Westport

This targeted gill net survey was completed to determine the extent of winterkill following the 2021-2022 winter, to gain updated information on the gamefish community, and to evaluate success of restorative stockings of Black Crappie and Walleye following the severe 2018-2019 winterkill event. Gill netting results indicated that extent of winterkill in 2021-2022 was minimal. Gamefish species present included Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Northern Pike (17.0/gill net) and Yellow Perch (26.5/gill net) were the only abundant gamefishes. Pike exceeding 30 inches were sampled. Most perch were smaller individuals. Restorative stockings of Black Crappie and Walleye following the 2018-2019 winterkill event were not successful. No Black Crappie and only two Walleye were sampled.

This targeted survey was completed to determine extent of winterkill following the severe 2018-2019 winter. Survey components included late-winter water quality measurement and early-spring trap netting. Late-winter dissolved oxygen readings were low, which indicated gamefish losses due to winterkill were likely. Early-spring trap netting results suggested that winterkill severity was moderate for gamefishes but was low for underutilized species such as bullheads. The only gamefish species present were Northern Pike and Yellow Perch. No Black Crappie or Walleye were sampled. Restorative stockings of Black Crappie (42 adults) and Walleye (203,000 fry) were completed during spring 2019. In absence of future winterkill events, fishable populations for these species likely won't become established until 2021 or later.

Westport Lake is a shallow, highly productive basin located one mile west of Westport. This basin has a maximum depth of 12.0 feet and an estimated average depth is approximately 3.0 feet Water quality can be seasonally impaired due to algal blooms in the summer. Aquatic vegetation is common and can become dense. Likely due in part to the high productivity and moderate average depth, Westport has experienced a number of winterkill or partial winterkill events (2001, 2009, and 2014). Winterkill events will likely continue to shape the fish community, gamefish size and abundance, and fishing potential. An improved access is located on the north shoreline off a frontage road. A fisheries survey was completed July 5-7, 2017. Two gill nets and nine trap nets were used to sample and assess the fish community. Northern Pike proved to be very abundant. Average size was 2.8 pounds and 23.1 inches. The largest pike capture measured 32.0 inches. A recent, partial winterkill (2014) appears to have degraded Black Crappie fishing. Currently, Westport Lake holds a strong year class of one-year-old year crappies. Several larger individuals exceeding 12.0 inches were measured. A Bluegill population has developed since the last survey. Modest numbers of three-year-old Bluegills averaging 6.1 inches were caught. Yellow Perch (4.5-9.5 inches) were also collected. Rapid growth was noted for most panfish species following the 2014 winterkill. An absence of winterkill and continued rapid growth rates will likely allow many panfishes to reach a harvestable sizes in 2018 or 2019. Walleye fry have been stocked in Westport Lake on alternate years since 2008. Unfortunately, due to frequent winterkills the number of Walleyes captured during this survey was limited. Gill net catches averaged 1.5 Walleyes/net. All Walleyes caught in gill nets were three-year-old fish. These fish grew very fast, averaging 18.4 inches and 2.3 pounds. In absence of winterkill, Westport could provide some good angling opportunities for Walleye. One Largemouth Bass measuring 7.9 inches was collected in 2017. Other species recorded in sampling efforts included Bowfin, Common Carp, White Sucker, and Black, Yellow, and Brown Bullheads. Westport Lake is infested with two aquatic invasive species, Chinese mystery snail and curly leaf pondweed. Anglers are reminded to drain boats and equipment prior to moving between bodies of water to minimize the risk of transferring aquatic invasive species.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, and Walleye in Westport. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Westport has a maximum depth of 12 feet and a mean depth of 3 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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