North Twin

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in North Twin Lake was conducted August 19th - 21st, 2024, by Detroit Lakes Fisheries Staff. Data was collected from 14 sampling stations evenly spaced around the lake. All stations were sampled with a backpack electrofishing unit, 6 were sampled with a 50-foot seine and 1 station was sampled with a 15-foot seine. Six stations were not sampled with a seine because of dense vegetation, water being too deep or muck being too thick to effectively use a seine. Nearshore sampling captured 22 species of native fish, which included five species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass) and two species that are tolerant of disturbance (Black Bullhead and Green Sunfish). The three most common species captured during the nearshore survey in order of abundance were: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Bluntnose Minnow. The nearshore fish survey data was combined with the standard survey data from August 2023 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. North Twin Lake is located in the Wild Rice River Watershed.

North Twin Lake is a 966-acre lake located in southeast Mahnomen County within the White Earth Indian Reservation. The lake's recreational fishery consists primarily of Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie. Walleye are stocked into North Twin by the White Earth Natural Resources Department. Zebra mussels were confirmed to be present in North Twin Lake in 2019 by the White Earth Natural Resources Department staff. A standard fisheries survey was completed in August 2024 to assess the fish populations at North Twin Lake. Anglers will find a high number of Northern Pike in North Twin Lake, however, most of these fish will be on the small side. The average size of the pike captured was 20 inches, but one 38-inch fish was measured. Walleye numbers were below average for the lake but the size is good. About 47% of the Walleye captured in 2024 were over 15 inches and 18% were over 20 inches. The longest Walleye measured was 28.7 inches. Bluegill numbers were down for the lake, but fish over eight inches were present in decent numbers. Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass were captured in low numbers in the nets, which is often the case with this sampling gear. Black Crappie up to 12 inches long were measured and Largemouth Bass up to 19.5 inches were captured. Other fish species sampled were Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead, Green Sunfish, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch.

North Twin is a relatively shallow (16-ft maximum depth), 901-acre, productive lake located in southeast Mahnomen County. The lake is located just southwest of the city of Nay-Tah-Waush on the White Earth Indian Reservation. The recreational fishery today can be described as predominantly Northern Pike, Walleye, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Walleye have been stocked into North Twin by the White Earth Natural Resources Department since 1990, however recruitment has been poor in recent years. Zebra mussels were discovered in the lake in 2019. Once relatively low in numbers, Northern Pike have increased dramatically in North Twin since 1994. Pike are now abundant in the lake, averaging 21.5 inches. Pike between 19 and 23 inches dominated the catch, accounting for approximately 64% of the pike sampled in 2019. Although low in numbers, sizable Walleye can be caught in North Twin. Walleye sampled measured up to 25.8 inches, with the average Walleye caught measuring 17.9 inches. It is likely that predation and competition pressures exerted by the abundant Northern Pike population are linked to the low densities of Walleye and Yellow Perch found in the lake. North Twin sustains a hearty Bluegill population, with sampled fish ranging in length from 3.4 to 10.3 inches and averaging 6.1 inches long. Modest numbers of Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass were collected in survey gears. Black Crappie had an average length of 9 inches and Largemouth Bass over 16 inches were captured. Brown and Yellow Bullhead are common in North Twin, many reaching lengths greater than 10 inches. Because Northern Pike grow relatively slowly in Minnesota, an over-abundance of small pike has become common in many north central lakes. Anglers are encouraged to follow the new Northern Pike regulations, and harvest the abundant Northern Pike under 22 inches for consumption.

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

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

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

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

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