Pierz

A targeted survey was completed June 8-14 to assess size structure of Bluegill and Black Crappie. Previous spring trap netting occurred in 2005, 2011 and 2014. In 2020, sampling was canceled due to Covid 19 restrictions. General observations suggest Bluegill and crappie size structure may be increasing as proportions of larger fish sampled have trended upward since 2005. A total of 265 Bluegills were caught, average size was 6.5 inches and maximum length was 8.9 inches. Thirty percent of the catch exceeded 7 inches and seven percent exceeded 8 inches. There were no Bluegill over 9 inches caught. Percentages of fish over 7 and 8 inches in 2014 were similar, however, since 2005 spring trap net samples have trended toward higher percentages of larger fish. A total of 63 crappies were caught, average length was 9.8 inches and maximum length was 11.9 inches. Sixty-two percent of the sample exceeded 10 inches. This compares to 2014 data in which 22 percent of the sample exceeded 10 inches. Spring trap netting has never sampled any crappies measuring 12 inches or greater. Similar to Bluegills, crappie size structure 2005-2022 is trending upward. Growth analysis of Bluegills and crappies find that both species grow better in Pierz-Fish Lake compared to recent averages documented from other lakes in the Little Falls Management Area. The presence of larger panfish, particularly Black Crappie coupled with impressive growth characteristics suggest Pierz-Fish Lake has the potential to produce high-quality angling opportunities. Future management planning will consider these data in developing strategies to maintain and/or improve populations toward higher numbers of larger fish. Other species captured during this survey included Pumpkinseed (5.5-inch average size) and several large, Bigmouth Buffalo which are plankton feeders and native to Minnesota.

Pierz Lake was surveyed August 10-12, 2020 using six gill nets, mainly to evaluate the status of Walleye, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch fisheries. At this time, Walleyes are being sustained through successful stocking operations, pike have maintained low abundance (beneficial) and perch abundance has remained below desired levels. The Lake Management Plan for Pierz Lake is to maintain a Walleye population supported by a gill net catch rate of three or more Walleyes per net. Currently, the catch rate is 4.5 fish/net, higher than the 2002-2014 average of 2.5 fish/gill net. Most of the Walleyes captured in 2020 were 20-inches or larger and about five years of age and older. These data suggest that fingerling stockings in 2013 and 2015 were successful. Good numbers of 10-12 inch Walleye were also observed indicating survival from fryling stocking in 2019. The future stocking strategy will be to continue stocking fingerlings on an every-other-year basis. Northern Pike abundance is consistently low compared to other Area lakes, however this is good news for other predator species such as Walleye and bass. All three prey on Yellow Perch however, pike are the most voracious. Typically, lakes with fewer numbers of small pike have more desirable populations of other gamefish. Pike size structure in Pierz is also better than most other lakes in the area. Gill nets in 2020 captured two 32-inch pike. As a small lake, there may only be a handful of pike over 30 inches at any one time so it's important to release the largest pike if caught. This will help to ensure future quality fishing experiences and potentially provide benefits to the entire fish community. Netting and electrofishing efforts continue to indicate that bass are abundant including a few Smallmouth. Currently Pierz Lake has a special Largemouth Bass regulation requiring the release of all bass measuring 14-20 inches, with on over 20 inches allowed. Yellow Perch abundance is low but they appear to holding their own mainly because pike and Walleye abundance are being maintained at sustainable levels. Because perch are so important in our lakes, we'd like to see an increase in their numbers however, stocking them to augment their abundance is expensive and is not effective based on our literature.

A quantitative population estimate was completed on Pierz-Fish Lake in May 2018. For Largemouth Bass, the adult population was estimated to be 2,906 fish, or 15.6 fish per surface acre. For Smallmouth Bass, the population estimate for adult fish was estimated to be 36, or 0.2 fish per surface acre. Compared to similar Area lakes (Pine, Cedar), Pierz-Fish Lake contains higher-density bass populations.

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

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

Pierz has a maximum depth of 34 feet and a mean depth of 20 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Pierz is from 2020.

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