by heavy snowfall and prolonged winter into March. Prior documented winterkills occurred in 1974, 1978 and 1984. A bubbler aeration system was installed and operated during the 1984-85 winter. Winter oxygen levels were low (near or less than 1 ppm) during the late 1980's winters, 1996-97 winter and 2003-04 winter even with the aeration system running, but no significant winterkills were reported. The 2023-24 winter was mild in temperature with little snow accumulation and thin ice. Dissolved oxygen levels were excellent during the 2023-24 winter which made the use of aeration unnecessary in most area lakes. We captured a variety of gamefish and non-gamefish species in the 2023 May trapnets. It appears that gamefish and panfish survived in sufficient numbers. These species included Black Crappie (1.67 fish/trapnet), Bluegill (4.67 fish/trapnet), Northern Pike (0.33 fish/trapnet), Walleye (3.67 fish/trapnet) and Yellow Perch (0.67 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill were from the 2020 and 2021 year classes. The majority of Walleye were from the 2021 year class. Other Walleye year classes present included 2018 and 2019. Local anglers reported catching small Walleye during the 2023-24 winter. Various fish species (pre and post spawn) were stocked shortly following the 2023 trapnet survey. These species included Black Crappie (24 fish, 12 pounds), Bluegill (140 fish, 35 pounds) and Largemouth Bass (126 fish, 82 pounds). These gamefish/panfish species were stocked to boast broodstock numbers to expediate natural reproduction. Bluegill natural reproduction was documented in Swenson during 2023. Abundant numbers of YOY Bluegill were observed in the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. Walleye fry (Spicer Strain) were last stocked into Swenson during mid-May of 2023 (50,842 fry). Walleye fry were also stocked in 2021 (105,525 Spicer Strain fry) and 2018 (100,000 Pike River Strain fry). YOY Walleye numbers were abundant (117.00/hour, 5.57 inches) in the 2023 fall night electrofishing survey. Abundant numbers of age 2 (2021 year class) Walleye (66.00/hour, 13.10 inches) were caught in the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. The Swenson Lake fishery will be surveyed in the 2024 summer for all fish species. Walleye fry are scheduled annually for stocking in Swenson. Additional fish stockings of other species may also occur in Swenson. Fall electrofishing surveys will be conducted periodically during Walleye fry stocked years to assess the success or failure of the stockings.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Hybrid Sunfish, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Walleye in Swenson. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

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

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

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