Imogene

Imogene Lake is a 185-acre lake located four miles east of the City of Fairmont in Martin County. The lake has a maximum depth of 6.0 ft. and typically has turbid water (Secchi depth 0.6 ft.) and dense algae blooms. Imogene Lake is managed primarily for Northern Pike and Yellow Perch and secondarily for Walleye. A standard survey was conducted the week of July 19, 2021 to monitor fish populations using gill nets and trap nets. Since 2003, Northern Pike catch rates have varied from 0.0 to 7.5 per gill net and have averaged 2.7 per gill net. In 2021, one 27.1 inch Northern Pike was sampled in trap nets and zero were sampled in gill nets. Prior to 2021, Northern Pike have not been stocked since 2014, indicating that they are not able to sustain their population through natural reproduction. While Imogene Lake does not have your typical Northern Pike habitat, it is susceptible to winterkill which is the main driver towards Northern Pike management. We expect to stock Northern Pike in order maintain a presence in Imogene Lake as a large predator that is more tolerant of low dissolved oxygen during winter. During the fall of 2021, 284 Northern Pike fingerlings were stocked to supplement the population. The Yellow Perch catch rate decreased from 17.0 per gill net in 2015 to 1.5 per gill net in 2021 and was below the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes (2.7 to 25.0 per gill net). Lengths of Yellow Perch in gill nets and trap nets ranged from 4.6 to 10.6 inches and averaged 7.2 inches. The yellow Perch population in Imogene Lake should continue to be monitored for adverse effects from the newly introduced Yellow Bass population. The low abundance of Yellow Perch may be a byproduct of a record catch of Walleye. Prior to 2021, Walleye catch rates varied from 0.0 per gill net in 2003 to 1.5 per gill net in 2009. In 2021, Walleye were captured at a rate of 16.0 per gill net, which is near the upper end of expected catch rates for similar lakes (18.1 per gill net). Four year classes of Walleye were sampled including ages 1, 2, 5, and 7. Age-1 Walleye were likely the result of natural reproduction because fry or fingerlings were not stocked in 2020. These naturally reproduced Walleye from 2020 compose a small percentage of the catch, it is important to recognize the habitat in some year on Imogene Lake is sufficient. The other year classes correspond to fingerling and yearling stockings. Mean length at age-2 was 14.4 inches, which indicates fast growth. Walleye lengths ranged from 10.9 to 24.7 inches and averaged 17.2 inches. Fingerling, yearling, and adult stocking appears to maintain a quality Walleye population in Imogene Lake, which should provide anglers with a good fishing experience. Within the last couple of years, anglers have submitted photos of Yellow Bass that were caught at Imogene Lake. The 2021 survey was the first time that MNDNR has sampled Yellow Bass in Imogene Lake. The 2021 Yellow Bass catch rate was 8.5 per gill net. Two year classes of Yellow Bass were present, age-1's and age-2's. Lengths of Yellow Bass ranged from 6.1 to 9.3 inches and averaged 7.1 inches. Yellow Bass appear to be growing fast, as mean length at age-1 was 6.5 inches and at age-2 was 9.1 inches. The Yellow Bass population should continue to be monitored as diet studies have suggested that they may compete with Yellow Perch and other native species of fish. Although it is physically possible for Yellow Bass to swim into Imogene Lake given the connectivity of the outlet to Center Creek (Outlet of Fairmont Chain of Lakes), there is the belief that Yellow Bass were likely illegally stocked by an angler. Anglers should not move or introduce new species to a lake, as this may have adverse effects on game fish populations. The Black Crappie catch rate in 2021 was 10.3 per trap net, which exceeds the long term average of 5.9 per trap net at Imogene Lake. Black Crappie were large, ranging in length from 5.7 to 12.2 inches and averaging 9.2 inches. Thirty-six percent of Black Crappie were 10.0 inches or larger. Despite not being managed for Black Crappie, a quality crappie fishery exists in Imogene Lake. Channel Catfish were sampled at a rate of 3.5 per gill net, ranging in length from 7.3 to 20.9 inches and averaging 16.8 inches. This is the first time that Channel Catfish have been sampled in Imogene Lake. Other species sampled included Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Common Carp, White Crappie, and Yellow Bullhead.

INTRODUCTION Imogene Lake is a 185-acre lake located four miles east of the City of Fairmont in Martin County. The lake has a maximum depth of 6.0 feet and is characterized by turbid water with frequent algae blooms. Imogene Lake occasionally experiences low dissolved oxygen levels that result in winterkill; therefore, it is managed primarily for Northern Pike and Yellow Perch and secondarily for Walleye. Recently, Northern Pike fingerlings were stocked in 2010, and Northern Pike adults were stocked in 2014. Walleye fingerlings were stocked in 2011 and 2014. Yellow Perch have not been stocked in recent history because they have maintained their population through natural reproduction. A standard survey was conducted the week of July 13, 2015 to monitor fish populations using two gill nets and eight trap nets. NORTHERN PIKE In 2015, Northern Pike were captured at a rate of 7.5 per gill net, which greatly exceeds the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes in the area (0.0 to 2.0 per gill net) and is the highest observed Northern Pike catch rate in Imogene Lake. Northern Pike were 18.0 to 24.9 inches long and averaged 20.1 inches. Northern Pike were plump, suggesting that there is plenty of food in the lake. With another summer of growth complete, Northern Pike should be getting to a size that anglers will harvest. YELLOW PERCH Since the first survey was conducted, Yellow Perch catch rates have increased from 0.0 per gill net in 2003 to 4.0 per gill net in 2009 to 17.0 per gill net in 2015, which is within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes in the area (3.3 to 30.4 per gill net). Lengths of Yellow Perch ranged from 7.6 to 10.7 inches and averaged 9.5 inches. With an average length of 9.5 inches and Yellow Perch over 10.0 inches present, Imogene Lake could be a good destination for anglers pursuing Yellow Perch. WALLEYE In the last decade, Imogene Lake has been stocked extensively with Walleye fingerlings and yearlings (2006, 2009, 2011, and 2014). Despite these efforts, only one, 8.6 inch Walleye was captured during the survey, suggesting that the 2014 fingerling stocking was unsuccessful. Catch rates of Walleye in Imogene Lake have historically been low as the highest catch rate was 1.5 per gill net in 2009. Despite the low netting catch rate, local fishing reports indicate "great" fishing for walleye, primarily from Fairmont residents, and could be considered a gem in the rough. BLACK BULLHEAD Catch rates of Black Bullhead in gill nets (30.0 per gill net) and trap nets (7.3 per trap net) were both below their expected ranges of catch rates for similar lakes in the area (30.3 to 150.6 per gill net, 11.5 to 132.6 per trap net). Since the initial survey done in 2003, catch rates of Black Bullhead in gill nets has declined drastically. Black Bullhead were 4.4 to 11.1 inches long and averaged 8.1 inches. The decline in abundance of Black Bullhead could be a result of regular stocking of predators (Northern Pike and Walleye) in Imogene Lake beginning in the mid-2000s. COMMON CARP Common Carp abundance in both gill nets (15.5 per gill net) and trap nets (36.1 per trap net) exceeded their expected ranges of catch rates for similar lakes in the area (1.0 to 13.8 per gill net, 1.0 to 5.5 per trap net). The trap net catch rate of 36.1 per trap net was the highest recorded for this lake. Common Carp were 3.7 to 24.0 inches and averaged 6.5 inches, with the majority (96 percent) of them being less than 10.0 inches long. OTHER SPECIES One 25.6 inch Bigmouth Buffalo was sampled. Green Sunfish, Orangespotted Sunfish, Tadpole Madtom, and Yellow Bullhead were all sampled for the first time in Imogene Lake. Two Freshwater Drum were sampled in 2009, but none were sampled in 2015. Plants in the water and at the water's edge provide habitat, prevent erosion, and absorb excess nutrients. Shrubs, trees, and woody debris such as fallen trees or limbs provide good habitat both above and below the water and should be left in place. By leaving a buffer strip of natural vegetation along the shoreline, property owners can reduce erosion, help maintain or improve water quality, and provide habitat and travel corridors for wildlife. Best management practices within the watershed (no-till farming, cover crops, buffer strips, targeted fertilizer application, reduced or metered tiling) would help reduce nutrients entering the lake. High nutrient and sediment input can cause algae blooms and reduce overall water quality. Any improvements in the watershed are likely to have positive impacts on the fishery. Prepared by Jonah Dagel

Imogene is a 185-acre lake located just east of the city of Fairmont in Martin County. The lake has a maximum depth of 6.0 feet and is a class 43 lake. Imogene is managed primarily for northern pike and yellow perch while walleye are managed secondarily. The lake suffered a winterkill during the winter of 2000-01. Walleye fry and yellow perch adults were stocked in the spring of 2001. Past management was limited due to the lack of a public access. Property was purchased by Trails and Waterways (now Parks and Trails) in 2005 and an access was developed in 2007. Northern pike fingerlings were stocked in 2005; however, only one northern pike was sampled during the assessment in 2009. No northern pike were sampled during the fish survey in 2003 which may have been because of the winterkill during the winter of 2000-01. Yellow perch numbers are similar to what we would expect on lakes like Imogene. Lengths of yellow perch sampled in gill nets ranged from 6.7 to 8.1 inches with an average length of 7.4 inches. Yellow perch adults were stocked in the spring of 2001 following the winterkill. Based on the 2009 fish survey, walleye numbers are low compared to other lakes similar to Imogene. This could be partly due to high fishing pressure during the fall of 2008 as reported by local anglers. Lengths of walleye caught in our gill nets ranged from 14.3 to 17.6 inches with a mean length of 15.6 inches. Crappie numbers are what we would expect for lakes like Imogene. Both black and white crappie are available to anglers in Imogene Lake. Black crappie have 7-8 dorsal spines with dark splotches against a white background on their body. White crappie have 5-6 dorsal spines and black splotches that form vertical lines on their bodies. Lengths of black crappie sampled in trap nets ranged from 3.7 to 12.7 inches with an average length of 8.9 inches. Lengths of white crappie sampled in trap nets ranged from 10.1 to 13.5 inches and averaged 12.5 inches. Numbers of white crappie were less than that of black crappie but the overall size was larger. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has never stocked bluegill in Imogene but they are present in low numbers. Lengths of bluegill sampled in trap nets ranged from 6.3 to 7.6 inches with an average length of 6.8 inches. Imogene has an average number of black bullhead present in the lake. Lengths of black bullhead sampled in trap nets ranged from 4.9 to 9.2 inches with an average length of 8.4 inches. Other fish sampled during the assessment included common carp, and freshwater drum. To maintain a healthy fishery in Imogene Lake, we need to promote Best Management Practices (BMPs) within the watershed to help reduce nutrients entering the lake. High nutrients and sediments in a lake can cause algae blooms and reduce water clarity.

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

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Imogene. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Imogene has a maximum depth of 6 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Imogene is from 2021.

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