Star

Star is a moderate sized lake (552 acres) located southwest of the City of Litchfield in Meeker County. A state-owned access with paved parking and a single cement boat ramp is present on the southeast shore. Star has approximately ten miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of fifteen feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has divided Minnesota's lakes into 44 different classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Star is a class 42 lake and other similar waterbodies in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area are Marion and Otter Lakes in McLeod County. Star's 2018 lake management plan listed Walleye as primary management species, while Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill and Largemouth Bass were secondary species. An aeration system is typically operated during ice-covered months to provide a small refuge area for fish during harsh winters. The most recent partial winterkill at Star Lake occurred in 2014. Fish populations can fluctuate widely depending on the severity of the latest winterkill event. Netting was completed in 2023 to monitor the fish population. Low numbers of Walleye were netted in 2023, but size was large. Walleye averaged 21 inches in length. The maximum length of Walleye sampled was 24 inches. The oldest Walleye was age-9. A new Walleye stocking regime was initiated in 2022 (278,000 Spicer strain Walleye fry in even numbered years) in an attempt to increase their abundance. This change was made after a series of stockings, from 2014 thru 2018, failed to meet lake management plan goals. High numbers of predatory Northern Pike have likely been a limiting factor on small Walleye at Star Lake following the 2014 partial winterkill. Northern Pike were abundant this year with fish averaging 23.6 inches in length. Approximately 27% of pike netted were 26 inches or longer. Large pike were found to be present at Star Lake in 2023, with the longest fish measuring 38 inches. Northern Pike regulations were revised at a statewide level beginning in 2018 to better accommodate regional differences in pike habitats, population abundances and size structures. Three management zones were established for Northern Pike, with their own bag limit and length limit restrictions. In the north-central zone, where Star Lake is found, anglers can keep up to ten Northern Pike, but no more than two fish can be longer than 26 inches; and all pike from 22 to 26 inches must be immediately released. Darkhouse spear fishermen are allowed to have one pike within the protected slot limit in their possession. This zone regulation is meant to reduce small pike abundance by shifting population size structure back to more medium and large sized pike. High numbers of Black Crappie were netted in 2023, but average size was small (6.3 inches in length). Approximately 6% of the gill net catch was 9 inches or longer. The longest Black Crappie sampled was 11.8 inches in length. Crappie fishing could be good over the next couple of years as additional fish grow to a more acceptable size. Low numbers of Bluegill were gill netted, but sunfish typically do not sample well in that type of gear. The longest Bluegill sampled was 7.5 inches. Bluegill were last stocked in 2015, following the 2014 partial winterkill. Low numbers of Largemouth Bass were netted, but that species typically does not sample well in gill nets. However, the Largemouth Bass that was captured was almost 19 inches long, indicating that quality sized fish were present at Star Lake. Low numbers of Yellow Perch were netted and all were small. Average length for gill netted perch was 6.0 inches. The longest perch sampled was 6.8 inches. However, Yellow Perch likely play an important role as forage at Star Lake. Additional fishes sampled in the 2023 gill nets included Black Bullhead, Common Carp and Golden Shiner. 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 Star Lake the week of June 12, 2017 to monitor the fish population and to do a preliminary evaluation of the Walleye fry stocking regime initiated in 2014. The 2014 lake management plan lists Northern Pike, Walleye, and Black Crappie as primary management species while Bluegill and Largemouth Bass are listed as secondary species. In 2017, a total of 9 species, plus Hybrid Sunfish, were sampled in the gill and trap nets. Catch rates were compared to other similar lakes across the state. Spring night-time electrofishing, targeting Largemouth Bass, was also completed in 2017. Dissolved oxygen levels were above 2 mg/L throughout the water column on 7/17/17, indicating that all depths of the lake were suitable for fish use at this time of the year. The water clarity was limited, with a secchi disk reading of 2.5 feet, due to an algae bloom. Star Lake has a history of winterkill with the last event occurring in 2014. The previous severe winterkill was in 2001, a span of 13 years. Fish abundances can fluctuate greatly on winterkill lakes depending on the frequency and severity of winterkill. An aeration system was operated during winter months to provide a refuge area for fish during harsh winters. Curlyleaf Pondweed, a non-native invasive aquatic plant, can reach nuisance levels in May and June and then typically dies back in early July. Gill nets sampled high numbers (52) of Northern Pike for a catch rate of 16.5/net, which was above what might be expected for this type of lake and was the highest ever recorded at Star. The 2013 catch rate was 5.7/net. Historical catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) were mostly moderate, ranging from 0.7 to 16.5/net with an average of 7.3. Gill netted Northern Pike were 17.8 to 34.6 inches long with an average of 22.8. Size distributions indicated that multiple ages were present and numerous pike had survived the 2014 winterkill. Approximately 19% of the gill net sample was 25 inches or longer, indicating a quality population. Pike anglers should expect plenty of action and the chance of catching some large sized fish. Trap nets sampled low numbers (15) of Black Crappie for a catch rate of 2.1/net, which was below what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2013 catch rate was similar at 4.3/net. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=12) were variable ranging from 0.0 to 155.8/net with an average of 17.3. Trap netted Black Crappie were 3.7 to 12.0 inches long with an average of 8.3. Only 6 trap netted fish were 8 inches or longer, indicating a poor size structure. The 6 larger (11 to 12 inch long) Black Crappie were likely adult fish stocked in 2014 or 2015. Adults were reintroduced in 2014 (351 pounds) and 2015 (278 pounds). In 2017, gill nets sampled moderate numbers (102) of Black Crappie for a catch rate of 17.0/net, which was above what might be expected for this lake type. The 2013 gill net catch rate was 7.6/net. Historic gill net catch rates (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 51.9/net with an average of 12.7. Gill netted fish were 3.7 to 7.1 inches long with an average of 4.8. Size distributions indicated that at least three ages were present. It will likely be another year before anglers start experiencing better crappie fishing. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers (34) of Walleye for a catch rate of 5.7/net, which was within what might be expected for this type of lake and the second highest on record at Star. The 2013 catch rate was 1.3/net. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 18.0/net with an average of 3.0. Different stocking regimes and periods of no stocking occurred during these 44 years. In 2017, gill netted Walleye were 8.9 to 21.0 inches long with an average of 18.6. Approximately 94% of the gill net sample was 17 inches or longer, indicating a quality size structure. The current stocking regime (557,000 fry 1 in 2 years) was initiated in 2014, following the winterkill. Walleye fry were again stocked in 2015 after a one day spring trap netting survey (4/16/15) failed to sample any yearling Walleye. In the 2017 standard survey, Walleye were age-1 to age-3 with three year classes present. The 2014 year class accounted for 91% of the gill net aged fish, indicating that a strong year class was produced. In 2017, all other year classes were considered weak, but age-1 fish may not have been large enough to be captured in the gill nets. It was unlikely that natural reproduction contributed anything to the 2017 catch. Growth for age-1, age-2, and age-3 fish was considered fast. Walleye anglers could expect decent action from nice sized fish. High numbers of Northern Pike could be limiting the survival of stocked Walleye at Star Lake. Trap nets sampled low numbers (24) of Bluegill for a catch rate of 3.4/net which was within what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2013 catch rate was at 9.9/net. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=12) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 133.8/net, with an average of 20.6. In 2017, trap netted Bluegill were 3.6 to 9.0 inches long with an average of 5.4. Approximately 88% of the trap net catch was under 6 inches in length. The three larger fish were likely broodstock stocked in 2015. Broodstock Bluegill were stocked in 2015 (131 pound or 1,048 fish). Size distributions indicated that Bluegill successfully spawned in 2015 and that growth was fast. Bluegill fishing should improve in another year or two. Spring night-time electrofishing sampled low numbers (19) of Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 23.1/hour, which was the highest ever recorded at Star. The 2007 catch rate was 0.7/hour. Historic catch rates from 1992 to 2017 (n=5) ranged from 0.0 to 23.1/hour with an average of 4.8. Electrofished Largemouth Bass were 3.8 to 9.8 inches long with an average of 6.4. The size distribution indicated successful spawning in 2015 and 2016. Broodstock Largemouth Bass were stocked in 2015 (66 adults). Gill nets sampled low numbers (9) of Yellow Perch for a catch rate of 1.5/net, which was below what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2013 catch rate was 11.2/net. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 37.0/net with an average of 6.6. Yellow Perch were 5.4 to 8.7 inches long with an average of 6.1. Gill nets sampled low numbers (8) of Common Carp for a catch rate of 1.3/net which was within the normal range for this type of lake. Historic gill net catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) ranged from 0.0 to 15.0/net with an average of 2.5. Gill netted Common Carp were 19.3 to 29.4 inches long. Trap nets also sampled low numbers (10) of Common Carp for a catch rate of 1.4/net, which was within what might be expected for this lake type. Historic catch rates (n=12) ranged from 0.0 to 22.2/net with an average of 3.5. Trap netted fish were 20.4 to 27.1 inches long. Gill nets sampled high numbers (1,311) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 218.5/net, which was above what might be expected for this lake type, and the second highest ever recorded at Star. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 232.3/net with an average of 103.0. Gill netted Black Bullhead were 4.5 to 12.4 inches long with an average of 7.7 inches. Trap nets also sampled high numbers (1,409) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 201.3/net, which was above what might be expected for this type of lake, and the second highest ever recorded at Star. Historic trap net catches from 1973 to 2017 (n=12) were mostly high, ranging from 1.1 to 645.0/net with an average of 126.2. Trap netted Black Bullhead averaged 8.3 inches in length. Size distributions indicated strong reproduction following the 2014 winterkill. Additional species sampled in the standard gear were Brown Bullhead and Hybrid Sunfish.

A standard survey was conducted at Star Lake the week of June 12, 2017 to monitor the fish population and to do a preliminary evaluation of the Walleye fry stocking regime initiated in 2014. The 2014 lake management plan lists Northern Pike, Walleye, and Black Crappie as primary management species while Bluegill and Largemouth Bass are listed as secondary species. In 2017, a total of 9 species, plus Hybrid Sunfish, were sampled in the gill and trap nets. Catch rates were compared to other similar lakes across the state. Spring night-time electrofishing, targeting Largemouth Bass, was also completed in 2017. Dissolved oxygen levels were above 2 mg/L throughout the water column on 7/17/17, indicating that all depths of the lake were suitable for fish use at this time of the year. The water clarity was limited, with a secchi disk reading of 2.5 feet, due to an algae bloom. Star Lake has a history of winterkill with the last event occurring in 2014. The previous severe winterkill was in 2001, a span of 13 years. Fish abundances can fluctuate greatly on winterkill lakes depending on the frequency and severity of winterkill. An aeration system was operated during winter months to provide a refuge area for fish during harsh winters. Curlyleaf Pondweed, a non-native invasive aquatic plant, can reach nuisance levels in May and June and then typically dies back in early July. Gill nets sampled high numbers (52) of Northern Pike for a catch rate of 16.5/net, which was above what might be expected for this type of lake and was the highest ever recorded at Star. The 2013 catch rate was 5.7/net. Historical catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) were mostly moderate, ranging from 0.7 to 16.5/net with an average of 7.3. Gill netted Northern Pike were 17.8 to 34.6 inches long with an average of 22.8. Size distributions indicated that multiple ages were present and numerous pike had survived the 2014 winterkill. Approximately 19% of the gill net sample was 25 inches or longer, indicating a quality population. Pike anglers should expect plenty of action and the chance of catching some large sized fish. Trap nets sampled low numbers (15) of Black Crappie for a catch rate of 2.1/net, which was below what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2013 catch rate was similar at 4.3/net. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=12) were variable ranging from 0.0 to 155.8/net with an average of 17.3. Trap netted Black Crappie were 3.7 to 12.0 inches long with an average of 8.3. Only 6 trap netted fish were 8 inches or longer, indicating a poor size structure. The 6 larger (11 to 12 inch long) Black Crappie were likely adult fish stocked in 2014 or 2015. Adults were reintroduced in 2014 (351 pounds) and 2015 (278 pounds). In 2017, gill nets sampled moderate numbers (102) of Black Crappie for a catch rate of 17.0/net, which was above what might be expected for this lake type. The 2013 gill net catch rate was 7.6/net. Historic gill net catch rates (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 51.9/net with an average of 12.7. Gill netted fish were 3.7 to 7.1 inches long with an average of 4.8. Size distributions indicated that at least three ages were present. It will likely be another year before anglers start experiencing better crappie fishing. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers (34) of Walleye for a catch rate of 5.7/net, which was within what might be expected for this type of lake and the second highest on record at Star. The 2013 catch rate was 1.3/net. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 18.0/net with an average of 3.0. Different stocking regimes and periods of no stocking occurred during these 44 years. In 2017, gill netted Walleye were 8.9 to 21.0 inches long with an average of 18.6. Approximately 94% of the gill net sample was 17 inches or longer, indicating a quality size structure. The current stocking regime (557,000 fry 1 in 2 years) was initiated in 2014, following the winterkill. Walleye fry were again stocked in 2015 after a one day spring trap netting survey (4/16/15) failed to sample any yearling Walleye. In the 2017 standard survey, Walleye were age-1 to age-3 with three year classes present. The 2014 year class accounted for 91% of the gill net aged fish, indicating that a strong year class was produced. In 2017, all other year classes were considered weak, but age-1 fish may not have been large enough to be captured in the gill nets. It was unlikely that natural reproduction contributed anything to the 2017 catch. Growth for age-1, age-2, and age-3 fish was considered fast. Walleye anglers could expect decent action from nice sized fish. High numbers of Northern Pike could be limiting the survival of stocked Walleye at Star Lake. Trap nets sampled low numbers (24) of Bluegill for a catch rate of 3.4/net which was within what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2013 catch rate was at 9.9/net. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=12) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 133.8/net, with an average of 20.6. In 2017, trap netted Bluegill were 3.6 to 9.0 inches long with an average of 5.4. Approximately 88% of the trap net catch was under 6 inches in length. The three larger fish were likely broodstock stocked in 2015. Broodstock Bluegill were stocked in 2015 (131 pound or 1,048 fish). Size distributions indicated that Bluegill successfully spawned in 2015 and that growth was fast. Bluegill fishing should improve in another year or two. Spring night-time electrofishing sampled low numbers (19) of Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 23.1/hour, which was the highest ever recorded at Star. The 2007 catch rate was 0.7/hour. Historic catch rates from 1992 to 2017 (n=5) ranged from 0.0 to 23.1/hour with an average of 4.8. Electrofished Largemouth Bass were 3.8 to 9.8 inches long with an average of 6.4. The size distribution indicated successful spawning in 2015 and 2016. Broodstock Largemouth Bass were stocked in 2015 (66 adults). Gill nets sampled low numbers (9) of Yellow Perch for a catch rate of 1.5/net, which was below what might be expected for this type of lake. The 2013 catch rate was 11.2/net. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 37.0/net with an average of 6.6. Yellow Perch were 5.4 to 8.7 inches long with an average of 6.1. Gill nets sampled low numbers (8) of Common Carp for a catch rate of 1.3/net which was within the normal range for this type of lake. Historic gill net catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) ranged from 0.0 to 15.0/net with an average of 2.5. Gill netted Common Carp were 19.3 to 29.4 inches long. Trap nets also sampled low numbers (10) of Common Carp for a catch rate of 1.4/net, which was within what might be expected for this lake type. Historic catch rates (n=12) ranged from 0.0 to 22.2/net with an average of 3.5. Trap netted fish were 20.4 to 27.1 inches long. Gill nets sampled high numbers (1,311) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 218.5/net, which was above what might be expected for this lake type, and the second highest ever recorded at Star. Historic catch rates from 1973 to 2017 (n=10) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 232.3/net with an average of 103.0. Gill netted Black Bullhead were 4.5 to 12.4 inches long with an average of 7.7 inches. Trap nets also sampled high numbers (1,409) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 201.3/net, which was above what might be expected for this type of lake, and the second highest ever recorded at Star. Historic trap net catches from 1973 to 2017 (n=12) were mostly high, ranging from 1.1 to 645.0/net with an average of 126.2. Trap netted Black Bullhead averaged 8.3 inches in length. Size distributions indicated strong reproduction following the 2014 winterkill. Additional species sampled in the standard gear were Brown Bullhead and Hybrid Sunfish.

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

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

Star has a maximum depth of 15 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Star is from 2023.

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