Nelson

This targeted survey was completed to determine extent of winterkill following the severe 2022-2023 winter. Trap netting results suggested winterkill severity was high. Two Northern Pike were the only gamefishes sampled. Other species present in low numbers were Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead, and Golden Shiner. Adult Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass were stocked in spring 2023 to help restore this fishery.

Nelson Lake is a 293-acre, shallow basin located in south-central Pope County. A small, unimproved public access is located on the northeast corner of the lake. This shallow, gravel access may require a four-wheel drive vehicle to launch a boat. Nelson Lake was designated as a migratory waterfowl feeding and resting area in 1989. Only electric motors are allowed on this basin during the waterfowl hunting season. A standard MN DNR lake survey was completed in June 2018 to assess the fish community. Survey findings documented sustained expansion of gamefish populations and notable changes in habitat conditions. Habitat changes included greater water transparency and resultant expansion of submergent aquatic plants. From the early-1980s to early-2000s, this basin was turbid, lacked submerged aquatic plants, and was prone to fish kill events due to low dissolved oxygen levels. The fish community was dominated by Black Bullheads and other tolerant fishes. In response to severe winterkill and prompt gamefish stockings that may limit expansion of surviving roughfish populations, water clarity started to improve and submerged aquatic plants became more abundant. Improved habitat conditions led to increased gamefish diversity. Further improvement in habitat conditions and continued evolution of the gamefish community were evident during the 2018 survey. Water clarity was measured at 8.0 feet. Submerged aquatic plants were common throughout the basin. Species dependent on aquatic vegetation (i.e., Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch) were more abundant. Bluegill and Largemouth Bass populations will likely generate the most angling interest because of the enhanced size structure of these populations. The majority of Northern Pike and Yellow Perch that were sampled were smaller individuals. Northern Pike captures averaged 18.9 inches. Most Yellow Perch were young fish. Average size of perch captures was 6.0 inches. Black Crappies and Walleyes were captured, but catch rates were low. Black Crappie captures ranged from 4.8 to 9.4 inches in length. Walleye captures ranged in length from 18.0 to 22.8 inches. Other species sampled during the 2018 survey included Bowfin (dogfish), Brown and Yellow Bullheads, Common Carp, Golden Shiners, Pumpkinseed, and hybrid sunfishes. There is growing potential that this fishery may be degraded by partial or severe winterkill during the harsh winter of 2018-19. A targeted winterkill assessment may be necessary in early 2019 to determine if or how severe fish losses might be. In absence of severe winterkill, the next standardized lake survey is tentatively scheduled for 2028. Based on 2018 survey findings, Nelson Lake supports a surplus of small Northern Pike. Anglers are reminded of expanded bag limits for 21.9-inch and smaller pike with changes in statewide Northern Pike harvest regulations. Nelson Lake is located in the North-central Zone. Anglers can now keep up to 10 pike but not more than two can be over 26 inches in length. All pike between 22-26 inches must be immediately released. Harvest of small pike is encouraged to help improve size structure of this population.

Nelson Lake is a shallow, hyper-eutrophic basin with a history of low dissolved oxygen during winter months. Winterkill events have likely occurred, however, they have been poorly documented. The lake has been classified as a Marginal Game-Fish Lake since the early 1950's and designated as a Migratory Waterfowl Feeding and Resting Area in 1989. Fish management activities have been limited. Improved water clarity has resulted in expansion of submergent vegetation. Water transparency at time of the summer survey was 7.5 feet. The shallow, gravel public access may require a four-wheel drive vehicle to launch a boat. Quality gamefish populations currently exist in Nelson Lake. Largemouth bass, bluegill, walleye and northern pike abundance has increased. Largemouth bass captures ranged from 3.2 to 19.5 inches in length. Over one-third of the bass catch exceeded 15.0 inches in length. Bluegill catch rates were the highest recorded for Nelson Lake. Mean length of sampled bluegill was 5.6 inches. Several fish exceeded 10.0 inches in length. Growth is rapid with age-3 fish averaging 6.2 inches. The abundant 2007 year class should provide quality fishing opportunities in the near future. In response to alternate-year maintenance stockings, walleye abundance has increased. Age distribution of walleye captured in 2010 corresponded well to stocking chronology. Over three-fourths of walleye captures exceeded 15.0 inches in length. The largest fish measured 24.5 inches in length. Northern pike proved to be abundant. Mean length of sampled fish was 22.9 inches. Several pike exceeded 28.0 inches in length. Yellow perch catches averaged 24.6-fish/gillnet. Average size remains small. Mean length of sampled fish was 6.5 inches. An abundance of 5.0 to 6.0 inch perch are currently present and should provide quality angling opportunities in the near future.

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

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

Nelson has a maximum depth of 15 feet and a mean depth of 11 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Nelson is from 2018. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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