Horseshoe

Nearshore sampling was performed on Horseshoe Lake July 11 and 12 of 2019 to provide data for calculation of a Fish Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score in conjunction with standard gill net and trap net sampling conducted June 24-26. Nearshore sampling consists of seining and backpack electrofishing at 10 randomly selected stations evenly spaced along the shoreline. Data from these efforts were combined to arrive at the FIBI score which is used to assess overall lake health and aquatic life use. The FIBI uses fish community data to help identify stressors that may be negatively impacting the lake environment. The FIBI score, derived from several fish community attributes provides an indication of lake health by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake within its classification. Horseshoe Lake is classified within FIBI Tool 5 for comparative scoring and evaluation. FIBI calculations resulted in a score of 81 which is above the impairment threshold of 24 and also above the excellent threshold (61) suggesting desirable habitat conditions. These results indicate that Horseshoe Lake is in exceptional health based on the FIBI score which is well above the impairment threshold for aquatic life use determined for similar lakes. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biotic integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. A total of 15 native fish species were observed when combining nearshore data with gill net and trap net results. One of these species is considered intolerant of habitat disturbance (Iowa Darter). No tolerant fish species were sampled. Bluegill made up a majority of the catch in near shore efforts. Bluegill were also most abundant in the trap nets and also accounted for the most trap net biomass. Bluegill and Northern Pike were the most numerous species in the gill nets with Northern Pike comprising the most biomass. Golden Shiners were the only minnow/cyprinid species captured. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Long Prairie River Watershed assessment process in coordination with the MN Pollution Control Agency.

Horseshoe Lake is a 121-acre lake located 7 miles north of Browerville. Data from this latest survey described a gamefish community comprised of overly-abundant, small Northern Pike, a very low-density Walleye population, moderately abundant Yellow Perch and Largemouth Bass, and high numbers of small Bluegill. Since 2000, pike abundance has gone up. Mean length of fish captured was 20.6 inches. Fifty-five percent of sampled pike were less than 20 inches. The largest pike captured was 31.2 inches. Anglers on Horseshoe Lake are advised to take advantage of the statewide 10 fish Northern Pike bag limit by keeping fish under 22 inches and releasing larger fish. A total of six Walleyes were netted ranging from 17 to 26 inches in size. Despite several years of fingerling stocking, a good walleye population has not been established. Largemouth Bass are present in decent numbers with fish sampled during electrofishing surveys ranging from 10-17.5 inches. Very few Black Crappie have ever been sampled in Horseshoe Lake. Bluegill on the other hand are very abundant. Summer trap nets caught 86.4 fish/net. Mean length was 5.3 inches and lengths over eight inches are rare. Decent numbers of Yellow Perch are present but are not big enough to provide a desirable fishery. Despite consistently moderate to high Northern Pike densities, perch seem to be sustaining their abundance. Overall, Horseshoe Lake is a quiet little lake that would be good to introduce kids to fishing. Water clarity usually ranges from 8-12 feet and because it's a small lake, it typically doesn't get too rough from the wind so it can be fished using a small boat.

Horseshoe Lake is a small, 118 acre lake east of Browerville with a maximum depth of 24 feet. The lake resides in a watershed that is predominantly agricultural. Water clarity was good in the middle of June with a secchi disk reading of 15 feet. The lake has some shallow water bays as well as weedlines to look for fish. Some anglers were observed fishing from docks both at the public access and the swimming beach. Fisheries management focus on the lake is for northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, and bluegill. Northern pike abundance showed an increase since the last survey and anglers can expect high catch rates of small to medium size pike. While the pike population is dominated by "hammerhandles", some nicer fish can be found. The majority of the pike sampled were between 15 and 19 inches in length with the average size being about 17 inches or around 1 pound. Anglers should consider keeping northern pike less than 24 inches as a harvestable surplus of small fish exists. Reducing the population of small pike could be beneficial to the entire fish community. Horseshoe Lake has a healthy largemouth bass population. As in many lakes, small to medium size fish are the most common, but bass up to 18 inches were documented. Walleye stocking sustains the fishery in the lake and usually occurs in odd-numbered years if the fish are available. Presently abundance appears to be at a lower level than desired for the lake but for those anglers lucky enough to hook into one, it's likely to be of decent size. The average walleye captured in the survey was about 19 inches or around 2.8 pounds. High pike numbers can reduce survival of juvenile walleye as well as suppress yellow perch abundance. Yellow perch can be an important prey species for both northern pike and walleye and have also been found to be instrumental in helping maintain a well-balanced bluegill population with fast growing, quality individuals. Yellow perch abundance appears to be about the same as in the last survey, which was near the lower end of the normal range for this type of lake. Bluegill are abundant in Horseshoe Lake and small fish dominate the population as the average size was about 5 inches. There were some bluegill over 7 inches noted in the survey but finding them could be a challenge. Black crappies are also present in the lake but few were seen in the summer survey which was not that unusual. Crappies can be difficult to catch with standard lake survey gear. Other panfish species found in the lake include pumpkinseeds and hybrid sunfish. The pumpkinseed sunfish were not as abundant as the bluegills but some nice size fish up to 8 inches were measured. Brown bullheads were the only bullhead species caught in this survey with some quality individuals over 12 inches sampled. Bowfin or dogfish are present and can provide anglers with a good fight when hooked. Bowfin can be an efficient predator on small bluegills and help to reduce stunting. Neascus or black spot was common on the bluegill and northern pike which may make the fish less desirable to anglers. Neascus is a trematode or parasite that is usually found in the skin of the fish. The life cycle of the parasites also includes snails and fish-eating birds, such as herons and bitterns. Skinning the fish removes most of the parasites and cooking will kill the rest. Humans cannot be infested. Protecting the lake's water quality should be a high priority of the lakeshore owners and lake association. Buffer strips along the inlets and around the lake would help reduce nutrient run-off to the lake. Keeping grass clippings and raked leaves out of the water and the common sense use of lawn fertilizers would also help sustain good water quality by reducing nutrients entering the lake.

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

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

Horseshoe has a maximum depth of 24 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Horseshoe is from 2019.

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