Snail

Snail Lake is a 148 acre class 38 lake located in northern Ramsey County. Snail Lake is primarily managed for Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike, with Walleye and Bluegill as secondary management species. Walleye fry are stocked biennially at a rate of 2,000 per littoral acre (260,000 fry). Snail Lake experienced a significant winterkill event during the winter of 2012-13, so additional Walleye fry, adult Black Crappie, and prespawn adult Largemouth Bass were stocked in 2014. Northern Pike catch rate was 15 fish per net in the gillnets, above average for class 38 lakes and a significant increase from the 7.75 fish pet net sampled in the last survey in 2004. Sampled Northern Pike ranged from 15 to 34 inches, with an average length of 21.79 inches. over 51% of sampled pike were greater than 21 inches in length, 16% were greater than 25 inches, and 9% were greater than 26 inches. The largest pike sampled in 2016 was 34.5 inches in length. Two Walleyes were sampled in the trap nets at a catch rate of 0.22 fish per net. This is below average for class 38 lakes. Walleyes averaged 16.36 inches in length and were both from the 2013 fry stocking (age-3). Largemouth Bass are typically not sampled effectively by gill nets or trap nets, however bass catch rate was 1.22 fish per trap net, above average for class 38 lakes. Sampled bass ranged from 5 to 12.6 inches in length and the average Largemouth Bass sampled in 2016 was 10.48 inches long. Bluegill catch rate was 33.44 fish per net in the trap nets, above average for class 38 lakes. Sampled Bluegills ranged from 2.36 to 7.56 inches, and the average length was 4.9 inches. Over 11% of Bluegills were greater than 6 inches in length and 4% were greater than 7 inches. Pumpkinseeds, Green Sunfish, and hybrid Sunfish were all sampled at above average abundance. Individuals greater than 8 inches were sampled of all three species. Both Black and Yellow Bullheads were sampled at average to above average abundances in the trap nets. The average Black Bullhead was 7.77 inches in length, and the largest was 12.4 inches. The average Yellow Bullhead was 8.49 inches in length and the largest was 14.17 inches.

Bluegill were found in average abundance in the 2010 survey. While bleugills exceeding 8 inches were sampled, the average size was only 4.85 inches. Black crappies were found in low abundance. Walleye were not sampled during this survey, but fry are stocked every other year on even years, i.e. 2008, 2010, 2012. Northern pike were found in above average abundance. Sizes ranged from 18.46 to 31.26 inches in the gill net sample, with an average of nearly 22 inches.

Snail Lake has a relatively abundant bluegill population. Lengths ranged from 2.9 to 7.0 inches, with an average of 5.3 inches and 23% exceeding 6 inches. Black crappies were sampled in low numbers durung this assessment. Only 2 crappies sampled were larger than 10 inches. Walleyes from the 2002 stocking were sampled. Subsequent surveys and assessments will determine how well this species performs in this lake. Only one largemouth bass was captured due to the type of gear used during the assessment. Northern pike were sampled in average numbers for this type of lake. Sizes ranged from 15 to 36 inches, with an average of nearly 22 inches.

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

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

Snail has a maximum depth of 30 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Snail is from 2016. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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