Spring

A standard survey was conducted at Spring Lake on June 18, 2018, to monitor the fish population. Spring is a class 34 lake and net catches were compared to similar lakes around the state. The 2014 lake management plan (LMP) listed Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike as the primary management species while Black Crappie were considered a secondary management species. A total of 11 species, plus Hybrid Sunfish, were sampled in the gill nets (GN), trap nets (TN), or by spring night-time electrofishing targeting Largemouth Bass. On June 19, the dissolved oxygen concentration fell below 2.0 mg/l at 14.0 feet, indicating that some of the lake (maximum depth of 30 feet) lacked sufficient oxygen for fish use at this time of the year. Water clarity was fair, with a secchi disk reading of 5.9 feet. Curlyleaf Pondweed was common around the shoreline during netting week. Curlyleaf Pondweed is a non-native aquatic plant that can reach nuisance levels in May and June but typically dies back in early July. Spring Lake has a history of occasional winterkill with the latest significant event occurring in 2001. Fish populations (especially Bluegill and Largemouth Bass) can fluctuate widely depending on frequency and severity of winterkill. DNR Parks and Trails installed a fishing pier at the north end of the lake in 2018. Gill nets sampled high numbers of Northern Pike (63) for a catch rate of 10.5/net, which was above the lake's normal range. The 2014 LMP's Northern Pike long range goal (>5.1/net) was met. The 2013 catch rate was 29.0/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.2 to 29.0/net with an average of 10.4. Historically, recruitment could be classified as moderate (>5.0/GN) to high (>10.0/GN) at Spring Lake. Northern Pike were last stocked in 1991, indicating ample natural reproduction most years. In 2018, Northern Pike were 18.9 to 29.6 inches long with an average of 23.9. Trap nets sampled fish up to 33.1 inches in length. Data indicated a quality size structure. Size distributions indicated that multiple age classes were present. New Northern Pike zone regulations went into effect in the spring of 2018. Long is in the north central regulation zone, which has a 10 fish bag limit, where all fish from 22 to 26 inches in length have to be immediately released and only two harvested fish can be over 26 inches long. Darkhouse spearers are allowed to have one fish in the protected slot limit. Spring Lake was occasionally clear enough for darkhouse spearing, but many years was too turbid. Pike anglers should expect plenty of action at Spring Lake. Trap nets sampled low to moderate numbers of Black Crappie (34) for a catch rate of 3.8/net, which was within the lake's normal range. The 2013 TN catch rate was similar at 2.4/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were highly variable, ranging from 1.0 to 74.8/net with an average of 22.8. In 2018, TN Black Crappie were 3.7 to 9.1 inches long with an average of 5.7. Only 1 TN fish was 9 inches or longer, indicating a poor size structure. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Black Crappie (14) for a catch rate of 2.3/net, which was just below the lake's normal range and was tied for the second lowest catch rate on record. The 2013 GN catch rate was also 2.3/net. Gill net catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.5 to 115.0/net with an average of 17.7. Gill netted Black Crappie were 4.4 to 9.6 inches long with an average of 6.5. Size distributions indicated inconsistent recruitment, but at least two year classes were present. Gill nets and TN's failed to sample any Walleye in 2018. The 2013 GN catch rate was also 0.0/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10), were all low, ranging from 0.0 to 0.2/net with an average of 0.0. Walleye were last stocked in 1965. The spring night-time electrofishing crew observed 1 Walleye during Largemouth Bass sampling. Anglers seeking Walleye should try nearby Collinwood or Big Swan Lakes. Trap nets sampled moderate numbers of Bluegill (328) for a catch rate of 36.4/net which was within the lake's normal range. The 2014 LMP's Bluegill long range goal (>5.9/TN and 31.0/hour) was met. The 2013 catch rate was 31.0/hour. In 2018, electrofished Largemouth Bass were 6.7 to 20.5 inches long with an average of 11.1. An impressive 30 fish total were 18 inches or longer, indicating a high quality size structure. The electrofishing size distribution indicated that multiple age classes were present. Bass anglers can expect to find this species roaming in Spring's plentiful submerged vegetation beds. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Yellow Perch (34) for a catch rate of 5.7/net, which was within the lake's normal range. The 2013 catch rate was 1.0/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.5 to 17.8/net with an average of 6.5. In 2018, Yellow Perch were 4.9 to 6.6 inches long with an average of 6.2. Data indicated inconsistent recruitment. High numbers of Northern Pike since 2003 (average catch rate of 18.7/GN) have likely limited the Yellow Perch population. Trap nets sampled low numbers of Common Carp (3) for a catch rate of 0.3/net which was within the lake's normal range and was the second lowest catch rate on record. Historic TN catch rates (n=10) from 1974 to 2018 were highly variable, ranging from 0.0 to 37.0/net with an average of 7.2. In 2018, the TN Common Carp were 20.0 to 23.5 inches in length. Gill nets also sampled low numbers of Common Carp (1) for a catch rate of 0.2/net, which was below the lake's normal range and the lowest catch rate on record. Historic GN catch rates (n=10) were highly variable, ranging from 0.2 to 78.5/net with an average of 18.8. Bluegill (a known predator on Common Carp eggs) catch rates have been relatively stable from 1994 to 2018 (averaging 38.2/TN) and numbers have likely been high enough to control Common Carp reproduction within Spring Lake. Gill nets sampled moderate to high numbers of Black Bullhead (448) for a catch rate of 74.7/net, which was above the lake's normal range. The 2013 catch rate was much lower at 4.3/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were highly variable, ranging from 4.3 to 117.0/net with an average of 53.2. Gill netted fish were 6.6 to 13.9 inches long with an average of 9.3. Trap nets sampled low numbers (10) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 1.1/net, which was within the lake's normal range and the second lowest catch rate on record. The 2013 TN catch rate was 0.7/net. Historic TN catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.7 to 96.0/net with an average of 31.7. The size distributions indicated inconsistent recruitment. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers of Yellow Bullhead (140) for a catch rate of 23.3/net which was above the lake's normal range and the highest ever measured at Spring Lake. The 2013 GN catch rate was 0.0/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 23.3/net with an average of 3.1. In 2018, gill netted Yellow Bullhead were 5.5 to 14.3 inches long with an average of 9.3. Approximately 51% of the GN sample was 9 inches or longer indicating a quality population that may appeal to bullhead anglers. The GN size distribution indicated that multiple year classes were present. Additional species sampled in the standard gear included; Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish.

A standard survey was conducted at Spring Lake on June 18, 2018, to monitor the fish population. Spring is a class 34 lake and net catches were compared to similar lakes around the state. The 2014 lake management plan (LMP) listed Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike as the primary management species while Black Crappie were considered a secondary management species. A total of 11 species, plus Hybrid Sunfish, were sampled in the gill nets (GN), trap nets (TN), or by spring night-time electrofishing targeting Largemouth Bass. On June 19, the dissolved oxygen concentration fell below 2.0 mg/l at 14.0 feet, indicating that some of the lake (maximum depth of 30 feet) lacked sufficient oxygen for fish use at this time of the year. Water clarity was fair, with a secchi disk reading of 5.9 feet. Curlyleaf Pondweed was common around the shoreline during netting week. Curlyleaf Pondweed is a non-native aquatic plant that can reach nuisance levels in May and June but typically dies back in early July. Spring Lake has a history of occasional winterkill with the latest significant event occurring in 2001. Fish populations (especially Bluegill and Largemouth Bass) can fluctuate widely depending on frequency and severity of winterkill. DNR Parks and Trails installed a fishing pier at the north end of the lake in 2018. Gill nets sampled high numbers of Northern Pike (63) for a catch rate of 10.5/net, which was above the lake's normal range. The 2014 LMP's Northern Pike long range goal (>5.1/net) was met. The 2013 catch rate was 29.0/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.2 to 29.0/net with an average of 10.4. Historically, recruitment could be classified as moderate (>5.0/GN) to high (>10.0/GN) at Spring Lake. Northern Pike were last stocked in 1991, indicating ample natural reproduction most years. In 2018, Northern Pike were 18.9 to 29.6 inches long with an average of 23.9. Trap nets sampled fish up to 33.1 inches in length. Data indicated a quality size structure. Size distributions indicated that multiple age classes were present. New Northern Pike zone regulations went into effect in the spring of 2018. Long is in the north central regulation zone, which has a 10 fish bag limit, where all fish from 22 to 26 inches in length have to be immediately released and only two harvested fish can be over 26 inches long. Darkhouse spearers are allowed to have one fish in the protected slot limit. Spring Lake was occasionally clear enough for darkhouse spearing, but many years was too turbid. Pike anglers should expect plenty of action at Spring Lake. Trap nets sampled low to moderate numbers of Black Crappie (34) for a catch rate of 3.8/net, which was within the lake's normal range. The 2013 TN catch rate was similar at 2.4/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were highly variable, ranging from 1.0 to 74.8/net with an average of 22.8. In 2018, TN Black Crappie were 3.7 to 9.1 inches long with an average of 5.7. Only 1 TN fish was 9 inches or longer, indicating a poor size structure. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Black Crappie (14) for a catch rate of 2.3/net, which was just below the lake's normal range and was tied for the second lowest catch rate on record. The 2013 GN catch rate was also 2.3/net. Gill net catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.5 to 115.0/net with an average of 17.7. Gill netted Black Crappie were 4.4 to 9.6 inches long with an average of 6.5. Size distributions indicated inconsistent recruitment, but at least two year classes were present. Gill nets and TN's failed to sample any Walleye in 2018. The 2013 GN catch rate was also 0.0/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10), were all low, ranging from 0.0 to 0.2/net with an average of 0.0. Walleye were last stocked in 1965. The spring night-time electrofishing crew observed 1 Walleye during Largemouth Bass sampling. Anglers seeking Walleye should try nearby Collinwood or Big Swan Lakes. Trap nets sampled moderate numbers of Bluegill (328) for a catch rate of 36.4/net which was within the lake's normal range. The 2014 LMP's Bluegill long range goal (>5.9/TN and 31.0/hour) was met. The 2013 catch rate was 31.0/hour. In 2018, electrofished Largemouth Bass were 6.7 to 20.5 inches long with an average of 11.1. An impressive 30 fish total were 18 inches or longer, indicating a high quality size structure. The electrofishing size distribution indicated that multiple age classes were present. Bass anglers can expect to find this species roaming in Spring's plentiful submerged vegetation beds. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Yellow Perch (34) for a catch rate of 5.7/net, which was within the lake's normal range. The 2013 catch rate was 1.0/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.5 to 17.8/net with an average of 6.5. In 2018, Yellow Perch were 4.9 to 6.6 inches long with an average of 6.2. Data indicated inconsistent recruitment. High numbers of Northern Pike since 2003 (average catch rate of 18.7/GN) have likely limited the Yellow Perch population. Trap nets sampled low numbers of Common Carp (3) for a catch rate of 0.3/net which was within the lake's normal range and was the second lowest catch rate on record. Historic TN catch rates (n=10) from 1974 to 2018 were highly variable, ranging from 0.0 to 37.0/net with an average of 7.2. In 2018, the TN Common Carp were 20.0 to 23.5 inches in length. Gill nets also sampled low numbers of Common Carp (1) for a catch rate of 0.2/net, which was below the lake's normal range and the lowest catch rate on record. Historic GN catch rates (n=10) were highly variable, ranging from 0.2 to 78.5/net with an average of 18.8. Bluegill (a known predator on Common Carp eggs) catch rates have been relatively stable from 1994 to 2018 (averaging 38.2/TN) and numbers have likely been high enough to control Common Carp reproduction within Spring Lake. Gill nets sampled moderate to high numbers of Black Bullhead (448) for a catch rate of 74.7/net, which was above the lake's normal range. The 2013 catch rate was much lower at 4.3/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were highly variable, ranging from 4.3 to 117.0/net with an average of 53.2. Gill netted fish were 6.6 to 13.9 inches long with an average of 9.3. Trap nets sampled low numbers (10) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 1.1/net, which was within the lake's normal range and the second lowest catch rate on record. The 2013 TN catch rate was 0.7/net. Historic TN catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.7 to 96.0/net with an average of 31.7. The size distributions indicated inconsistent recruitment. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers of Yellow Bullhead (140) for a catch rate of 23.3/net which was above the lake's normal range and the highest ever measured at Spring Lake. The 2013 GN catch rate was 0.0/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1974 to 2018 (n=10) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 23.3/net with an average of 3.1. In 2018, gill netted Yellow Bullhead were 5.5 to 14.3 inches long with an average of 9.3. Approximately 51% of the GN sample was 9 inches or longer indicating a quality population that may appeal to bullhead anglers. The GN size distribution indicated that multiple year classes were present. Additional species sampled in the standard gear included; Brown Bullhead, Green Sunfish, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish.

A full resurvey was conducted at Spring Lake in Meeker County in 2013 to monitor the fish population. Spring Lake is managed for Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Northern Pike. It has a long history of winterkill although none have been reported in recent years. The Spring Lake lakeshed (2,235 acres) was highly disturbed and dominated by livestock and hay pasture (31%), row crop agriculture (27%), and residential and municipal uses associated with the city of Dassel (26%). The shoreline of the lake was moderately developed with residential homes (53) making it the largest type of shoreline use (45%) in 2013 followed by forested use (33%). The secchi disk reading was 4 feet, the same as recorded in the 2003 resurvey. The vegetation survey sampled 9 species of submergent plants out to a maximum depth of 12 feet with 3 species rated as common and a single species rated as abundant. Shoalwater substrates were dominated by sand, silt, and detritus and were similar to the 2003 sample. Northern Pike numbers remained high in Spring Lake with a total of 174 Northern Pike sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 29.0/net. The catch rate in 2003 was 16.7/net. Since 1974, 4 out of 9 (44%) Northern Pike gill net catch rates indicated high numbers were present with an average catch rate of 10.4/net. Lengths ranged from 16.6 to 31.4 inches with an average length of 21.7 inches. A total of 22 Northern Pike were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 2.4/net. They ranged from 18.5 to 31.6 inches with a mean length of 22.6 inches. Northern Pike from both net gears ranged from 2 to 7 years old with 6 year-classes present. Two and three year old fish accounted for 86% of the sample. Growth was fast. A total of 22 Black Crappies were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 2.4/net, indicating low to moderate numbers were present. Since 1974, Black Crappie catch rates have varied from 1.0/net to 74.8/net with an average catch rate of 24.9/net. Lengths ranged from 4.9 to 11.8 inches with an average of 6.9 inches. A total of 14 Black Crappies were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 2.3/net with lengths ranging from 4.8 to 5.9 inches. Black Crappies from both net gears ranged from 2 to 6 years old with 5 year-classes present. Two and three year old fish accounted for 92% of the sample. Growth was slow. A total of 300 Bluegills were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 33.3/net, indicating moderate to high numbers were present for the third consecutive sample (1994, 2003, 2013). Since 1974, Bluegill catch rates have varied from 0/net to 42.3/net with an average of 17.5/net. Lengths varied from 3.0 to 7.5 inches with an average length of 5.1 inches. A total of 5 Bluegills measuring 5.9 to 6.8 inches were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 0.8/net. A total of 31 Largemouth Bass were sampled spring night-time electrofishing for a catch rate of 31.0/hour on-time which was less than the 58/hour on-time sampled in 2003. Lengths ranged from 7.9 to 19.6 inches with an average length of 13.2 inches. An additional 5 Largemouth Bass ranging from 14.6 to 18.4 inches were sampled in the net gears. Largemouth Bass from all gears ranged from 2 to 7 years old with 6 year-classes present. Growth was moderate. In the absence of any recent winterkill events, Spring Lake now supports a respectable Largemouth Bass population. Just 6 Yellow Perch between 5.4 and 6.4 inches were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 1.0/net, which was the lowest catch rate in 6 samples dating back to 1982 indicating low numbers were present. Historically, catch rates have varied from 1.0/net to 17.8/net with an average of 6.6/net. No Yellow Perch were sampled with gill nets in 2013. A single 5 year old Walleye measuring 23.2 inches long was sampled with gill nets in 2013 despite no stocking of Walleyes into Spring Lake since the 1960's. This fish was most likely a result of an unauthorized introduction. Currently, Spring Lake is not managed for Walleye. A total of 26 Black Bullheads were sampled with gill nets in 2013 for a catch rate of 4.3/net, which was the lowest catch rate ever recorded indicating low to moderate numbers were present. The 2003 catch rate was 62.8 and historically catch rates have ranged from 4.3/net to 117.0/net with an average of 50.8/net. Just 6 Black Bullheads were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 0.7/net, which was also the lowest ever recorded for Spring Lake. Overall, it appears that Black Bullhead numbers are declining rapidly in Spring Lake. This may be a response to the recent paucity in winterkill events and mirrors an observed area-wide trend. Just 1 Common Carp was sampled with gill nets and 7 with trap nets in 2013, for catch rates of 0.2/net and 0.8/net, respectively. Historically, gill net catch rates have ranged from 0/net to 78.5/net with an average catch rate of 8.0/net. Over the last ten years though, catch rates have declined to an average of just 0.7/net. Like the Black Bullhead population, Common Carp numbers have declined sharply in recent years. Other species sampled in 2013 include Bowfin, Pumpkinseed, Green Sunfish, hybrid sunfish (Lepomis spp.), and Yellow Bullhead.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Green Sunfish, and Bluegill in Spring. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Spring has a maximum depth of 30 feet and a mean depth of 10.4 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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