Stahl's

A standard survey was conducted at Stahl's Lake on July 2, 2018, to monitor the lake's fish population and evaluate the Walleye stocking regime. Stahl's is a class 24 lake and net catches were compared to similar lakes around the state. The 2014 lake management plan (LMP) listed Bluegill and Largemouth Bass as primary management species, while Black Crappie, Northern Pike, and Walleye were ranked as secondary species at Stahl's. In 2018, a total of 12 species, plus Hybrid Sunfish, were sampled in the gill nets (GN), trap nets (TN), and by spring night-time electrofishing (EF) targeting Largemouth Bass. The dissolved oxygen concentration fell below 2.0 mg/l at 14 feet, indicating that the deep parts of the lake lacked adequate oxygen for fish use in early July. Water clarity was fair with a secchi disk reading of 5.0 feet. The reduced visibility was due to an algae bloom. Only Walleye were aged for this survey. Shore anglers have several excellent spots to catch fish at Stahl's including the two rock jetties and a new fishing dock that was installed by DNR Parks and Trails in 2018. Gill nets sampled low numbers (18) of Walleye for a catch rate of 3.0/net, which was within the lake's normal range. Historic GN catch rates from 1951 to 2018 (n=14), under various stocking regimes or no Walleye stocking were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 4.0/net with an average of 1.5. In 2018, Walleye were 19.1 to 23.2 inches long with an average of 21.1. Walleye were age-3 to age-17 with 6 year classes being present. Age-3 fish, a fry stocked year, were the most abundant, accounting for 44% of the GN aged fish. Non-stocked year classes accounted for 1 of the 18 (6%) Walleye that were aged, and the 17 year old fish was possibly an immigrant from Belle Lake. Walleye were not stocked into Stahl's between 1992 and 2004. An every other year fingerling stocking regime (170 pounds) began in 2005, and could have accounted for 50% of the aged fish in 2018, but natural reproduction and immigration could not be totally ruled out. Fall electrofishing (EW), targeting young of the year Walleye (YWAE), was conducted in 2014, 2015, and 2016 and all three surveys failed to sample any YWAE. The current stocking regime (85,000 fry every other year) began in 2015. The 2015 year class accounted for 44% of the aged fish in 2018. The 2015 year class would be considered moderate in size, while all other year classes were weak. Since EW failed to sample any YWAE in 2015 it could be that there was significant migration from Belle Lake, which was also fry stocked in 2015, or that electrofishing was not representatively sampling YWAE. In 2018, growth for age-3 fish was fast. No age-1 Walleye (2017 year class) were sampled in 2018, but they may have been too small to be effectively sampled by 2018 GN's. Gill nets sampled high numbers of Northern Pike (60) for a catch rate of 10.0/net, which was above the lake's normal range. The 2014 LMP's long range goal (>1.5 and 1.8/net) was met in 2018. Catch rates from 1951 to 2018 (n=13) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 30.0/net with an average of 7.3. Trap netted Black Crappie were 5.6 to 13.8 inches long with an average of 8.0. Approximately 19% of the TN catch was 9 inches or longer, indicating a fair size structure. Gill nets also sampled low to moderate numbers of Black Crappie (40) for a catch rate of 6.7/net, which was within the lake's normal range. The 2013 GN catch rate was similar at 4.3/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1973 to 2018 (n=12) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 27.0/net with an average of 6.9. Gill netted Black Crappie were 5.6 to 8.6 inches long with an average of 6.3. Black Crappie were not aged, but size distributions indicated inconsistent recruitment. Spring angling pressure is often high in the channel between Stahl's and French Lakes, with many fishermen targeting Black Crappie. Trap nets sampled high numbers of Bluegill (718) for a catch rate of 79.8/net which was above the lake's normal range. The 2014 LMP's long range goal for Bluegill (>23.1) was met. The 2008 TN catch rate was 135.2/net. Catch rates from 1951 to 2018 (n=13) were highly variable, ranging from 1.0 to 135.2/net, with an average of 53.2. Catch rates from 1990 to 2018 (n=6) were all above the lake's normal range and had an average of 94.9. In 2018, TN Bluegill were 3.3 to 8.3 inches long with an average of 5.8. Approximately 13% of the TN catch was 7 inches or longer, indicating a fair size structure. Bluegill were not aged, but size distribution data indicated that multiple year classes were present. High numbers of smaller sized Bluegill have been consistent at Stahl's for many years, but it's a great lake to take the kids Bluegill fishing because the bobber is always going down. It might take a little sorting, but anglers should be able to get enough fish for supper. Spring night-time electrofishing targeting Largemouth Bass sampled high numbers (82) of fish for a catch rate of 52.3/hour, which was the highest ever recorded at Stahl's. The 2014 LMP's long range goal (>7.9/hour) was met. The 2008 EF catch rate was 6.3/hour. Historic catch rates from 1991 to 2018 (n=7) were variable, ranging from 2.9 to 52.3/hour with an average of 18.0. Approximately 23% of the electrofishing catch was 15 inches or longer, indicating that a quality population was present. Fish were not aged, but size distributions indicated that multiple age classes were present. Bass anglers should find their prey along the weed edges or lurking beneath the lake's lily pads. Gill nets and trap nets failed to sample any Yellow Perch in 2018. This catch rate (0.0/GN) was below the lake's normal range. The 2013 catch rate was 7.5/GN. Historic catch rates from 1951 to 2018 (n=13) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 64.3/net with an average of 17.1. Current data indicated inconsistent recruitment. High numbers of Northern Pike over the last two decades have likely been a limiting factor on this species. Trap nets sampled low numbers (8) of Common Carp for a catch rate of 0.9/net, which was within the lake's normal range. The 2008 catch rate was also low (0.3/net). Historic TN catch rates (n=13) from 1951 to 2018 were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 13.8/net with an average of 1.8. In 2018, TN Common Carp were 18.0 to 28.8 inches long with an average of 20.5. Gill nets also sampled low numbers of Common Carp (8) for a catch rate of 1.3/net, which was within the lake's normal range. Historic GN catch rates from 1973 to 2018 (n=12) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 8.8/net with an average of 1.6. Gill netted Common Carp were 17.7 to 25.0 inches long with an average of 19.4. Low numbers of Common Carp over the years have likely benefited the quality submergent plant community present at Stahl's Lake. Historical high numbers of Bluegill, a known predator on Common Carp eggs, have likely limited Common Carp reproduction within Stahl's Lake. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers (168) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 28.0/net, which was within the lake's normal range. Black Bullhead were the most abundant fish sampled in the GN's in 2018. The 2013 GN catch rate was 0.7/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1973 to 2018 (n=12) were variable, ranging from 0.7 to 166.5/net with an average of 42.4. Gill netted Black Bullhead were 6.1 to 12.3 inches long with an average of 9.2. Approximately 20% of the GN catch was 10 inches or longer, indicating a mediocre size structure. Trap nets sampled low numbers (13) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 1.4/net which was within the lake's normal range. Historic TN catch rates from 1951 to 2018 were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 140.8/net with an average of 30.6. Trap netted Black Bullhead were 9.3 to 12.8 inches long with an average of 10.3. Black Bullhead catch rates have not been high since 1993 (81.5/GN). Additional species sampled in the standard gear included; Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, and Yellow Bullhead.

A resurvey was conducted at Stahl's Lake in 2008 to evaluate the lake's physical, chemical, biological characteristics. A total of 14 different species of fish were sampled, plus hybrid sunfish. Shore fishing pressure was light to moderate during netting week. Stahl's lakeshed (2,693 acres) was dominated by row crop agriculture. The lakeshed to lake ratio was 20:1. Most of the shoreline remained undeveloped, with forest and marshland being the dominant cover types. Aquatic vegetation was fairly diverse (18 varieties) and somewhat plentiful. Bushy pondweed, coontail, cattail, and flatstem pondweed were all ranked as common. Sand was the only shoalwater substrate classified as abundant. Dissolved oxygen dropped to 2 mg/l at 15 foot on 6/30/08. Water clarity was fair, with a secchi disk reading of 3.4 feet in late June. Gill nets sampled 24 walleye for a catch rate of 4.0/net, which was within the normal range for lakes of this type. The 2008 catch rate was the highest ever measured at Stahl's Lake. The 2001 catch rate was 1.5/net. Walleye were 8.7 to 26.9 inches long averaging 18.8 inches. Walleye were 1 to 9 years old with 8 year-classes present. Approximately 76% of the gill netted fish came from non-stocked year-classes. The latest stocking regime (2 pound of fingerlings every-other-year) was initiated in 2005. The older fish may have been migrants from Belle Lake. Gill nets sampled 38 northern pike for a catch rate of 6.3/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2001 catch rate was 11.3/net. Northern pike were 20.2 to 29.9 inches long averaging 23.5 inches. Northern pike were 2 to 6 years old with 5 year-classes present. Gill nets sampled 13 yellow perch for a catch rate of 2.2/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2001 catch rate was 10.7/net. Yellow perch were 4.1 to 6.3 inches long averaging 5.6 inches. Yellow perch were 1 to 4 years old with 4 year-classes present. Spring night-time electrofishing sampled 9 largemouth bass for a catch rate of 6.3/hr of electrofisher on-time. Catch rates (n=6) from 1991 to 2008 ranged from 2.9 to 25.9/hr, averaging 12.3/hr. Largemouth bass were 8.6 to 17.3 inches long averaging 13.6 inches. Largemouth bass were 3 to 7 years old with 3 year-classes present. Gill nets sampled 5 carp for a catch rate of 0.8/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2001 catch rate was 0.8/net. Carp were 20.1 to 24.8 inches long averaging 22.8 inches. The trap net catch rate was also low at 0.3/net. Gill nets sampled 7 black bullhead for a catch rate of 1.2/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The 2001 catch rate was 6.3/net. Black bullhead were 8.7 to 12.1 inches long averaging 10.3 inches. Trap nets also sampled low numbers of black bullhead (1). Trap nets sampled 9 yellow bullhead for a catch rate of 1.0/net. Trap nets sampled 36 black crappie for a catch rate of 4.0/net, which was within the normal range for lakes of this type. The 2001 catch rate was 11.2/net. The latest three catch rates indicated a downward trend in abundance. Black crappie were 5.1 to 9.7 inches long averaging 6.5 inches. Gill nets sampled 115 black crappie for a catch rate of 19.2/net, with fish lengths ranging from 4.3 to 7.7 inches. Trap and gill net catches both indicated a poor size structure. Black crappie were 1 to 5 years old with 5 year-classes present. Growth was slow. Trap nets sampled 1,217 bluegill for a catch rate of 135.2/net, which was above the normal range for lakes of this type. The 2008 catch rate was the highest ever recorded at Stahl's Lake. The 2001 catch rate was 75.7/net. Bluegill were 3.1 to 6.97 inches long averaging 5.5 inches. Approximately 35% of the trap net catch was 6 inches or longer. Bluegill were 2 to 6 years old with 5 year-classes present. Shoreline seining sampled young-of-the-year: black crappie (2), bluegill (24), largemouth bass (44), pumpkinseed sunfish (1), and yellow perch (7). A spottail shiner (1) was also seined.

Stahls Lake in McLeod County, was netted beging 6/25/2001 to evaluate its fish populations. A decline in fishing success over the past two years was reported by anglers, especially shore fishermen, at Stahls Lake. The Hutchinson Area Fisheries Office was asked to investigate the situation and possibly resume stocking walleye. A increase in carp numbers and the disappearance of the lakes aquatic plants were also concerns. In response, the Hutchinson Area Fisheries office did two assessments to evaluate the fishery. Spring night-time electrofishing for largemouth bass and a summer population assessment using standard lake survey trap nets and gill nets were done. Results are listed below.A total of 681 bluegill were sampled by trap nets for a catch rate of 75.5 bluegill per net. The 1998 assessment, when anglers reported good fishing for bluegill, was 70.0 bluegill per net. Bluegill were 3.4 to 8.4 inches long and averaged 5.5 inches in 2001. In 1998, bluegill were 3.9 to 9.3 inches and averaged 6.1 inches. Bluegill were two to seven years old with six year classes present in 2001. Age three bluegill made up 84% of the sample and averaged 5.3 inches. Bluegill growth was good. The current bluegill population should provide good angling opportunities to anglers. If the large 1998 year class continues to develop there should be many more bluegills that are of an exceptable size (seven inches and up) to most anglers by 2002 or 2003.A total of 101 black crappie were sampled by trap net for a catch rate of 11.2 black crappie per net. The 1998 black crappie catch rate was 30.0 fish per net. Historic black crappie catch rates have ranged from 0 (1979) to 30.0 (1998) fish per net. The average catch rate for the seven assessments since the lake was reclaimed with rotenone in 1977 was 6.3 black crappie per net. Black crappie were two to five years old in 2001 with age two and age three fish making up 92% of the sample. Black crappie growth was good. Fishing should improve as the 1998 and 1999 age classes grow to sizes acceptable to anglers within the next couple of years.A total of 68 northern pike were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 11.3 northern pike per net. The 1998 catch rate was very similar at 13.0 northern pike per net. The average lengths for the 2001 and 1998 assessment were 21.8 and 21.4 inches, respectively. Recruitment appears to be high and growth was good at Stahls Lake. Northern pike were two to five years old with four year classes present. Age two and age three northern pike made up 94% of the sample. Northern pike averaged 2.2 pounds, but larger pike are present. A total of 64 yellow perch were sampled for a catch rate of 10.7 yellow perch per net. Yellow perch were 5.0 to 6.3 inches long and were two or three years old. Although the size of yellow perch is too small for most anglers the species is probably an important forage for northern pike and walleye. A total of nine walleye were sampled by gill nets for a catch rate of 1.5 walleye per net in 2001. Walleye were 18.1 to 26.4 inches long and averaged 3.4 pounds. The 1998 catch rate, which was the highest ever recorded, was 3.5 walleye per net. None of the walleye sampled in 1998 were a result of walleye stocking at Stahls Lake. Walleye were last stocked in 1991, and all of the walleye sampled in 2001 were also a result of natural reproduction or immigration from Belle Lake. Walleye were three to seven years old with five year classes present in 2001. Walleye have never been sampled in large numbers at Stahls Lake. A total of four carp were trap netted in 2001 for a catch rate of 0.4 carp per net. Three carp were sampled in 1998 trap nets. Gill nett catches jumped from one to five carp per net from 1998 to 2001. Neither trap nets nor gill nets do a good job of sampling carp, so its hard to say that carp abundance has greatly increased. Average size in 1998 was 3.2 pounds and increased to 5.9 pounds in 2001. Spring electrofishing for largemouth bass sampled 15 largemouth bass. The bass population was fair.Other fish sampled by trap and gill nets were black bullhead and bowfin (dogfish). Stahls Lake often experiences intense algal blooms during summer and winter and these blooms can inhibit rooted aquatic plant growth. Carp behavior (rooting in the bottom sediments) may also be contributing to the problem. This lake lies in an intensive agricultural area and nutrient inputs are more than likely excessive, resulting in the lakes highly eutrophic state. Year to year variability in aquatic plant abundance is also a normal phenomenon. Submerged vegetation was sparce during the 1998 assessment. Shore anglers may have experianced poor fishing the last couple of years because the amount of vegetation present adjacent to these spots has declined to a point where they no longer hold as many fish. Connections to other basins (Popp slough and French Lake) that suffer occasional winterkill may also be influencing fish populations. Development is low on Stahls and much of the lake is surrounded by cattails. Overall, the fishery is in fair to good shape.

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

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

Stahl's has a maximum depth of 37 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Stahl's is from 2018. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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