German

German Lake is an 899-acre lake located in southern Le Sueur County. A DNR-owned public access is located on the north side of the lake off Le Sueur County Road 12. A public fishing pier is located on the west side of the lake near the outlet of East Jefferson Lake. Maximum depth at German Lake is 51 feet and 66% of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. German Lake is managed primarily for Black Crappie and Bluegills and secondarily for Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. The current management plan calls for stocking 130,000 Walleye fry every year. Most recently, Walleye fry were stocked in 2022, 2023, and 2024. German Lake is managed along with East Jefferson Lake, West Jefferson Lake, and Middle Jefferson Lake as part of a chain of lakes known collectively as the Jefferson Chain. Since these lakes are openly connected to one another, fish migration must be considered, and management is coordinated with this in mind. German Lake is considered a Tier-1 Lake and will be surveyed as part of a regularly scheduled monitoring program at a frequency of every 3 years. The 2024 survey was completed the week of 10 June 2024 using 8 gill nets, 11 trap nets, and 68 minutes of boat electrofishing. Water quality parameters were also measured. Black Crappies were common in the gill net sample in 2024. A total of 253 Black Crappies were caught for a rate of 31.6/net. The 2024 Black Crappie catch rate was well above the long-term average catch rate of 15.6/net and nearly double the 2021 catch rate of 17.8/net. Black Crappies ranged from 4.1 to 12.3 inches with average of 7.7 inches. Black Crappies from both gears were age-1 to age-7 with 6 year classes present. Approximately 53% of Black Crappies sampled were age-4 or age-5. Black Crappie growth was moderate with fish reaching 10 inches by age-5. Black Crappies are one of the most targeted species in the Jefferson Chain and the 2024 survey results show a population with consistent recruitment and good size potential. Bluegills dominated the trap net sample in 2024 with a total of 353 caught for a rate of 32.1/net. The 2024 Bluegill catch rate was below the long term mean of 50.1/net. Bluegills varied from 2.6 to 8.7 inches with an average of 7.1 inches. Bluegills were also the most abundant species in the gill nets and ranged from 3.6 to 9.5 inches. Bluegills ranged from age-2 to age-7 with 6 year classes present. Bluegill recruitment appears consistent with most year classes relatively well represented. Bluegill growth was fast with an average length of nearly 6 inches at age-3. The size structure of the 2024 sample was of high quality and should continue to attract anglers to German Lake. Twelve Walleyes ranging from 16.9 to 28.3 inches were sampled with the gill nets for a catch rate of 1.5/net. The new management strategy of stocking fry every year has produced a slight improvement in terms of a Walleye fishery in German Lake and the Jefferson Chain as a whole. Hopes are high that the Lower Mississippi Strain, which evolved locally, of Walleye will improve Walleye fishing in the Jefferson Chain in time. A total of 7 Largemouth Bass were sampled using boat electrofishing for a rate of 6.2/hour on-time. This was just the fourth time Largemouth Bass were sampled using boat electrofishing. The other three catch rates were 36.4/hour on-time in 2004, 18.7/hour on-time in 2018, and 26.8/hour on-time in 2021. Overall, Largemouth Bass numbers have been sampled at low to moderate numbers in German Lake. Largemouth Bass lengths in 2024 ranged from 12.0 to 17.7 inches with an average of 14.1 inches. Although sampled in low numbers, the German Lake Largemouth Bass population continues to provide a steady angling target and matches well with the abundant Bluegill population. Northern Pike were moderately abundant in the gill net sample. A total of 25 Northern Pike were sampled for a rate of 3.4/net. Historically, Northern Pike catch rates have varied from 2.0/net to 9.9/net with an average of 5.1/net. Northern Pike in 2024 ranged from 15.2 to 32.0 inches with an average length of 23.9 inches. Approximately 48% of Northern Pike sampled were larger than the legal minimum length limit of 24 inches. The last time Northern Pike were stocked in the Jefferson Chain was in 2017 which suggests that many fish sampled in 2024 were naturally reproduced and provides evidence of a self-sustaining population. Yellow Perch were sampled at an all-time high of 26.0/net in 2021, that number dropped slightly to 17.3 in 2024. The long-term mean catch rate is 16.0/net. Yellow Perch ranged from 5.1 to 10.4 inches with an average of 8.0 inches. The 2024 survey shows a dual-purpose Yellow Perch population. One that both provides an abundant prey base for predator species and that also provides sizable fish for harvest. Freshwater Drum have historically been one of the most abundant species in gill net samples, and that trend continued in 2024. A total of 134 Freshwater Drum averaging 17.2 inches were sampled for a rate of 16.8/net, which was just above the long-term average catch rate of 13.2/net. Freshwater Drum provide an additional angling opportunity in German Lake. Black Bullheads were scarce in 2024 with just 1 sampled with the trap nets and gill nets and continued a steep declining trend that began in 2013. Yellow Bullheads were common on the other hand, with 25 sampled with the gill nets for a catch rate of 3.1/net. The inverse relationship between bullhead species is something that's been observed in other Waterville Area lakes and should be investigated further to determine the cause. Just 7 Common Carp were sampled in 2024. Common Carp catch rates have remained low in all 9 surveys dating back to 1994. These fish averaged 24.0 inches in length ranging from 18.1 to 29.1 inches in length. With access to the entire Jefferson Chain, Common Carp appear to prefer the habitat of other lakes over German Lake. Other Species sampled in 2024 include Bigmouth Buffalo, Bowfin (dogfish), Green Sunfish, Longnose Gar, Pumpkinseed, and hybrid sunfish. Water clarity was fair with a secchi depth of 5 feet. Dissolved oxygen and water temperature readings ranged from 8.2 ppm and 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface to 0.2 ppm and 67.5 degrees Fahrenheit at 43 feet. A thermocline was not noticeable. -Tyler Fellows, fisheries specialist

Night electrofishing for age-0 Walleye was completed on 25 October 2021. Only one age-0 Walleye was encountered. One other Walleye was observed and was believed to be a yearling. Many Emerald Shiners were observed as well as panfish of many species and sizes. The weather was clear and cool, a gentle breeze was present. Visibility was moderate as the bottom could be seen in about 2.5 feet of water.

German Lake is an 899-acre lake located in southern Le Sueur County. A DNR-owned public access is located on the north side of the lake off Le Sueur County Road 12. A public fishing pier is located on the west side of the lake near the outlet to East Jefferson Lake. The maximum depth is 51 feet with 66% of the area less than 15 feet deep. German Lake is managed primarily for Black Crappie and Bluegills and secondarily for Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. The current management plan calls for stocking 524,000 Walleye fry in odd years. Most recently, Walleye fry were stocked in 2017, 2019, and 2021. German Lake is managed along with East Jefferson Lake, West Jefferson Lake, and Middle Jefferson Lake as part of a chain of lakes known collectively as the Jefferson Chain. Since these lakes are openly connected to one another, fish migration must be considered, and management is coordinated with this in mind. German Lake is considered a Tier-1 Lake and will be surveyed as part of a regularly scheduled monitoring program at a frequency of every 3 years. The 2021 survey was completed the week of 14 June 2021 using 8 gill nets, 8 trap nets, and 53 minutes of boat electrofishing. Water quality parameters were also measured. Black Crappies were common in the gill net sample in 2021. A total of 142 Black Crappies were caught for a rate of 17.8/net. The 2021 Black Crappie catch rate was in line with the long-term average catch rate of 13.4/net and less than half the 2018 catch rate of 38.4/net. Black Crappies ranged from 4.1 to 12.3 inches with an average of 7.7 inches. Almost half of Black Crappies sampled were over 8 inches. An additional 38 Black Crappies up to 13.1 inches were sampled with the trap nets. Black Crappies from both gears were 1 to 10 years old with 8 year classes present. Approximately 88% of Black Crappies sampled were 3 years old or younger. Black Crappie growth was moderate with fish exceeding 8 inches by year 3. Black Crappies are one of the most targeted species in the Jefferson Chain and the 2021 survey results show a population with consistent recruitment and good size potential. Bluegills dominated the trap net sample in 2021 with a total of 318 caught for a rate of 39.8/net. The 2021 Bluegill catch rate was below the long term average of 52.7/net but still indicated high numbers were present. Bluegills ranged from 3.2 to 9.1 inches with an average of 6.0 inches. Bluegill size structure was good with approximately half the sample over 6 inches and 20% over 8 inches. Bluegills were also the most abundant species in the gill nets and ranged from 3.8 to 9.4 inches. Bluegills ranged from 2 to 8 years old with 7 year classes present. Bluegill recruitment appears consistent with most year classes relatively well represented. Bluegill growth was moderately slow with an average length of 4.8 inches at 3 years old. Despite slow growth, the size structure of the 2021 sample was of high quality and should continue to attract anglers to German Lake. Just 7 Walleyes ranging from 14.7 to 25.3 inches were sampled with the gill nets for a catch rate of 0.9/net. The long-term catch rate average was 2.0/net and recent surveys produced 0.6/net in 2013 and 1.3/net in 2018. The current management strategy of stocking fry every other year has produced very little in terms of a Walleye fishery in German Lake and the Jefferson Chain as a whole, despite moderate Northern Pike numbers and abundant Yellow Perch. A total of 24 Largemouth Bass were sampled using boat electrofishing for a rate of 26.8/hour. This was just the third time Largemouth Bass were sampled using boat electrofishing. The other two catch rates were 36.4/hour in 2004 and 18.7/hour in 2018. Overall, Largemouth Bass numbers have been sampled at low to moderate numbers in German Lake. Largemouth Bass lengths in 2021 ranged from 4.0 to 18.1 inches with an average of 11.9 inches. About half the Largemouth Bass sample exceeded 12 inches. Six more Largemouth Bass up to 16.2 inches were sampled with the gill nets. Largemouth Bass from both gears were 1 to 12 years old with 11 year classes present. The average length at 3 years old was 10.6 inches. Although sampled in low numbers, the German Lake Largemouth Bass population continues to provide a steady angling target and matches well with the abundant Bluegill population. Northern Pike were moderately abundant in the gill net sample. A total of 43 Northern Pike were sampled for a rate of 5.4/net, indicating moderate numbers were present. Historically, Northern Pike catch rates have varied from 2.0/net to 9.9/net with an average of 5.3/net. Northern Pike ranged from 15.3 to 35.8 inches with an average length of 24.7 inches. Approximately 57% of Northern Pike were larger than the legal minimum length limit of 24 inches. Northern Pike ranged from 1 to 7 years old with 7 year classes present. Most Northern Pike were 2 to 4 years old. Northern Pike growth was rapid with an average length of 20.2 inches at 2 years old. The last time Northern Pike were stocked in the Jefferson Chain was in 2017 which suggests that many of fish sampled in 2021 were naturally reproduced and provides evidence of a self-sustaining population. German Lake is included in the Southern Zone Northern Pike regulations. Anglers are limited to 2 Northern Pike daily which must be at least 24 inches in length. Yellow Perch were sampled at an all-time high of 26.0/net in 2021. The long-term average was 15.9/net and the catch rate from the previous survey (2018) was 14.0/net. Yellow Perch ranged from 5.5 to 11.4 inches with an average of 8.0 inches. Size structure was good with plenty of Yellow Perch over 8 inches. Yellow Perch ranged from 2 to 8 years old with 7 year classes present. The average length at 3 years old was 7.4 inches. The 2021 survey shows a dual-purpose Yellow Perch population. One that both provides an abundant prey base for predator species and that also provides good numbers of sizable fish for harvest. Freshwater Drum have historically been one of the most abundant species in gill net samples, and that trend continued in 2021. A total of 118 Freshwater Drum averaging 16.8 inches were sampled for a rate of 14.8/net, which was just above the long-term average of 12.6/net. Freshwater Drum provide an additional angling opportunity in German Lake, albeit an unpopular one. Black Bullheads were scarce in 2021 with just 5 sampled with the trap and gill nets and continued a steep declining trend that began in 2013. Yellow Bullheads were abundant on the other hand, with 129 sampled with the gill nets for a catch rate of 16.1/net. This represents a huge increase from a previous high catch rate of 2.1/net. Just a single 28.5 inch Common Carp was sampled in 2021. Catch rates have remained near zero in all 8 surveys dating back to 1994. With access to the whole Jefferson Chain, Common Carp appear to prefer the habitat of other lakes over German Lake. Other Species sampled in 2021 include Bigmouth Buffalo, Bowfin (dogfish), Green Sunfish, Longnose Gar, Pumpkinseed, White Bass, and hybrid sunfish (Lepomis spp.). Anglers can play an important role in maintaining or improving a fish population by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest allows for the harvest of smaller fish for consumption, while encouraging the release of medium to large fish that may contribute to natural reproduction. This practice helps maintain balance in the fish populations and provides anglers the opportunity to catch more and larger fish in the future. Additionally, smaller fish often taste better and have fewer contaminants than larger, older fish from the same water body. Shoreline property owners also play an important role in the overall health of an aquatic ecosystem, including the fish population. Natural shorelines, including vegetation, woody debris, and bottom substrates, provide valuable habitat for fish and wildlife, help maintain water quality, and reduce bank erosion. Cattails and bulrushes are particularly beneficial for fish spawning, rearing, and feeding. By leaving natural shorelines unaltered or restoring them to natural conditions, shoreline property owners are doing their part to maintain or improve a healthy ecosystem in the lake and protect the resource for future generations. -Sky Wigen, Fisheries Specialist

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

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

German has a maximum depth of 51 feet and a mean depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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