Twin (Lakes)

Upper Twin Pond is a small (1.7 acres), shallow (max. depth 9 feet) and fertile pond located within the city of Duluth along Skyline Drive. Upper Twin Pond is a designated stream trout lake and has been managed for stream trout since 1932. Although less than ideal trout habitat, the close proximity to Duluth and easy access to the pond have created a valuable put and take rainbow trout fishery. From 1941 until 1973 the pond received annual (except 1946, 1949 and 1972) plantings of rainbow, brown or brook trout yearlings. Since 1991, approximately 400 rainbow trout have been stocked annually into Upper Twin Pond in the spring and early summer. Upper Twin Pond was assessed during the fall of 2008 to evaluate the success of the stocking program and to document changes in the fish community. Upper Twin Pond was last assessed in 1996, and prior to that in 1991. Rainbow trout abundance was 5.0 per gillnet lift. This gillnet set was a special two hour timed set, in an effort to increase the sample size and ensure an adequate sample for contaminant analysis. Rainbow trout abundance of 1.8 per trapnet lift in Upper Twin Pond was up from 1996 (0.4) but down from 1991 (2.0). Rainbow trout mean length of 10.6 inches was the same as in 1996 and 1991. Rainbow trout ranged in size from 8.5 to 13.4 inches (9.2-12.1 in 1996). The 2006 and 2007 year-classes were present in the sample. Sixty percent of the rainbow trout captured were carry-over fish from the 2007 stocking (2006 year-class). In 1996, no carry-over fish were captured. Three trapnets were also set into Lower Twin Pond after fish were seen surfacing and the crew identified that the barrier between the two ponds had been compromised. The barrier was installed in the 1970s as a way to keep the two ponds separate, as Lower Twin Pond is managed as a swimming hole by the City of Duluth and is occasionally treated with chemicals. Rainbow trout abundance was 3.0 per trapnet lift in these nets. Black bullhead abundance of 8.6 per trapnet lift was up from 1996 (0.1) and 1991 (1.0). Black bullhead mean length was 6.6 inches. White sucker abundance of 4.6 per trapnet lift was up from 1996 (3.8) but down from 1991 (12.3). White sucker mean length was 8.1 inches. No other fish species were sampled in Upper Twin Pond but many fathead minnows were observed in the shallows during the assessment.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rainbow Trout in Twin (Lakes). See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Twin (Lakes). Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Twin (Lakes) has a maximum depth of 9 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Twin (Lakes) is from 2008. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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