Betty

Betty, also known as Betsy, is a small-sized lake (154 acres) located southeast of the City of Kimball in Meeker County. A small state-owned access with a single cement boat ramp is present on the Clearwater River, about half a mile west of the lake. Betty has two miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 29 feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has divided Minnesota's lakes into 44 different classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Betty is a class 24 lake and other similar lakes in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area are Erie and Manuella in Meeker County. Curlyleaf pondweed can be abundant in the shallows in May and June at Betty Lake. Low water levels on the Clearwater River can make it difficult for bigger boats to access the lake. Accessing the lake during winter months can be dangerous due to the thin ice caused by flowing river water. Walleye were sampled in low to moderate abundance in 2022, with fish averaging 21 inches in length. The longest Walleye sampled was 27 inches. Approximately 95% of the catch was 16 inches and longer. Walleye were age-1 to age-15 with seven year classes being present. Naturally reproduced Walleye contributed substantially to the 2022 catch. Few (3 of 21) of the Walleye aged in the 2022 survey matched up with years when fry were stocked. Because of natural reproduction and the connection to the Clearwater River, walleye fry stocking at Betty Lake will be discontinued. Moderate to high numbers of Northern Pike were gill netted this year with fish averaging 23 inches in length. Approximately 24% of pike netted were 26 inches or longer, showing fair numbers of nice-sized fish present. Northern pike regulations were revised at a statewide level beginning in 2018 to better accommodate regional differences in pike habitats and population abundance and size structuring. Three zones were established for northern pike with their own bag and length limit restrictions. In the north-central zone where Betty Lake is found, anglers can keep up to 10 northern pike, but no more than two pike larger than 26 inches; and all pike from 22 to 26 inches must be released. This zone regulation is meant to reduce small pike abundance by shifting population size structure back to more medium to large pike. Moderate to high numbers of Black Crappie were netted in 2022. Approximately 22% of the gill net catch was 9 inches or longer. The longest Black Crappie sampled was just over 13 inches. Low numbers of Yellow Perch were netted and most were small but they provide important forage for the lake's predator species. Moderate numbers of Channel Catfish were captured with fish averaging 21 inches in length and maxing out at almost 24 inches. Other fishes that anglers may encounter include Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead. People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Overharvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are typically moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters and lakeshore owners, and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and drain all lake water from their boat and bait buckets before leaving the lake. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local MNDNR office. Additional information on all of these topics can be found on the MNDNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Hutchinson Area Fisheries office.

Betty, also known as Betsy, is a small-sized lake (154 acres) located southeast of the City of Kimball in Meeker County. A small state-owned access with a single cement boat ramp is present on the Clearwater River, about half a mile west of the lake. Betty has two miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 29 feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has divided Minnesota's lakes into 44 different classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Betty is a class 24 lake and other similar lakes in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area are Erie and Manuella in Meeker County. Curlyleaf pondweed can be abundant in the shallows in May and June at Betty Lake. Low water levels on the Clearwater River can make it difficult for bigger boats to access the lake. Accessing the lake during winter months can be dangerous due to the thin ice caused by flowing river water. Walleye were sampled in low to moderate abundance in 2022, with fish averaging 21 inches in length. The longest Walleye sampled was 27 inches. Approximately 95% of the catch was 16 inches and longer. Walleye were age-1 to age-15 with seven year classes being present. Naturally reproduced Walleye contributed substantially to the 2022 catch. Few (3 of 21) of the Walleye aged in the 2022 survey matched up with years when fry were stocked. Because of natural reproduction and the connection to the Clearwater River, walleye fry stocking at Betty Lake will be discontinued. Moderate to high numbers of Northern Pike were gill netted this year with fish averaging 23 inches in length. Approximately 24% of pike netted were 26 inches or longer, showing fair numbers of nice-sized fish present. Northern pike regulations were revised at a statewide level beginning in 2018 to better accommodate regional differences in pike habitats and population abundance and size structuring. Three zones were established for northern pike with their own bag and length limit restrictions. In the north-central zone where Betty Lake is found, anglers can keep up to 10 northern pike, but no more than two pike larger than 26 inches; and all pike from 22 to 26 inches must be released. This zone regulation is meant to reduce small pike abundance by shifting population size structure back to more medium to large pike. Moderate to high numbers of Black Crappie were netted in 2022. Approximately 22% of the gill net catch was 9 inches or longer. The longest Black Crappie sampled was just over 13 inches. Low numbers of Yellow Perch were netted and most were small but they provide important forage for the lake's predator species. Moderate numbers of Channel Catfish were captured with fish averaging 21 inches in length and maxing out at almost 24 inches. Other fishes that anglers may encounter include Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead. People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Overharvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are typically moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters and lakeshore owners, and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and drain all lake water from their boat and bait buckets before leaving the lake. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local MNDNR office. Additional information on all of these topics can be found on the MNDNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Hutchinson Area Fisheries office.

A standard survey was conducted at Betty Lake, also known as Betsy the week of July 31, 2017 to monitor the fish population and to do a preliminary evaluation of the 2013 Walleye stocking regime. Gear included gill nets and trap nets. The 2013 lake management plan listed Northern Pike and Black Crappie as primary management species, while Walleye, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass are listed as secondary species. In 2017, a total of 11 species, plus Hybrid Sunfish, were sampled in the gill nets and trap nets. Catch rates were compared to similar lakes across the state. Dissolved oxygen levels dropped below 2 mg/L at a depth of 8 feet on 7/31/17, indicating that much of the lake was not suitable for fish to use that time of the year. Water clarity was limited, with a secchi disk reading of 3.3 feet, due to an algae bloom. With the public access on the Clearwater River, Betty (0.3 miles downstream) can be difficult to access at times (low water conditions and dangerous ice conditions during the winter). A small parking area at the boat ramp also limits access. Curlyleaf Pondweed, a non-native, invasive submersed aquatic plant, can reach nuisance levels in May and June. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers (36) of Northern Pike for a catch rate of 6.0/net, which was within what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2012 catch rate was 3.3/net. Historical catch rates from 1951 to 2017 (n=14) were variable ranging from 0.7 to 10.5/net with an average of 4.3. In 2017, gill netted Northern Pike were 18.7 to 26.8 inches long with an average of 21.5. Size distributions indicated that multiple year classes were present. Trap nets sampled fish up to 34.8 inches in length, showing that quality sized fish were present. Northern Pike were last stocked in 1993, indicating that the current population was the result of natural reproduction. Trap nets sampled moderate numbers (47) of Black Crappie for a catch rate of 5.2/net, which was within what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2012 catch rate was 2.8/net. Historic catch rates from 1951 to 2017 (n=14) were highly variable ranging from 2.8 to 299.7/net with an average of 31.5. Trap netted Black Crappie were 4.5 to 11.4 inches long with an average of 7.5. Approximately 33% of the trap net catch was 9 inches or longer. Gill nets also sampled moderate numbers (73) of Black Crappie for a catch rate of 12.2/net, which was within what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2012 gill net catch rate was much lower at 1.3/net. Historic gill net catch rates (n=14) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 61.7/net with an average of 13.9. Gill netted fish were 4.3 to 15.2 inches long with an average of 10.4. Approximately 70% of the gill net sample was 10 inches or longer. Size distributions indicated that multiple year classes were present and that a high quality population was available to anglers. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers (24) of Walleye for a catch rate of 4.0/net, which was within what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2012 catch rate was 0.3/net. Historic catch rates from 1951 to 2017 (n=14) were generally low, ranging from 0.0 to 6.3/net with an average of 2.3. Different stocking regimes and periods of no stocking occurred during these 66 years. In 2017, the gill netted Walleye were 16.7 to 24.3 inches long with an average of 19.7. Walleye stocking was discontinued in 1992 and resumed in 2013 (45,000 fry every other year) to create more fishing opportunity. Walleye fry were stocked in 2013, 2015, and 2017. Catch rates from 2002 to 2012 (n=3), when no stocking was occurring, ranged from 0.3 to 3.8/net with an average of 1.9. The 2017 catch rate (4.0/net) was very similar to the maximum catch rate during recent non-stocked years (3.8/net). Walleye, from both gears, were age-2 to age-11 with eight year classes present. Non-stocked year classes accounted for 71% of the gill net aged fish, indicating that the most the fry stockings could have contributed to the catch was 29%. It was undetermined if that 29% resulted from the fry stocking, natural reproduction, immigration from Clear Lake, or some combination of the fore mentioned. Of interest, the three strongest year classes in Betty Lake were also the three strongest year classes in the 2017 Clear Lake (Watkins) standard survey, possibly indicating that Walleye were moving out of Clear and down to Betty, probably during high rainfall/flow events. Growth for age-2, age-3 and age-4 fish was considered fast, when compared to statewide averages. Preliminary results may indicate that this stocking regime was having a minimal impact on Walleye abundance. Gill nets sampled high numbers (106) of Channel Catfish for a catch rate of 17.7/net, which was the highest ever recorded at Betty Lake. The 2012 catch rate was 12.8/net. Channel Catfish were introduced into Betty in 1983 (one-time stocking) and catch rates (n=8) have been steadily increasing since they were first sampled in 1986. Historic catch rates from 1951 to 2017 (n=14) ranged from 0.0 to 17.7/net with an average of 3.4. In 2017, gill netted Channel Catfish were 17.2 to 24.4 inches long with an average of 21.2. Approximately 92% of the gill net sample was 19 inches or longer, indicating that a quality population was present. Channel Catfish were the most abundant fish sampled in the 2017 gill nets. The population was totally sustained by natural reproduction, but size distributions did not indicate consistent reproduction. Trap nets sampled low numbers (28) of Bluegill for a catch rate of 3.1/net which was below what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2012 catch rate was very similar at 3.2/net. Historic catch rates from 1951 to 2017 (n=14) were highly variable, but mostly low. They ranged from 0.8 to 88.7/net, with an average of 13.2. In 2017, trap netted Bluegill were 3.5 to 9.1 inches long with an average of 5.1. Approximately 7% of the trap net catch was 7 inches or longer. Size distributions indicated that multiple year classes were present, but many were weak. Although gill nets are not the standard gear for sampling Bluegill, they did catch 8 fish that were 8.5 inches or longer, with a maximum length of 9.7 inches, indicating that quality sized fish were present. Trap nets sampled low numbers (4) of Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 0.4/net, which was within what might be expected for this type of lake. Spring night-time electrofishing was not conducted, due to Largemouth Bass only being listed as a secondary management species at Betty Lake. Trap netted Largemouth Bass were 7.1 to 15.6 inches long and it was likely that three different year classes were present. Gill nets sampled low numbers (1) of Yellow Perch for a catch rate of 0.2/net, which was below what might be expected for this lake type. The 2012 catch rate was almost identical at 0.3/net. Historic catch rates from 1951 to 2017 (n=14) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 13.8/net with an average of 3.2. The 2017 Yellow Perch was 7.9 inches long. Gill nets did not sample Common Carp in 2017. Historic gill net catch rates (n=14) from 1951 to 2017 ranged from 0.0 to 4.8/net with an average of 1.1. The last five catch rates (1997 to 2017) indicated a decreasing trend at Betty, at least for this time of year. Numbers may increase in the fall/winter with fish seeking deeper water to over-winter. Trap nets sampled low numbers (2) of Common Carp for a catch rate of 0.2/net, which was below what might be expected for this type of lake. Historic trap net catch rates (n=14) ranged from 0.0 to 4.5/net with an average of 1.3. In 2017, the Common Carp were 27.3 and 27.9 inches long. Gill nets sampled low numbers (2) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 0.3/net, which was below what might be expected for this type of lake. Historic catch rates from 1951 to 2017 (n=14) ranged from 0.0 to 112.3/net with an average of 23.7. Gill netted Black Bullhead were 10.3 and 13.2 inches long. Gill net catch rates for the last four assessments (2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017) showed a decreasing trend for Black Bullhead. In 2017, trap nets sampled 1 Black Bullhead (0.1/net), and that fish was 13.7 inches long. Additional species sampled in the standard gear included White Sucker, Bowfin, and Hybrid Sunfish.

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

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

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

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Betty is from 2022.

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