Crookneck

A targeted survey of the nearshore fish community in Crookneck Lake was conducted by Fisheries Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program Staff from 24-25 July 2023. Ten sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 15-foot or 50-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 sites with one site sampled from the boat. A 50-foot seine was used to sample seven sites, a 15-foot seine was used at one site, and soft sediments with abundant vegetation and deep water prevented the use of seines at two sampling sites. Nearshore sampling captured 14 native species of fish including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (Banded Killifish, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass) and one species (Green Sunfish) that is tolerant of disturbance. A concurrent summer trap net survey was conducted on 24-25 July 2023 by IBI Program Staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline that encompassed multiple habitat types. One of those trap nets was excluded from analyses due to large holes allowing most fish to escape. Bluegill and Pumpkinseed comprised a majority of the trap net catch by number and Bluegill comprised a majority of the catch by biomass. The number of Bluegill sampled per net was above the 50% quartile for similar Lake Class 29 lakes and the average length was 5.2 inches, with less than 1% over 7 inches. The number of Black Crappie sampled per net was near the lower 25% quartile for Lake Class 29 lakes and the average length was 8.0 inches with none captured over 10 inches. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from a June 2021 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead, Fathead Minnow, and Green Sunfish). 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. An additional survey was completed on Crookneck Lake in July 2021 resulting in a similar FIBI score. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey indicates an exceptional fish community is present in Crookneck Lake and it is in good health as indicated by an FIBI score well above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Long Prairie River Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Minnesota DNR Fisheries IBI program staff conducted an assessment of lakeshore habitat on Crookneck Lake on Jun 28 2022, following the Score the Shore survey protocols. The assessment consisted of 29 survey sites evenly spaced 150 meters around the lake. Assessments were made in three habitat zones: Shoreline Zone (the shore-water interface to the top of the natural bank), Shoreland Zone (land-ward from shoreline to development structure or 100 feet), and Aquatic Zone (lake-ward 50 feet of shoreline). The average lakewide habitat score was 70.9 (+/- 3.8) out of 100 possible, indicating habitat condition was moderately low. Approximately 86 percent of the sites were developed with a mean score of 68.3 (+/- 4.0), while undeveloped sites had a mean score of 87.1 (+/- 6.8).

Minnesota DNR Fisheries IBI program staff conducted an assessment of lakeshore habitat on Crookneck Lake on Jun 28 2022, following the Score the Shore survey protocols. The assessment consisted of 29 survey sites evenly spaced 150 meters around the lake. Assessments were made in three habitat zones: Shoreline Zone (the shore-water interface to the top of the natural bank), Shoreland Zone (land-ward from shoreline to development structure or 100 feet), and Aquatic Zone (lake-ward 50 feet of shoreline). The average lakewide habitat score was 70.9 (+/- 3.8) out of 100 possible, indicating habitat condition was moderately low. Approximately 86 percent of the sites were developed with a mean score of 68.3 (+/- 4.0), while undeveloped sites had a mean score of 87.1 (+/- 6.8).

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

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

Crookneck has a maximum depth of 22 feet and a mean depth of 8.9 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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