South Twin

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in South Twin Lake was conducted on August 13th, and 14th, 2024, by Detroit Lakes Fisheries Staff. The survey consisted of 14 sampling stations evenly spaced around the lake. All stations were sampled with a backpack electrofishing unit, 11 were sampled with a 50-foot seine and one station was sampled with a 15-foot seine. Two stations were not sampled with a seine due to dense vegetation (Chara) which made it impossible to effectively use a seine. Nearshore sampling captured 12 species of native fish, which included only one species that is intolerant of disturbance (Iowa Darter) and one species that is tolerant of disturbance (Green Sunfish). The three most common species captured during the nearshore survey in order of abundance were: Bluegill, Yellow Perch and Largemouth Bass. The nearshore fish survey data was combined with the standard survey data from July 2024 to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity (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., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, and Green Sunfish). 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 a watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. South Twin Lake is located in the Otter Tail River Watershed.

South Twin is a 1,126-acre lake located two miles south of Nay-Tah-Waush in southeastern Mahnomen County. It lies entirely within the boundaries of the White Earth Reservation. South Twin Lake receives a high amount of fishing pressure, with two popular resorts and a public access on the west side of the lake. Zebra mussels were discovered in the lake in 2019. A standard fisheries survey was completed in July 2024 to assess the fish populations in South Twin Lake. Additionally, a night electrofishing survey targeting Largemouth Bass was conducted in late May. Anglers will find an abundant number of Northern Pike in South Twin Lake, however, most of these fish will be on the small side. The average size of the pike captured was 18 inches, but one 35-inch fish was measured. Walleye numbers are well below average for the lake, but size is good. About 87% of the Walleye captured in 2024 were over 15 inches and 24% were over 20 inches. The average length of Walleyes caught in the nets was 18 inches. Anglers can expect to find high numbers of small Bluegills, but fish over eight inches are present. About two percent of the Bluegills sampled in 2024 were over eight inches and Bluegills up to nine inches were sampled. Black Crappie were captured in low numbers in the nets, which is often the case with this sampling gear. Crappie had an average length of 10.1 inches and a maximum length of 11.1 inches. Electrofishing for Largemouth Bass yielded a catch rate of 81.9 bass per hour. This was similar to the lake average of 79.1 bas per hour. Average length was 12.2 inches, and the longest bass measured was 18.1 inches. Other fish species sampled were Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Tullibee, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch.

South Twin Lake is a 1,126-acre lake with a high level of fishing pressure and considerable shoreline development. The lake supports a diverse and abundant fishery with warmwater species including Largemouth Bass and Bluegill, as well as coolwater species like Northern Pike and Walleye. Northern Pike remain abundant in South Twin Lake with most fish ranging in length from 15 to 22 inches. Walleye catch has declined since 2010, with the average Walleye caught measuring 17.2 inches in length. Since 2007,Yellow Perch numbers have declined considerably in South Twin, concurrent with an increase in Northern Pike numbers. South Twin supports an abundant Bluegill population, however few fish larger than 8 inches were captured. Black Crappie abundance increased significantly compared to past surveys, but most fish were less than eight inches long. Largemouth Bass caught averaged 12.6 inches in length, but fish up to 20 inches long were captured. South Twin Lake is included in the Sentinel Lakes monitoring program, a statewide effort to track future changes in Minnesota's Lakes. To help protect the status of South Twin in the future, lakeshore and watershed property owners can apply land management practices such as exceeding setbacks for structures and septic systems, leaving buffer strips of natural vegetation along the shoreline, leaving vegetation stands intact, and not fertilizing lawns. These efforts play a significant role in maintaining a hearty and diverse fishery.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Black Crappie, Hybrid Sunfish, and Rock Bass in South Twin. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

South Twin has a maximum depth of 29 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

Yes — South Twin has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.