Allie

Allie is a moderate-sized lake (509 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 in the southeast bay. A private access (open to public use) with limited parking is present on the lake's north shore. There is a fishing pier present at the Allie Lake County Park on the west shore. Allie has approximately five miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of twelve feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has divided Minnesota's lakes into 44 different classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Allie is a class 43 lake and other similar waterbodies in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area are Swan and Hook Lakes in McLeod County. Allie's 2020 lake management plan listed Walleye as the primary management species, while Black Crappie were a secondary species. Allie rarely suffers from partial winterkills, with the most recent event occurring in 2008. However, 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 Allie. 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 Allie Lake. Low numbers of Walleye were netted in 2025, but average size was respectable (16 inches in length). The maximum length of Walleye sampled was just over 25 inches. An impressive 48 percent of the catch was 18 inches or longer and the oldest Walleye was age-11. Low numbers of Black Crappie were netted in 2025, and average size was small (7 inches in length). However, crappie up to 11 inches in length were present. Low numbers of Yellow Perch were collected, but most were keeper-sized. Perch averaged almost 9 inches in length. Low numbers of Channel Catfish were netted, but average length was impressive (20 inches). The longest catfish captured was an astonishing 28 inches. Low numbers of Northern Pike were gill netted this year with fish averaging a puny 17 inches in length. Only one of the pike that were captured was 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 Allie 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 Common Carp, Shovelnose Sturgeon 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 Allie Lake beginning on July 8, 2019, to monitor the lake's fish population and to evaluate the 1994 Walleye fry stocking regime. Allie 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 only primary management species at Allie Lake. Black Crappie, Bluegill, 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 5.0 mg/l, just off the bottom in 12 feet of water, indicating that fish could be found throughout the entire water column this time of year. Water clarity was fair to poor with a secchi disk reading of 4.5 feet, due to an algae bloom. Allie has a rare history of winterkill, but a partial kill did occur in 2008. A fishing pier is available at the Renville County RV Park on the lake's west shore. Curlyleaf pondweed, a type a submergent vegetation, can be abundant in May and June at Allie, occasionally reaching nuisance levels in parts of the lake. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers of Walleye (48) for a catch rate of 5.3/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2016 LMP's long range goal for Walleye (4.0 to 18.0/net) was met. Walleye were the most abundant fish sampled by GN in 2019. The 2015 GN catch rate was higher at 24.3/net. The latest six GN catch rates (1994 to 2019) were all within the lake class normal range (2.3 to 18.1) or above it. Historical catch rates from 1976 to 2019 (n=12), under various Walleye stocking regimes, were variable ranging from 0.0 to 24.3/net with an average of 6.1. In 2019, gill netted Walleye were 9.5 to 24.4 inches long, averaging 17.1 inches. Trap nets sampled Walleye up to 25.8 inches in length. Gill netted Walleye were estimated to be age-1 to age-7 with seven year classes present. None of the year classes were ranked as being strong, but the 2016 and 2017 year classes were considered moderate in size. Growth for age-3 fish was fast. In 2019, non-stocked years accounted for 28% of the GN aged Walleye, indicating that natural reproduction was occurring. The contribution from natural reproduction during fry stocked years remained unknown, due to the inability to differentiate between the two groups. Gill net catch rates from 2000 to 2019 (n=5), during the 1994 stocking regime (509,000 fry stocked 2 of 3 years), ranged from 4.9 to 24.3/net with an average of 11.1, possibly indicating a successful fry stocking strategy. Walleye anglers can usually expect decent action at Allie Lake. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Northern Pike (5) for a catch rate of 0.6/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The 2015 catch rate was also low at 1.7/net. The 2016 LMP's long range goal (>1.1/net) was not met. Historic catch rates from 1976 to 2019 (n=12) were all low, ranging from 0.2 to 4.0/net with an average of 1.7/GN. Historically, recruitment would be classified as low, despite numerous stockings (1970's through the 2000's). Northern Pike were last stocked in 2008, following a partial winterkill. In 2019, gill netted Northern Pike were 21.8 to 25.7 inches long with an average of 23.8 inches. Trap nets sampled Northern Pike up to 33.2 inches in length. Low Northern Pike abundance over the last 30 years has likely allowed Walleye to flourish at Allie Lake. Allie is included in the 2018 Northern Pike Southern Management Zone regulation area, adopted in 2018, which has a 24 inch minimum size limit in place (all pike less than 24 inches must be immediately released) and two fish bag limit designed to increase pike abundance, take advantage of fast growth, and improve the size of harvested fish. Trap nets sampled low numbers (5) of Black Crappie in 2019 for a catch rate of 0.6/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. This was the second lowest TN catch rate ever measured at Allie Lake. The 2016 LMP's long range goal (>1.2) was not met. The 2015 Black Crappie TN catch rate was 0.3/net, the lowest ever recorded. Historic TN catch rates from 1976 to 2019 (n=12) were highly variable, ranging from 0.3 to 75.9/net with an average of 21.7. 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 12.8 inches long with an average of 8.9 inches. Gill nets also sampled low numbers (2) of Black Crappie for a catch rate of 0.2/net, which was also below the normal range for this type of lake. This was the second lowest Black Crappie GN catch rate ever recorded at Allie. The latest four GN catch rates (2005 to 2019) were all low, indicating unusually low abundance over the last 14 years. Historic GN catch rates from 1976 to 2019 (n=12) were highly variable, ranging from 0.0 to 95.5/net with an average of 17.7. In 2019, the two gill netted Black Crappie were 5.7 and 8.7 inches long. Trap nets sampled moderate numbers of Bluegill (159) for a catch rate of 17.7/net which was within the normal range for this type of lake. Bluegill were the most abundant fish sampled in 2019 TN's. The 2016 LMP's Bluegill long-range goal (maintain presence) was met. The 2005, 2008, and 2015 catch rates were much lower, ranging from 1.8 to 3.8/net. Historic TN catch rates from 1976 to 2019 (n=12) were highly variable, ranging from 0.4 to 492.0/net, with an average of 71.3. Bluegill were last stocked in 2008, following the partial winterkill. That stocking effort appeared to have had little effect, as the TN catch rate in 2015 was only 2.0/net. In 2019, trap netted Bluegill were 2.8 to 9.7 inches long averaging 5.3 inches. Approximately 22% of the catch was 6 inches longer. The TN fish length table indicated that two or three younger year classes made up the majority of the catch, and that recruitment had become more consistent since the 2015 survey. The exact reason for the increased recruitment was unknown. As of 2019, Bluegill anglers could expect decent action from mostly smaller sized fish, but keeper sized fish were also present. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Channel Catfish (7) for a catch rate of 0.8/net, indicating low abundance for this species. The 2015 GN catch rate (1.2/net) was also low. Historic catch rates from 1976 to 2019 (n=12) were mostly low, ranging from 0.0 to 4.0/net with an average of 1.3. In 2019, gill netted Channel Catfish were 15.3 to 27.7 inches long averaging an impressive 24.8 inches. Channel Catfish were last stocked in 1989. The GN and TN fish length tables indicated that catfish recruitment was inconsistent, but the species has persisted through natural reproduction for many years. Gill nets sampled low numbers of Yellow Perch (41) for a catch rate of 4.6/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. Yellow Perch have not been sampled in high numbers at Allie since 1987 (161.5/net). All GN catches since 1987 (n=7) were less than 6.0/net. Historic perch GN catch rates from 1976 to 2019 (n=12) were highly variable ranging from 0.2 to 161.5/net with an average of 31.8. In 2019, gill netted Yellow Perch were 5.4 to 8.8 inches long averaging 6.1 inches. Yellow Perch are an important forage item for Walleye at Allie Lake, and likely at sizes too small to be picked up in gill nets and trap nets. Occasionally, anglers get into a few 9 to 10 inch perch at Allie. Trap nets sampled moderate numbers of Common Carp (34) for a catch rate of 3.8/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. Historic carp TN catch rates (n=12) from 1976 to 2019 were highly variable, ranging from 0.6 to 57.1/net with an average of 7.9. In 2019, trap netted Common Carp were 18.7 to 31.1 inches long averaging 22.5 inches. Gill nets sampled moderate numbers of Common Carp (22) for a catch rate of 2.4/net, which was also within the normal range for this type of lake. Historic GN catch rates were variable, ranging from 0.0 to 7.7/net with an average of 2.7. In 2019, gill netted Common Carp were 19.6 to 29.3 inches long with an average of 22.1. Nothing fights like a carp, and anglers and bow fishermen should have decent luck at Allie. Gill nets did not sample any Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 0.0/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake, and the lowest catch on record at Allie. The latest five catch rates (2000 to 2019) were all less than 2.2/net, indicating that low numbers were present over the last 20 years. Historic GN catch rates from 1976 to 2019 (n=12) were highly variable, ranging from 0.0 to 309.6/net with an average of 99.5. In 2019, trap nets also failed to sample any Black Bullhead for a catch rate of 0.0/net which was below the lake's normal range and tied for the lowest catch on record at Allie. Trap net catches (n=5), from 2000 to 2019, showed a similar pattern to GN catches during that time period, with all the TN catch rates being less than 0.4/net, indicating very low abundance. 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. Bullhead anglers may want to try a different lake. Additional fishes sampled in the standard gear included; Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Orangespotted Sunfish, Shovelnose Sturgeon (first time sampled at Allie, likely an illegal stocking), and White Sucker.

A standard survey (summer gill netting and trap netting) was conducted at Allie in 2015 to evaluate the lake's fish population. Walleye were the primary management species, while northern pike, black crappie, and bluegill were listed as secondary management species in the lake management plan. Winterkill was rare at this lake with the latest event occurring in 2008, but fish populations can fluctuate greatly when these events do occur. In 2015, the water clarity was fair. A fishing pier was present at the Allie Lake County Park on the west side of the lake. Curlyleaf pondweed, an invasive aquatic plant, can be somewhat abundant at this lake, especially in May and June. Gill nets sampled high numbers (146) of walleye for a catch rate of 24.3/net, which was above the normal range for this type of lake, and the highest ever measured at Allie. The 2008 catch rate was 4.9/net. Past catch rates, from 1976 to 2015, were variable, ranging from 0.0/net to 24.3/net with an average of 6.2/net. In 2015, gill netted walleye were 10.4 to 23.3 inches long with an average of 13.7 inches. Approximately 89% of the gill net catch was 12 inches or longer and 30% were 14 inches or longer, indicating a quality size structure. Gill netted walleye were 1 to 11 years old with 5 year-classes present. Age-1 fish (18) corresponded to a year when fry were not stocked in Allie, accounting for 12% of the gill net sample and indicated that natural reproduction was occurring. For fish that were aged, all other year-classes from both gill net aged fish (88%) and trap net aged fish (100%) matched up with years when walleye fry were stocked. However, those year-classes could actually be from stocking, natural reproduction, or some combination of both. The 2013 year-class was very strong, accounting for 74% of the gill net catch. Growth was moderate for Allie Lake walleye. The latest walleye fry stocking regime (509,000 fry two-out-of-three years) was initiated in 1994. Gill net catch rates during this time period (2000, 2005, 2008, and 2015) ranged from 4.9 to 24.3/net with an average of 12.6/net, possibly indicating a successful stocking strategy. Gill nets sampled low numbers of northern pike (10) for a catch rate of 1.7/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2008 catch rate was 0.8/net. Catch rates from 1976 to 2015 were mostly low, ranging from 0.2/net to 4.0/net with an average of 1.8/net. In 2015, gill netted northern pike were 16.4 to 29.8 inches long with an average of 21.2 inches. Northern pike were not aged in 2015, but the size distribution indicated that multiple year-classes were present. Northern pike were last stocked in 2008, following a winterkill. A lack of quality spawning habitat was likely a limiting factor on northern pike at Allie Lake. Northern pike also tend to do better in lakes with clearer water and moderate amounts of submergent vegetation throughout the year. Gill nets sampled low numbers (29) of yellow perch for a catch rate of 4.8/net, but this was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2008 catch rate was similar at 5.9/net. Catch rates from 1976 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.2/net to 161.5/net with an average of 34.2/net. Yellow perch have not been sampled in high numbers since the 1987 assessment (161.5/net). In 2015, gill netted yellow perch were 6.5 to 10.1 inches long with an average of 8.7 inches. Approximately 37% of the gill net catch was 9 inches or longer, which should appeal to yellow perch anglers. Gill nets sampled low numbers (7) of channel catfish for a catch rate of 1.2/net. The 2008 catch rate was 2.1/net. Historic gill net catch rates from 1976 to 2015 ranged from 0.0/net to 4.0/net with an average of 1.4/net. In 2015, channel catfish were 10.2 inches to 26.6 inches long with an average of 16.6 inches. Size distributions indicated that multiple year-classes were present. Allie was last stocked in 1989, so all of the channel catfish were likely the result of natural reproduction. Gill nets sampled low numbers (7) of black crappie for a catch rate of 1.2/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The 2005 and 2008 catch rates were also low at 1.0/net and 1.1/net, respectively. Catch rates from 1976 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.0/net to 95.5/net with an average of 19.2/net. In 2015, black crappie were 6.3 to 7.2 inches long with an average of 6.8 inches. Trap nets sampled 3 black crappies for a catch rate of 0.3/net, which was below the normal range, and the lowest ever measured at Allie. The 2008 (1.1/net) and 2005 (1.4/net) trap net catch rates were also low. Historic trap net catch rates from 1976 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.3/net to 75.9/net with an average of 23.6/net. Allie Lake may not be a large enough lake to support both high numbers of walleye (24.3/gill net) and black crappie, leading to the current imbalance. Adult walleye may be preying on young black crappie, limiting their recruitment. Trap nets sampled low numbers (18) of bluegill for a catch rate of 2.0/net, but this was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2008 catch rate was also low at 3.8/net. Catch rates from 1976 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.4 to 492.0/net with an average of 76.1/net. Bluegill were 3.2 to 9.3 inches long with an average of 5.6 inches. Approximately 28% of the trap net catch was 8 inches or longer, indicating that quality-sized fish were present. The stocking of 14 pounds (126 fish) of bluegill in 2008, following the winterkill, failed to increase the 2015 catch rate and produce a significant fishery at Allie Lake. Quality habitat; clear water and moderate amounts of submergent vegetation throughout the year, was likely limiting the Allie Lake bluegill population. Gill nets sampled low numbers (6) of common carp for a catch rate of 1.0/net, which was within the normal range for this type of lake. The 2008 catch rate was 7.7/net. Catch rates from 1976 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.0/net to 7.7/net with an average of 2.7/net. Gill netted common carp were 4.2 to 27.8 inches long. The 2015 trap net catch rate was high (57.1/net), which was well above the normal range and the highest ever recorded at Allie. This likely indicated that a strong year-class was produced in 2014 or 2015. The 2008 trap net catch rate was 3.6/net. Catch rates from 1976 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.6/net to 57.1/net with an average of 8.3/net. Trap netted carp were 2.8 inches to 27.95 inches long with an average of 6.1 inches. Common carp have likely had negative impacts on the aquatic plant community at Allie Lake for many years. Trap nets sampled low numbers (1) of black bullhead for a catch rate of 0.1/net, which was below the normal range for this type of lake. The catch rate in 2008 was 0.0/net. Historic catch rates from 1976 to 2015 were variable, ranging from 0.0/net to 380.3/net with an average of 72.4/net. The trap netted black bullhead was 7.3 inches long. Gill nets sampled low numbers (1) of black bullhead for a catch rate of 0.2/net, which was below the normal range and the lowest ever recorded at Allie Lake. The 2008 catch rate was 0.3/net. Catch rates from 1976 to 2015 were highly variable ranging from 0.2 to 309.6/net with an average of 108.5/net. The gill netted black bullhead was 7.9 inches long. Both trap net and gill net data indicate that some type of ecological shift had happened to the black bullhead population over the last 15 to 20 years. High numbers of predators (walleye and channel catfish) may have contributed to low numbers of black bullhead in Allie Lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Black Crappie in Allie. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Allie has a maximum depth of 12 feet and a mean depth of 8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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