Emily

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Emily Lake was conducted on July 15th 2024, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 10 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample four stations, and a 15-foot seine was used at four stations. Two stations were not seined due to mucky substrate and dense vegetation. Nearshore sampling captured 8 species of fish including one species that is intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Iowa Darter) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Common Carp and Green Sunfish). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by IBI Program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured nine species of fish, two of which are considered tolerant of disturbance. Bluegill comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Bigmouth Buffalo comprised a majority by biomass. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a June 2023 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Green Sunfish and Common Carp). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Emily Lake may be adversely impacted by stressors as score is near impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Minnesota River - Mankato watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. You can help protect the fish community in Emily Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species. Minnesota DNR Fisheries IBI program staff conducted a survey of lakeshore habitat on Emily Lake on September 10th, 2024, following the Score the Shore survey protocols. The survey consisted of 48 survey sites evenly spaced 200 meters around the lake. The average lakewide habitat score was 81.4 (+/- 3.2) out of 100 possible. A score of 81.4 indicates the lakewide shoreline condition is Moderately High (80-84.9).

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Lake Emily was conducted on 20 July 2023 by DNR Fisheries staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 8 sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample 9 stations and site conditions prevented the use of seines at 1 station. Nearshore sampling captured 12 species of fish including 1 species that is intolerant of disturbance (Iowa Darter) and 3 that are tolerant of disturbance (Bigmouth Buffalo, Common Carp, and Green Sunfish). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a standard survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Iowa Darter), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Bigmouth Buffalo). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Minnesota River - Mankato Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Lake Emily is a 235-acre lake located in Le Sueur County near the town of St Peter. It has a maximum depth of 37 feet with approximately 70% of the lake less than 15 feet deep. Lake Emily is located near the top of the watershed and has a moderately developed shoreline that includes a golf course adjacent to the northeast basin. Much of the shoreline, including the island, remains as natural riparian cover and woody habitat is abundant. The local lake association remains committed to improving lake water quality and fishing and has been involved in shoreland restoration, invasive species management, and Northern Pike rearing. A DNR owned ramp is located on the south side of the lake off of Lake Emily Road. The sport fish community consists mainly of Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike. A small self-sustaining Channel Catfish population also persists in the lake. Northern Pike fry have been stocked 3 out of 4 years into a small wetland connected on the west side of the lake since 2008. Most recently, Northern Pike fry were stocked in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. Northern Pike were scheduled to be stocked in 2020 as well, but during the COVID19 pandemic no stocking took place. Other sport fish maintain their populations through natural reproduction. At times, Waterville Fisheries has used the abundant Black Crappie and Bluegill populations as a source for stocking needs throughout the area. A standard survey was conducted the week of 26 June 2023 as part of a regular monitoring program conducted by the Minnesota DNR. This survey was completed to assess the fish community by deploying 6 gill nets, 9 trap nets, and 60 minutes of boat electrofishing. Water quality parameters were also recorded. Black Crappies numbers declined in Lake Emily with a total of 134 sampled in trap nets for a catch rate 14.9/net, down from the 2017 rate of 60.3/net. Catch rates have varied from 14.9/net in 2023 to 129.4/net in 2012 with an average of 57.2/net since 1993. Size structure was poor in 2023, with lengths ranging from 3.2 to 7.8 inches and an average of just 5.0 inches. Black Crappie ranging from 4.1 to 7.6 inches were also the most sampled fish in gill nets with a catch rate of 20.7/net. Fish from both gears were aged using otoliths and scales. Fish were young ranging from age-1 to age-5 with age-2 fish accounted for 56% of the sample. Bluegill were the most abundant fish sampled in trap nets during the 2023 survey, with a total of 296 sampled for a catch rate of 32.9/net. This represents a significant decline since the 2012 survey which sampled an all-time high of 154.0/net. Catch rates have typically been high with an average of 50.7/net since 1993. Bluegill size structure was poor in 2023, with lengths ranging from 3.0 to 8.8 inches and an average of just 4.6 inches. Fish were aged using otoliths and scales. Bluegills ranged from age-2 to age-10 with age-2 and age-3 fish accounting for approximately 50% of the sample. A total of 11 Largemouth Bass were sampled with boat electrofishing for a catch rate of 11.0/hour which was a decrease from the 2017 sample of 81.0/hour. Lengths ranged from 8.5 to 17.3 inches with an average of 13.4 inches. This represented good size structure for anglers targeting Largemouth Bass. A total of 9 Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 1.5/net which was below the long-term average for Lake Emily (3.1/ net). The Northern Pike fry stocking location was changed from in-lake to a connected wetland on the southwest side of the lake in 2008. Before that change, Northern Pike catch rates ranged from 0.0/net to 4.8/net with an average of just 0.9/net. Lengths in 2023 ranged from 21.3 to 33.0 inches with an average of 27.7 inches. Nearly 80% of Northern Pike sampled were longer than the 24-inch minimum size limit. Although the population of Northern Pike is low in Lake Emily there is opportunity at some nice sized fish. Yellow Perch were well represented in the gill nets in 2017. However, 0 Yellow Perch were sampled with gill nets or trap nets in the 2023 survey. Catch rates have been variable ranging from 1.1/net in 1994 to 45.8/net in 2012 with an average of 16.9/net since 1993. Fish were mostly small with the majority ranging from 6 to 7 inches. It is unknown why the Yellow Perch population has crashed in Lake Emily. Just 5 Common Carp were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 0.8/net. Catch rates have been consistently low for the past 15 years with an average catch rate of 1.6/net. Catch rates regularly exceeded the lake class third quartile and averaged 4.2/net prior to 2007. An additional 2 fish were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 0.2/net. Fish from both gears ranged from 15.2 to 17.7 inches. Although the Common Carp numbers have dropped in recent years, it appears that Bigmouth Buffalo numbers have skyrocketed in recent years. Bigmouth Buffalo were sampled at a rate of 16.2 per gill net in 2023 the same as in 2017. Bigmouth Buffalo were sampled at an average rate of less than 0.1/gill net prior to 2017. Bigmouth Buffalo ranged in size from 10.4 inches to 17.4 inches and averaged 14.5 inches in length. The lake association has been in cooperation with commercial fishermen to try and reduce the numbers of Bigmouth Buffalo in Lake Emily. Unfortunately, the small size of these fish are not easily marketed, therefore commercial fishermen are not as willing to continue harvesting from Lake Emily. Although Walleye are not a managed species in Lake Emily, there were 3 individuals sampled using both gill nets and trap nets. These fish were between 20.7 and 21.7 inches in length. Walleyes have historically been sampled in low numbers averaging 0.3/gill net since 1993. Water quality parameter measurements include secchi depth, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen readings. At the time of this survey, absolute secchi depth was 2.0 feet, indicating moderate water clarity. Water temperatures and dissolved oxygen readings throughout the water column ranged from 74.8 degrees Fahrenheit and 5.5 ppm at the surface to 70.7 degrees Fahrenheit and 0.2 ppm at 15 feet. A thermocline was detected between 14 and 17 feet and dissolved oxygen was depleted at approximately 13 feet. 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. -Tyler Fellows, fisheries specialist

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, White Crappie, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Walleye in Emily. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Emily has a maximum depth of 37 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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