Minnie-Belle

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Minnie-Belle Lake was conducted beginning on July 7th, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment (LBMA) program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Fourteen sampling stations were completed with backpack electrofishing. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample nine stations, and a 15-foot seine was used at five stations. Nearshore sampling captured 17 species of fish (excluding Hybrid Sunfish) including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Iowa Darter, and Least Darter) and two that are tolerant of disturbance (i.e., Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by LBMA program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured nine species of fish (excluding Hybrid Sunfish), including zero that are intolerant of disturbance. Bluegill and Largemouth Bass comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Bluegill and Walleye comprised a majority by biomass. The trap net catch was moderate overall. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from an August 2024 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. 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. Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Minnie-Belle Lake is adversely impacted by stressors indicated by an FIBI score of 29, which is below the general use impairment threshold (45) for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. These results are similar to previous findings which indicated that Minnie-Belle Lake was vulnerable to impairment. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the North Fork Crow River watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Minnie-Belle is a moderate-sized lake (596 acres) located south of the City of Litchfield in Meeker County. A state-owned access with paved parking and a double cement boat ramp is available on the northeast shore. Minnie-Belle has almost five miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of forty-nine feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has divided Minnesota's lakes into 44 different classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Minnie-Belle is a class 27 lake and another similar waterbody in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area is Stella Lake in Meeker County. This was the fourth time that spring trap netting was used to monitor the Minnie-Belle Lake panfish populations. A special regulation on sunfish (5-fish bag limit) was implemented in 2022 with a goal of increasing the number of larger fish within the lake. Low numbers of Black Crappie were sampled, but average length was notable (10 inches). Spring water temperature was above the recommended range to collect crappie, so this species may be more abundant than the net catches suggest. The longest Black Crappie sampled was an astonishing 14 inches. Moderate numbers of Bluegill were collected, and average length was impressive (7.5 inches). The longest Bluegill sampled was a whopper (10 inches). Anglers seeking large-sized panfish should fish Minnie-Belle Lake. Other panfish sampled included Hybrid Sunfish and Pumpkinseed. Preliminary evaluation of the special regulation on sunfish suggests that the regulation is having the desired results (more bigger sunfish). A final evaluation of the regulation is scheduled for 2032 - ten years after enactment. 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. Minnie-Belle Lake has two AIS - Zebra mussel and Eurasian watermilfoil. 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 these topics can be found on the MNDNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Hutchinson Area Fisheries office.

A targeted survey (fall nighttime electrofishing) was conducted on Minnie-Belle Lake on October 1st, 2024, to evaluate young of the year (YOY) and yearling Walleye abundance. A total of 1 YOY was sampled for a catch rate of 1.0 fish/h, which was below the lake's historical (1993-2024) median (6.1 fish/h) and indicated that a small YOY year class was present. In 2024, the average length for YOY was 6.3 inches, which was above Minnie-Belle's historical average (5.9 inches). In 2024, a total of 0 yearlings were sampled for a catch rate of 0.0 fish/h, which was below Minnie-Belle's historical (2020-2024) yearling median (7.0 fish/h) and was the lake's lowest catch on record. Walleye fry were not stocked in 2024.

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

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

Minnie-Belle has a maximum depth of 49 feet and a mean depth of 31.5 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Minnie-Belle is from 2025.

Yes — Minnie-Belle has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.