Perkins

This nearshore survey was conducted during summer 2023 to assess populations of non-game species and small game fish using backpack electrofishing and seining. Backpack electrofishing and/or seining were conducted at 14 stations, representing a variety of habitat types, along the shoreline of Perkins Lake. The survey was conducted during the five-year sampling window for intensive monitoring efforts within the Pomme de Terre River watershed, and will be contributing to a watershed assessment process in coordination with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Twenty species were collected during this survey. Two species (Iowa Darter and Logperch) were considered "intolerant" and five species (Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Fathead Minnow, Green Sunfish, and Orangespotted Sunfish) were considered "tolerant" based on current tolerance classifications for Minnesota lakes. Nearshore catch data will be used along with gill and trap net catch data to develop an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score, which is indicative of the health of Perkins Lake.

Perkins Lake is a 516-acre shallow impoundment of the Pomme de Terre River. It is approximately nine miles north of Morris. The existing dam creating the pool within the river was constructed by Works Progress Administration crews in 1938. A public access site is located on the southwest shore just north of the Donnelly Rod & Gun Club park facility. Maximum depth is 13.0 feet and average depth is estimated as 8.0 feet. Low water clarity limits coverage and diversity of aquatic vegetation within the lake. Due to high fertility of the water fish grow rapidly and Perkins Lake can provide good fishing opportunities. Primary management efforts on Perkins Lake are directed towards Walleye. Natural reproduction sustains a large proportion of this population and Walleye fry are stocked every other year to supplement the population. A fisheries survey was completed on Perkins Lake, June 12-15, 2023. A combination of six gill nets and nine trap nets were used to sample the fish community. Netting was preceded by electrofishing on May 30 to gain estimates of Largemouth Bass abundance and population size structure. The Walleye catch rate (10.2 fish/gill net) was above average for similar lakes in Minnesota. Lengths ranged from 13.0-26.5 inches. Average size was 17.3 inches and 1.9 pounds. Walleye grow fast in Perkins Lake, reaching 15 inches by age 3. Survival of young Walleye has been above average recently and multiple year classes were present from both stocked and non-stocked years. Walleye fry are stocked in odd-numbered years to supplement natural reproduction, but in the last several surveys, it appears naturally reproduced fish make up a majority of the population. Northern Pike abundance is low. Average size was 22.9 inches and the largest pike observed was 28.0 inches. Perkins Lake supports both Black and White Crappie. Black Crappie are more common than White Crappie. Many of the Black Crappie caught in this survey were large, average length was 11.1 inches and the largest crappie was 13.5 inches. Bluegill catches continued to be high for Perkins Lake. High Bluegill catches in the last 2 surveys are a result of a very large 2015 year class. Bluegill from this year class are now 8 years old and averaged 10.1 inches. Spring electrofishing efforts caught only a few Largemouth Bass. Low water made electrofishing difficult and habitat conditions were less than ideal for bass. Only four Largemouth Bass were observed. Yellow Perch abundance was also low for Perkins Lake. Perch occasionally get large enough to keep, but the few observed in this survey averaged 5.5 inches. Abundance of most underutilized species declined from the previous survey. Abundance of Black Bullhead, Common Carp, and White Sucker was much lower than the previous survey. Freshwater Drum is one species that has been increasing. First recorded in the 2012 survey, they are now abundant. Freshwater Drum are native to the Pomme de Terre River system, but have only recently been recorded in lakes above Crissy Dam in Morris, MN. They are thought to have expanded above Crissy Dam in 2012 during flood conditions. Perkins Lake was designated as an infested water after the discovery of zebra mussels in 2018. Recreational users should take necessary precautions to prevent the further spread of invasive species. Drain all water and remove all aquatic vegetation from your boat and trailer when leaving any body of water.

This nearshore survey was conducted during summer 2017 to assess populations of non-game species and small game fish using backpack electrofishing and seining. Backpack electrofishing and/or seining (15 ft or 50 ft) were conducted at 14 stations, representing a variety of habitat types, along the shoreline of Perkins Lake. The survey was conducted during the five-year sampling window for intensive monitoring efforts within the Pomme de Terre River watershed, and will be contributing to a watershed assessment process in coordination with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Nineteen species were collected during this survey, indicating a relatively diverse nearshore fish community. Three species (Banded Killifish, Iowa Darter, and Logperch) were considered "intolerant" and three species (Black Bullhead, Common Carp, and Green Sunfish) were considered "tolerant" based on current tolerance classifications for Minnesota lakes. Nearshore catch data will be used along with gill and trap net catch data to develop an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score, which is indicative of the health of Perkins Lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Bluegill, Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and White Crappie in Perkins. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Perkins has a maximum depth of 13 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 Perkins is from 2023.

Yes — Perkins has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.