Camp

A standard survey was conducted on Camp Lake during late May and early June of 2024. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e., spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e., standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e., lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). We also conducted Spring Electrofishing for Largemouth Bass, Aquatic Vegetation Transects and Fall Electrofishing for young of year "YOY" Walleye in 2024. Camp is a small (230 acres), moderately deep (26 feet maximum), and productive lake located in Swift County. Camp is a popular fishing lake for local residents. Development is limited to a few farm sites (south and northwest) and 35 homes (2015 survey) mostly along the northeast shoreline area. Undeveloped hardwood stands compose the majority of the immediate shoreline. Water quality and clarity are variable in Camp. Water clarity was excellent on June 12, 2024 (secchi=16.0 feet). Submergent vegetation (Fries' pondweed, coontail, clasping-leaf pondweed, curly-leaf pondweed, northern milfoil, various other pondweeds, etc.) is abundant in the littoral areas, but emergent vegetation (arrowhead, bulrush, and cattails) is limited. Total phosphorus levels were low to moderate (0.025 ppm) in June of 2015. Dissolved oxygen levels were adequate (> 5 ppm) at depths less than 22 feet during the 2024 survey. High water conditions have resulted in flooding of the public access, excess erosion of the shorelines, and poor water quality due to runoff in Camp during previous years. Water levels were normal on July 31, 2024 (gauge reading = 1142.64). Camp Lake can flow out over an outlet rock structure during high water into a wetland adjacent to the west side of the access. Water from this wetland can flow through a private road culvert, continuing thru an above ground channel and eventually into a tile system draining to the East Branch of the Chippewa River. There are numerous small inlets that drain water primarily from agricultural row crop fields into Camp Lake. The immediate watershed is varied with hardwoods, wetlands, agricultural row crops, turkey barns, feedlots, grasslands, and minimal number of residential homes. Although invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil (Scandinavian and Gilchrist) Zebra Mussels (Gilchrist) are present in nearby lakes, none have been reported in Camp. Black Crappie abundance was low in 2024 (0.11 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (1.42 fish/trapnet). No Black Crappie were caught in the gillnets. The 2024 Black Crappie average size was small (0.13 pounds and 6.38 inches) from trapnets. The Black Crappie historical average weight is 0.22 pounds from trapnets. Bluegill abundance was moderate in 2024 (29.33 fish/trapnet). The Bluegill historical average catch rate is 50.54 fish/trapnet. The 2024 Bluegill average size was small (0.05 pounds and 4.08 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.13 pounds from trapnets. Only 1% of the Bluegill captured were over 6.00 inches in the 2024 gillnets and trapnets. The largest Bluegill captured was 8.31 inches. Bluegill growth rates were generally below the area normal ranges. The 2021 year class comprised 43% of the 2024 Bluegill survey catch. Largemouth Bass abundance was high in 2024 (78.89 fish/hour). The Largemouth Bass average size was large (2.66 pounds and 16.66 inches) from the 2024 spring electrofishing survey. Approximately 54% of the Largemouth Bass captured were 17.00 inches or larger from spring electrofishing. The largest Largemouth Bass was 19.61 inches in the 2024 spring electrofishing survey. The Largemouth Bass catch rate was 45.23 fish/hour (2.45 pounds average weight) in the previous 2015 spring electrofishing survey. The 2024 spring night electrofishing survey sampled the entire near shore areas during spawning conditions like past surveys. Largemouth Bass growth rates were within or above the area normal ranges for ages 1-8. The 2016 and 2017 year classes comprised 23% and 20% respectively of the 2024 Largemouth Bass Spring Electrofishing catch. Northern Pike abundance was high in 2024 (15.67 fish/gillnet). The Northern Pike historical average catch rate is 9.52 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Northern Pike average size was small (2.57 pounds and 22.68 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 2.95 pounds from gillnets. Approximately 47% of the Northern Pike captured were 24.00 inches or larger from gillnets and trapnets combined. The largest Northern Pike captured was 29.76 inches. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Camp in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two Northern Pike longer than 26.00 inches; and all from 22.00 to 26.00 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one Northern Pike may be between 22.00 and 26.00 inches or two larger than 26.00 inches. Walleye abundance was moderate in 2024 (8.33 fish/gillnet). The Walleye historical average catch rate is 6.30 fish/gillnet. The 2024 Walleye average size was moderate (2.18 pounds and 17.91 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 2.24 pounds from gillnets. Approximately 69% of the Walleye captured were 15.00 inches and larger from gillnets and trapnets combined. The largest Walleye captured was 26.54 inches. Walleye growth rates were within the normal ranges compared to area lakes. The 2019 and 2022 year classes comprised 32% and 28% respectively of the 2024 summer survey catch. Occasional Walleye natural reproduction has been documented in Camp during high water periods, especially when the access gravel parking lot and road have flooded. Recent Walleye stockings occurred in 2016 (99,788 fry), 2017 (98,358 fry; 2,608 fingerlings, 207 pounds; 460 yearlings, 238 pounds; 4 adults, 7 pounds), 2019 (2,700 fingerlings, 300 pounds), 2022 (76,262 fry), 2023 (48,178 fry; 2,784 fingerlings, 116 pounds) and 2024 (50,967 fry; 403 fingerlings, 96 pounds; 154 yearlings, 96 pounds). Abundant numbers of YOY Walleye were captured in 2007 (83.08 YOY/hour, 6.55 inches), 2009 (198.00 YOY/hour, 6.02 inches), 2011 (124.00 YOY/hour, 6.03 inches) and 2013 (49.66 YOY/hour, 6.77 inches) fall electrofishing surveys. Low YOY Walleye numbers (<7.00 YOY/hour) were captured in the 2015-17 fall electrofishing surveys. YOY Walleye catch rates were also low in 2019 (2.86 YOY/hour, 7.09 inches) and 2024 (8.00 YOY/hour, 6.46 inches). Walleye fingerlings and yearlings were stocked in the 2024 fall due to low YOY numbers from the recent fry stockings. Yellow Perch abundance was low in 2024 (15.33 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average catch rate (38.73 fish/gillnet). The 2024 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.11 pounds and 6.20 inches) from gillnets. The Yellow Perch historical average weight is 0.12 pounds from gillnets. The largest Yellow Perch captured was 7.36 inches. Other notable fish species captured or not captured in the 2024 survey nets included low numbers of Golden Shiner (0.44 fish/trapnet), Hybrid Sunfish (2.44 fish/trapnet), Pumpkinseed Sunfish (0.22 fish/trapnet), Brown Bullhead (0.11 fish/trapnet) and White Sucker (0.33 fish/gillnet); and no Common Carp, Black Bullhead or Yellow Bullhead. Historical average catch rates were 0.12 Golden Shiner/trapnet, 1.06 Hybrid Sunfish/trapnet, 1.39 Pumpkinseed Sunfish/trapnet, 2.08 White Sucker/gillnet, 1.15 Brown Bullhead/trapnet, 4.36 Black Bullhead/trapnet and 0.00 Common Carp/gillnet for Camp Lake. Current fish management activities on Camp include protecting the important aquatic habitats such as emergent and submergent vegetation through the permit process, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel in educating boaters and monitoring access sites for potential invasive species introductions, encouraging land owners to implement best management practices in the watershed, and stocking Walleye as warranted. All fish species will be sampled in 2029.

A standard survey was conducted on Camp Lake during late June of 2019. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e. spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e. standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). A targeted survey was conducted by Fall Electrofishing for young of year "YOY" Walleye in 2019. Camp is a small (230 acres), moderately deep (26 feet maximum), and productive lake located in Swift County. Camp is a popular fishing lake for local residents. Development is limited to a few farm sites (south and northwest) and 35 homes (2015 survey) along the northeast shoreline area. Undeveloped hardwood stands compose the majority of the immediate shoreline. Water quality and clarity are variable in Camp. Water clarity was fair during on June 24, 2019 (secchi=8.0 feet). Submergent vegetation (coontail, northern milfoil, various pondweeds, etc.) is abundant in the littoral areas (< 15 feet deep), but emergent vegetation (i.e. bulrush, cattails, etc.) is limited in Camp. Total phosphorus levels were low to moderate (0.025 ppm) in June of 2015. Dissolved oxygen levels were low (< 2.4 ppm) at depths greater than 25 feet during the 2019 survey. High water conditions have resulted in flooding of the public access, excess erosion of the shorelines, and poor water quality due to runoff in Camp during previous years. Water levels were above normal in 2019. The public access road and parking lot almost flooded in the 2019 spring. Camp Lake can flow out over an outlet rock structure during high water into a wetland adjacent to the west side of the access. Water from this wetland can flow through a private road culvert, continuing thru an above ground channel and eventually into a tile system to the East Branch of the Chippewa River. There are numerous small inlets that drain water primarily from agricultural row crop fields into Camp Lake. The immediate watershed is varied with hardwoods, wetlands, agricultural row crops, turkey barns, feedlots, grasslands, and minimal number of residential homes. Neascus "black spot" is common parasite on the outside skin of some gamefish species in Camp, although not harmful if eaten when properly cooked. The DNR Spicer Fisheries Office manages Camp for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch and Walleye. Although invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil (Scandinavian and Gilchrist) Zebra Mussels (Gilchrist) are present in nearby lakes, none have been reported in Camp. Black Crappie numbers were low in 2019 (0.50 fish/gillnet and 0.22 fish/trapnet). The Black Crappie historical average catch rates are 2.90 fish/gillnet and 1.41 fish/trapnet. The 2019 Black Crappie average size was large (0.86 pounds and 11.46 inches) from gillnets. Black Crappie population numbers were higher in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Anglers usually target Black Crappie during the spring and winter months. Bluegill numbers were high in 2019 (86.78 fish/trapnet) and above the historical average catch rate (48.44 fish/trapnet), but the average size was small (0.09 pounds and 4.59 inches) from trapnets. A few Bluegill over 9.00 inches were captured in the 2019 trapnets. Stunting or slow growth of Bluegill occasionally occurs in Camp. Largemouth Bass spring electrofishing survey was not conducted in 2019. The previous 2015 Largemouth Bass catch rate (45.23 fish/hour) was moderate, but the lowest recorded spring electrofishing value for Camp Lake. The Largemouth Bass average size was large (2.45 pounds and 15.80 inches) from the 2015 spring electrofishing survey. Camp has excellent Largemouth Bass angling opportunities for both numbers and large sized fish. Northern Pike numbers were abundant in 2019 (12.00 fish/gillnet). The Northern Pike historical average catch rate is 8.40 fish/gillnet. The 2019 Northern Pike average size was moderate (3.31 pounds and 24.85 inches) from gillnets, but there were no fish captured greater than 30.00 inches. Northern Pike grow rates were slow. The 2014 year class comprised 33% of the 2019 Northern Pike gillnet and trapnet catch. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Camp Lake in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two pike longer than 26 inches; and all from 22 to 26 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one pike may be between 22 and 26 inches or two larger than 26 inches. Walleye numbers were low in 2019 (2.00 fish/gillnet). The Walleye historical average catch rate is 5.71 fish/gillnet. The 2019 Walleye average size was large (3.70 pounds and 20.83 inches) from gillnets. Walleye growth rates were excellent. The majority (67%) of Walleye captured were 10 years or older in the 2019 survey. Occasional Walleye natural reproduction has been documented in Camp during high water periods, especially when the access gravel parking lot and road have flooded. Recent Walleye stockings occurred in 2011 (21,978 marked frylings), 2013 (119,755 fry), 2015 (103,802 fry), 2016 (99,788 fry), 2017 (98,358 fry; 2,608 fingerlings, 207 pounds; 460 yearlings, 238 pounds; 4 adults, 7 pounds), 2019 (2,700 fingerlings, 300 pounds). Abundant numbers of YOY Walleye were captured in 2011 (124.00 YOY/hour, 6.03 inches) and 2013 (49.66 YOY/hour, 6.77 inches) fall electrofishing surveys. Low YOY Walleye numbers (<7.00 YOY/hour) were captured in the 2015-17 fall electrofishing surveys. The 2019 YOY Walleye catch rate was also low (2.86 YOY/hour, 7.09 inches). Walleye angling can be good for larger sized fish during some years. Yellow Perch numbers were moderate in 2019 (18.50 fish/gillnet) compared to similar lakes, but below historical average catch rate (42.99 fish/gillnet) for Camp. The 2019 Yellow Perch average size was small (0.13 pounds and 6.54 inches) from gillnets. Neascus parasite is commonly found on Yellow Perch in Camp. Other notable fish species captured or not captured in the 2019 survey nets included moderate numbers of Pumpkinseed Sunfish (5.00 fish/trapnet) and White Sucker (3.00 fish/gillnet); low numbers of Black Bullhead (0.11 fish/trapnet); and no Common Carp. Historical average catch rates were 1.38 Pumpkinseed Sunfish/trapnet, 2.05 White Sucker/gillnet, 14.17 Black Bullhead/trapnet and 0.00 Common Carp/gillnet for Camp Lake. Current fish management activities on Camp include protecting the important aquatic habitats such as emergent and submergent vegetation through the permit process, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel in educating boaters and monitoring access sites for potential invasive species introductions, encouraging land owners to implement best management practices in the watershed, and stocking Walleye as warranted. All fish species will be sampled in 2024.

A targeted fall night electrofishing survey for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye on Camp Lake was conducted during September 18, 2017. Camp is a small (230 acres), moderately deep (26 feet maximum) and productive lake with abundant submergent vegetation located in Swift County. Camp Lake was part of a DNR Research study on Walleye stocking from 2001-2005. Walleye fingerlings were stocked during this time period. Spicer strain fry (about 100,000 fish per year) had been stocked in 2007, 2009, 2013, and 2015-2017. Pike River strain frylings (21,978 fish) were stocked in 2011. Occasional Walleye natural reproduction had been documented in Camp by previous surveys and historical data review. Potential Walleye spawning sites with suitable substrates (gravel, rubble and boulder) were limited to the south shore adjacent to a high clay bank or the public access gravel road/parking lot only when periodic flooding occurred during high water springs. Abundant Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike populations may negatively affect Walleye fry, fryling or fingerling survival during some years in Camp. Abundant numbers of YOY Northern Pike (16.00 YOY/hour, 10.00 inches average) were captured in the 2017 fall electrofishing survey. No YOY Walleye numbers were captured in 2017 and low numbers in 2016(2.00 YOY/hour, 4.92 inches average). Moderate yearling Walleye numbers (8.00 fish/hour, 8.64 inches average) were captured in 2017. No yearling Walleye were captured in 2016. Low YOY Walleye numbers (6.00 YOY/hour, 6.69 inches average) were captured in the 2015 fall electrofishing survey. Spicer strain Walleye fingerlings (2,608 fish, 207 pounds), yearlings (460 fish, 238 pounds) and adults (4 fish) were stocked into Camp during October of 2017 due to the poor fry stocking results from 2015-2017. Walleye natural reproduction and fry stocking success was generally poor in most area lakes during 2015-2017 corresponding to early ice out conditions. Moderate Walleye numbers (49.66 YOY/hour, 6.77 inches average length) were captured in the 2013 fall electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye numbers were abundant (124.00 YOY/hour, 6.03 inches) in 2011. Approximately 39.3% of the YOY Walleye fingerlings captured in the 2011 fall electrofishing survey were from oxytetracycline "OTC" marked fry stocked as frylings (21,978 fish). The Camp Lake YOY Walleye historical average catch rate is 66.11 YOY/hour from fall electrofishing. Camp Lake will be surveyed for all fish species in 2019. A fall night electrofishing survey will be conducted during Walleye fry or fryling stocked years (next stocking in 2019).

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

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

Camp has a maximum depth of 26 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Camp is from 2024.

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