Wanless

On May 29, 2013 a special assessment was performed using trap nets to assess the mid-range objective in the Lake Management Plan of determining survival and reproductive success of stocked Black Crappie. In late October 2002, 295 Black Crappie fingerlings were stocked, however; stocking records indicate that fish were weak and some mortality was noted. Population assessments performed in 2003 and 2006 using gill nets, trap nets and quarter inch mesh trap nets did not sample any Black Crappie. Once again in this assessment, no Black Crappie sampled. Wanless Lake is categorized as a lake class 12 lake, is 78 acres, 99% littoral with a maximum depth of 16 feet and Secchi disc reading of 9.3 feet in brown stained water. The lake is located 10 miles east and 4 miles north of Isabella near Lake County Hwy 7. The access is a 0.5 mile trail, (FS 171K) then a 25 foot carry-in trail to the lake. The trail is somewhat narrow and brushy with some boulders present but is suitable for 4x4 pickup trucks and SUV type of vehicles. There is a small turn around area and an old dock is present. The carry-in trail is wide enough to push a small trailer to the lake and is suitable for canoes and small boats. The 2013 Northern Pike catch in 10 trap nets was 1.8/lift with a mean weight of 1.73 pounds. Due to the fact that no gill nets were set, and this assessment was performed early rather than mid-summer, no comparisons to past catches were made. White Sucker catch was 12.9/lift with a mean weight of 2.7 pounds. Quarter inch mesh trap nets sampled Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Pearl Dace and Yellow Perch.

Wanless Lake is a small lake located approximately 11 miles northeast of Isabella. The lake has a maximum depth of 16 feet, is undeveloped and receives light fishing pressure. The lake can be accessed from a rough, narrow logging road approximately 1 mile from Lake County Rd. #7. There is a carry down access on Federal land suitable for launching canoes and small boats. The fish community in Wanless Lake is comprised of northern pike, yellow perch and various minnow species. Fish population assessments in Wanless Lake have historically collected northern pike in relatively high numbers; this was again the case in 2006, as the catch was above average compared to other lakes in this class. Northern pike collected in 2006 averaged 1.7 pounds/fish, which is typical of the size of northern pike collected in previous assessments on this lake. The largest northern pike collected in 2006 was 34.6 inches (9.3 pounds); however, fish this large are uncommon in Wanless Lake. Approximately 50% of the northern pike in this assessment were between 22 and 26 inches, with only one fish larger than 26 inches sampled. Growth of northern pike collected in 2006 was average compared to similar lakes in this class. The northern pike population in Wanless Lake is maintained through natural reproduction and does not require stocking. The yellow perch catch in 2006 was near the low end of the normal range for the lake class and was typical of the net catches in most of the other assessments on this lake. Yellow perch collected in this assessment averaged 6.8 inches (only one fish over 8.0 inches sampled), and most of the fish were too small to interest anglers. Black crappies were introduced into Wanless Lake in 2002 to meet the increasing demand for fishing opportunities for this species in the Finland area. The 2006 assessment did not sample any black crappies, and indications are that the stocking may not have been successful. At this time it has not been determined if future attempts will be made to establish a black crappie population in this lake.

Wanless Lake is a 78 acre lake located 11 miles northeast of Isabella, MN. Access is on a rough logging road for 1 mile; northwest from Lake County Road 7, and is suitable for canoe or small boat only. The lake is surrounded by federal land, the shoreline is in a natural state.Northern pike were sampled in above average numbers in the 2003 assessment, as has been the case in most previous assessments. The quality of northern pike was fair; they averaged approximately 1.4 pounds. Fish up to 27.4 inches (4.3 pounds) were sampled, but fish over 3.0 pounds were not common.Yellow perch were sampled in this assessment; however, they were not abundant. The size was too small to interest anglers.Black crappie were introduced into Wanless Lake in 2000. Although it is too early to tell if a self-sustaining population will result from the initial stocking, the failure to sample any fish from that stocking is not encouraging.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch and Northern Pike in Wanless. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Wanless has a maximum depth of 16 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Wanless is from 2006. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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