Preston

Preston is a moderate-sized lake (655 acres) located northeast of the Town of Buffalo Lake in Renville County. A state-owned access with gravel parking and a single cement boat ramp is present along the west shore. There is a fishing pier present at the public access. Preston has approximately five miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of eleven feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has divided Minnesota's lakes into 44 different classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Preston is a class 43 lake and other similar waterbodies in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area are Swan and Hook Lakes in McLeod County. Preston's 2020 lake management plan listed Walleye as the primary management species, while Black Crappie were a secondary management species. Preston occasionally suffers from partial winterkills, with the most recent event occurring in 2013. Fish populations can fluctuate widely depending on the severity of the latest winterkill event. A Walleye jaw tagging exploitation study was initiated in the spring of 2025 (see separate targeted survey report for more details) and anglers are encouraged to call the Hutchinson Area Fisheries Office (320-753-0339) if they catch a tagged Walleye from Preston. Summer gill netting was completed in 2025 to monitor the fish population and evaluate the 2022 Walleye fry stocking regime (500 Lower Mississippi strain fry per littoral acre - every other year). Curlyleaf pondweed, a submergent aquatic plant, can be abundant in May and June at Preston Lake. Low numbers of Walleye were netted in 2025, but average size was impressive (almost 19 inches in length). The maximum length of Walleye sampled was a remarkable 27 inches. A notable 59 percent of the catch was 21 inches or longer and the oldest Walleye was age-13. Black Crappie were not netted in 2025. High numbers of Yellow Perch were collected, and some were keeper-sized. Approximately 15 percent of the catch was 8 inches or longer. Low numbers of Northern Pike were gill netted this year with fish averaging 20 inches in length. Maximum length of Northern Pike was a respectable 33 inches. Many of the pike that were captured were 24 inches or longer. Northern Pike regulations were revised at a statewide level beginning in 2018 to better accommodate regional differences in pike habitats, population abundances and size structures. Three management zones were established for Northern Pike, with their own bag limit and length limit restrictions. In the southern zone, where Preston Lake is found, anglers can keep two Northern Pike. The minimum size limit is 24 inches. All fish less than 24 inches must be immediately released. This zone regulation is meant to increase Northern Pike abundance and increase the size of harvested fish. The regulation will be evaluated after 2028. Additional fishes sampled in the 2025 gill nets included Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass and White Sucker. People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Overharvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are typically moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters and lakeshore owners, and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and drain all lake water from their boat and bait buckets before leaving the lake. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local MNDNR office. Additional information on all these topics can be found on the MNDNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Hutchinson Area Fisheries office.

A standard survey was conducted at Preston Lake beginning on July 15, 2019, to monitor the lake's fish population and to evaluate the 1994 Walleye fry stocking regime. Preston is a class 43 lake and net catches were compared to other similar lakes around the state. The 2016 MNDNR Fisheries lake management plan (LMP) listed Walleye as the primary management species at Preston Lake. Black Crappie and Northern Pike were listed as secondary management species. In 2019, a total of 11 species, plus hybrid sunfish, were sampled in the gill nets (GN) and trap nets (TN). The dissolved oxygen concentration was 3.4 mg/l, one foot off the bottom in 10.4 feet of water, indicating a well oxygenated (top to bottom) lake. Water clarity was poor with a secchi disk reading of 2.3 feet, due to an algae bloom. Only Walleye were aged for this survey. Preston has a history of winterkill, and a partial kill occurred in 2013. Fish populations can fluctuate widely from year to year at Preston, depending on the frequency and severity of winterkill. A fishing pier was available at the public access on the lake's western shore. Submergent vegetation density can vary greatly from year to year at Preston, with aquatic plants being very sparse some years and others years, like 2019, being abundant. Gill nets sampled high numbers of Walleye (114) for a catch rate of 14.3/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake, and the highest ever recorded at Preston. The 2016 LMP's long-range goal for Walleye (2.3 to 18.1/net) was met. The 2015 GN catch rate was very similar at 13.7/net. The latest six GN catch rates (1994 to 2019) were all within the normal range for this lake type. Historic GN catch rates from 1974 to 2019 (n=12), under various stocking regimes, were variable ranging from 0.0 to 14.3/net with an average of 6.3. In 2019, gill netted Walleye were 9.3 to 25.9 inches long averaging 17.2 inches. Trap nets sampled Walleye up to 26.9 inches in length. Approximately 93% of the GN catch was 15 inches or longer, indicating a high quality population. Gill netted Walleye were estimated to be age-1 to age-6 with six year classes present. The 2015 and 2016 year classes were both considered to be strong. The other four year classes were all considered to be weak in size. Growth for age-3 and age-4 fish was considered fast, when compared to statewide averages. In 2019, non-stocked years accounted for 2% of the GN aged Walleye, possibly indicating that significant natural reproduction may not be occurring at Preston. The contribution from natural reproduction during fry stocked years remained unknown, due to the inability to differentiate the two groups. Gill net catch rates, from 2000 to 2019 (n=5), during the 1994 stocking regime (655,000 Walleye fry 2 of 3 years) ranged from 5.2 to 14.3/net with an average of 10.3, possibly indicating a successful stocking strategy. A partial winterkill occurred in 2013, and the oldest Walleye aged in 2019 was age-6 (2013 year class). Walleye anglers should expect good action and nice sized fish from Preston's 2019 population. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers (>5/GN and 1.1/net) was met. Catch rates from 1974 to 2019 (n=12) were variable, ranging from 0.7 to 39.5/net with an average of 7.8. Historically, recruitment would be classified as low to moderate. Northern Pike were last stocked (64,040 fry) in 2010, following a partial winterkill. In 2019, gill netted Northern Pike were 9.1 to 32.1 inches long with an average of 21.8 inches. Lower Northern Pike abundance over the last 30 years has likely helped Walleye to flourish at Preston Lake. Preston was included in the 2018 Northern Pike Southern Management Zone regulation area, which had a 24 inch minimum size limit (all pike less than 24 inches in length must be immediately released) in place. The regulation was designed to increase pike abundance and improve the size of harvested fish. Preston was occasionally clear enough for dark house spearing. Trap nets sampled low numbers (17) of Black Crappie in 2019 for a catch rate of 1.6/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2016 LMP's long range goal (maintain presence) was met. The 2015 Black Crappie TN catch rate was 0.0/net, the lowest ever recorded. Trap net catch rates from 1974 to 2019 (n=12) were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 29.8/net with an average of 6.9. The four most recent TN catch rates (2005 to 2019) have all indicated low abundance for this species. In 2019, trap netted Black Crappie were 5.2 to 9.0 inches long with an average of 6.3 inches. Gill nets also sampled low numbers (2) of Black Crappie for a catch rate of 0.3/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The 2019 GN catch rate was tied for the third lowest on record at Preston Lake, and indicated low abundance. The latest three GN catch rates (2010, 2015, and 2019) were all low (<0.5/GN). Historic GN catch rates from 1974 to 2019 (n=12) were generally low, ranging from 0.0 to 62.0/net with an average of 11.4. In 2019, the two gill netted Black Crappie were 6.3 and 11.6 inches long. The decline in Black Crappie abundance, since 2000, was of concern and was likely related to competition, forage, and/or predation. A shift seems to have possibly occurred, with Black Crappie decreasing and Walleye (a known predator on small crappie) increasing over the last 14 years at Preston. A similar change occurred at Allie over the same time period. Since Black Crappie have such high reproductive potential they were rarely limited by reproduction. Spawning habitat was believed to be sufficient for Black Crappie at Preston, however habitat favorable for the survival of young crappie may be lacking. Black Crappie were last stocked (854 adults) in 2010. Crappie anglers may want to try a different lake. Trap nets sampled moderate numbers of Bluegill (333) for a catch rate of 30.3/net which was above the normal range for this type of lake and the second highest catch rate on record at Preston. Bluegill were the most abundant fish sampled in 2019 TN's. The 2005, 2010, and 2015 catch rates were much lower, ranging from 0.2 to 6.8/net. Historic TN catch rates from 1974 to 2019 (n=12) were mostly low, ranging from 0.1 to 42.6/net, with an average of 8.7. Bluegill were intolerant of low oxygen levels and typically do not do well in winterkill lakes. If there is a long enough gap between winterkill events a decent population can develop, but a stable and long-term Bluegill fishery would be unlikely. In 2019, trap netted Bluegill were 3.0 to 9.9 inches long with an average of 4.4 inches. Approximately 8% of the TN catch was 6 inches or longer, indicating a poor size structure dominated by small fish. Fish should grow to a more acceptable size to anglers in the next year or two. Recent increases in submergent vegetation habitat may also be benefitting the Bluegill population. Gill nets sampled high numbers of Yellow Perch (126) for a catch rate of 15.8/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake and was the second highest catch ever recorded at Preston. The 2015 GN catch rate was 1.8/net. Historic GN catch rates from 1974 to 2019 (n=12) were variable ranging from 0.4 to 31.5/net with an average of 6.7. In 2019, gill netted Yellow Perch were 5.2 to 7.4 inches long with averaging 6.3 inches. Yellow Perch were probably an important forage item for Walleye at Preston Lake. Perch occasionally reach acceptable sizes for angling at Preston. Trap nets sampled moderate to high numbers of Common Carp (89) for a catch rate of 8.1/net, which was above the normal range for this type of lake and was the second highest on record at Preston. Historic TN catch rates (n=12) from 1974 to 2019 were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 13.1/net with an average of 2.9. Trap netted Common Carp were 2.8 to 30.9 inches long with an average length of 6.1 inches. Small (<4.5 inches in length) carp accounted for 90% of the trap net catch, possibly indicating a strong 2018 year class. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Common Carp (5) for a catch rate of 0.6/net. Historic GN catch rates were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 23.1/net with an average of 3.3. In 2019, gill netted Common Carp were 4.2 to 29.9 inches long averaging 21.5 inches. Multiple Walleye and Yellow Perch were regurgitating young of the year Common Carp while being processed in 2019. Gill nets sampled low (140) numbers of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 17.5/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The latest four catch rates (2005 to 2019) were all below the lakes normal range, indicating low numbers over the last 14 years. Historic GN catch rates from 1974 to 2019 (n=12) were highly variable, ranging from 0.4 to 382.5/net with an average of 116.9. In 2019, trap nets sampled low numbers (102) of Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 9.3/net which was below the normal range for this lake type. Historic TN catch rates (n=12) were highly variable ranging from 0.5 to 198.1/net with an average of 64.5. Trap net catches (n=4), from 2005 to 2019, showed a similar pattern to GN catches during that time period, with all the TN catch rates being below the lake class normal range, indicating a low abundance. Preston Lake data indicated that an ecological shift, favoring lower numbers of Black Bullhead, had occurred over the last 20 years, but the exact reason for the trend was unknown. A similar occurrence took place at nearby Allie Lake. Reduced winterkill frequency along with increased predator abundance could be responsible for the low bullhead numbers. Additional fishes sampled in the standard gear included; Bigmouth Buffalo, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Orangespotted Sunfish, and White Sucker.

A standard survey (summer gill netting and trap netting) was conducted at Preston Lake in 2015 to evaluate the fish population. Walleye were listed as a primary management species, while northern pike and black crappie were listed as secondary management species in the lake management plan. Winterkill continued to be a limiting factor at this boom-and-bust lake, with the latest partial kill occurring in 2013. Partial winterkills also occurred in 2001 and 2010. Frequency of winterkill increased at Preston Lake from 1-in-5 years for the 2001 to 2015 time period to 1-in-3 years for the 2010 to 2015 time period. Fish populations can fluctuate greatly at Preston, depending on frequency and severity of the winterkill. The cormorant rookery on the north island remained active in 2015. Curly-leaf pondweed, an invasive non-native plant, was present at Preston Lake and can be abundant, especially during May and June. A fishing pier is available to anglers at the public access on the west shore. Gill nets sampled high numbers (123) of walleye for a catch rate of 13.7/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake, and the highest catch rate ever measured at Preston. The 2010 catch rate was 10.2/net. Past catch rates, from 1974 to 2015, were variable ranging from 0.0/net to 13.7/net with an average of 5.5/net. In 2015, gill netted walleye were 11.2 inches to 20.1 inches long with an average of 15.3 inches. Approximately 93% of the gill net catch was 14 inches or longer, indicating a quality size structure. Walleye were 1 to 4 years old with 4 year-classes present. Age-2 and age-3 fish corresponded to years when fry were stocked in Preston, accounting for 93% and 5% of the gill net sample, respectfully. The 2013 year-class was strong and likely resulted from the fry stocking that immediately followed the 2013 winterkill. Growth was fast, as would be expected following a winterkill. The presence of age-1 and age-4 fish indicated that natural reproduction (at least 2% of gill net sample) was also occurring. Possible migration of walleye from Allie Lake, which doesn't winterkill as frequently, confounds natural reproduction and stocking evaluations. The latest walleye fry stocking regime (654,960 fry two-out-of-three years) was initiated in 1994. Gill net catch rates during this time period (2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015) ranged from 5.2/net to 13.7/net with an average of 9.4/net, possibly indicating a successful strategy. Gill nets sampled low numbers of northern pike (28) for a catch rate of 3.1/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2010 catch rate was 1.3/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were highly variable ranging from 0.7/net to 39.5/net with an average of 8.0/net. Northern pike catch rates have been low for the last 20+ years. In 2015, gill netted northern pike were 8.8 to 29.8 inches long with an average of 17.3 inches. Northern pike were not aged in 2015, but the size distributions indicated that multiple year-classes were present. Northern pike tend to do best in lakes with clear water and moderate amounts submergent vegetation. Gill nets sampled low numbers (16) of yellow perch for a catch rate of 1.8/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The 2010 catch rate was 5.9/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were variable, but generally low, ranging from 0.4/net to 31.5/net with an average of 5.9/net. Gill netted yellow perch were 5.9 inches to 9.1 inches long with an average of 7.0 inches. Yellow perch were 1 to 2 years old with 2 year-classes present. Age-1 fish accounted for 94% of the gill net sample. Growth was fast. Adult yellow perch (77 pounds) were stocked in 2013, following the winterkill. Gill nets sampled low numbers (1) of channel catfish for a catch rate of 0.1/net. The 2010 catch rate was also 0.1/net. Historic gill net catch rates from 1974 to 2015 showed that the highest catch rate ever was 0.3/net. The 2015 channel catfish was 9.1 inches long and was likely the result of natural reproduction, which may have occurred in either Preston or Allie Lake. Channel catfish were first gill netted in Preston Lake in 1994, but have never been stocked there, and connected Allie Lake was last stocked in 1989. Winterkill is likely a major limiting factor on channel catfish at Preston Lake. Channel catfish are more sensitive to low oxygen levels compared to many other fish species. Gill nets sampled low numbers (1) of black crappie for a catch rate of 0.1/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake and the second lowest ever recorded at Preston. The 2010 catch rate was also low at 0.4/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.0/net to 62.0/net with an average of 12.4/net. In 2015, the black crappie was 6.5 inches long. In 2015, trap nets sampled no black crappie. The 2010 trap net catch rate was 0.8/net. Historic trap net catch rates were variable ranging from 0.0/net to 29.8/net with an average of 7.4/net. Trap nets sampled low numbers (43) of bluegill for a catch rate of 3.9/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2010 catch rate was 0.2/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were mostly low ranging from 0.1/net to 42.6/net with an average of 6.7/net. Bluegill were 3.2 to 5.1 inches long with an average of 4.4 inches, indicating a poor size structure. Winterkill, and subsequent low oxygen levels, was likely a major limiting factor on bluegill at Preston Lake. Bluegill tend to do better in lakes with clear water, adequate oxygen throughout the winter, and moderate amounts of submergent vegetation. Gill nets sampled low numbers (2) of common carp for a catch rate of 0.2/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The 2010 catch rate was 11.4/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.0/net to 23.1/net with an average of 3.5/net. Gill netted common carp were 25.8 inches and 29.7 inches long. The trap net catch rate was 1.1/net which was within the normal range. The 2010 trap net catch rate was 2.3/net. Trap net catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.0/net to 13.1/net, with an average of 2.4/net. An estimated 10,000 dead common carp were found following the 2013 winterkill at Preston Lake. Trap nets sampled low numbers (5) of black bullhead for a catch rate of 0.5/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake and the lowest ever recorded at Preston. The catch rate in 2010 was also low (0.8/net) as was the case in 2005 (2.7net). Most of the previous catches (1974 to 2000) were above the normal range. Historic catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.5/net to 198.1/net with an average of 69.5/net. Trap netted black bullhead were 6.3 inches to 8.0 inches long with an average of 7.3 inches. Gill nets sampled low numbers (234) of black bullhead for a catch rate of 26.0/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The 2010 catch rate was 0.4/net. Catch rates from 1974 to 2015 were highly variable ranging from 0.4 to 382.5/net with an average of 123.0/net. Gill netted black bullhead were 4.7 inches to 9.0 inches long with an average of 7.3 inches. Both trap net and gill net data indicated that some type of ecological shift had happened to the black bullhead population in the last 10 years. The average gill net catch rate for the 1974 to 2000 time period was 164.0/net compared to the 2005 to 2015 time period average of 13.7/net (12 times lower now). Long-term reduced frequency and severity of winterkill, water clarity changes, increasing numbers of predatory walleye, predation by channel catfish and Double Crested Cormorants were possible explanations for the current status of the black bullhead population at Preston Lake.

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

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

Preston has a maximum depth of 11 feet and a mean depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Preston is from 2025.

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