Bertram

Bertram Lake is a small (100 acre) lake in Wright County near the town of Monticello. It has a maximum depth of 44 feet and a large watershed dominated by agriculture and forest. A small public access is located on the south side of the lake, but only electric motors are allowed. A summer camp is located north of the lake with a swim beach along shore; the rest of the lake shore is undeveloped. The land around the lake is being purchased by Wright County and the City of Monticello to use as a park. This is the first survey since 1984. Aquatic vegetation was sparse and shallow and no invasive species were found. Aquatic plants grew to a maximum depth of only 3.0 feet, although water clarity was 8.0 feet in June and remained clear throughout the summer. Yellow waterlily and cattail surrounded much of the lake. Northern Pike numbers were within the range of expected values for lakes similar to Bertram, but pike size was small. Average length and weight were 19.4 inches and 1.4 pounds and lengths ranged from 11.9 to 25.2 inches. Only two fish were longer than 24 inches. Largemouth Bass were sampled by daytime boat electrofishing at the end of May, covering the entire shoreline. The catch rate was well below the Montrose Area average and no smaller bass were caught. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 15.6 to 19.1 inches. Results were probably lowered by very clear, shallow water and plenty of sunshine. Many fish were seen avoiding the boat; sampling at night would likely increase the catch. Bluegill were the most abundant species in the survey, but the catch rate was still within the expected range of values. Bluegill were small, ranging from 3.0 to 7.5 inches long and averaged 3.9 inches and less than 0.1 pounds. The Black Crappie catch rate was low, but within the expected range of values. Crappies ranged from 5.0 to 12.4 inches long and averaged 8.5 inches and 0.4 pounds. Other species caught in low numbers included: Black Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Common Carp, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Bullhead. The low number of bullheads (7 total) was surprising for the area. Yellow Perch were sampled in average numbers in 1984, but were absent in the 2014 survey.

The Northern Pike population has increased from low 1961-73 levels to average abundance for this area. Growth is above average and the 1981-82 year classes are most numerous in the sample of age 0-6 fish. Largemouth Bass abundance appears lower than in previous surveys. Age 2 fish were most abundant in the small sample and show good growth. Shoreline seining consistently produced YOY bass. Bluegill numbers continue to increase. Growth is below average. Ages 0 and 2-6 were sampled with the 1980, and probably 1984, year classes showing dominance. Black Crappie abundance has dropped to about average since 1978. Growth is below average and the 1980-81 year classes are most abundant in the sample of age 1-5 fish. Pumpkinseed numbers have dropped to about average and Hybrid Sunfish numbers remain low. Yellow Perch abundance has risen but remains below average. Bowfin abundance is about average. Common Carp numbers are low. Yellow Bullhead abundance has increased while Black Bullheads have decreased and Brown Bullheads remain low.

The Northern Pike population has increased from low 1961-73 levels to average abundance for this area. Growth is above average and the 1981-82 year classes are most numerous in the sample of age 0-6 fish. Largemouth Bass abundance appears lower than in previous surveys. Age 2 fish were most abundant in the small sample and show good growth. Shoreline seining consistently produced YOY bass. Bluegill numbers continue to increase. Growth is below average. Ages 0 and 2-6 were sampled with the 1980, and probably 1984, year classes showing dominance. Black Crappie abundance has dropped to about average since 1978. Growth is below average and the 1980-81 year classes are most abundant in the sample of age 1-5 fish. Pumpkinseed numbers have dropped to about average and Hybrid Sunfish numbers remain low. Yellow Perch abundance has risen but remains below average. Bowfin abundance is about average. Common Carp numbers are low. Yellow Bullhead abundance has increased while Black Bullheads have decreased and Brown Bullheads remain low.

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

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

Bertram has a maximum depth of 44 feet and a mean depth of 18.1 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bertram is from 2014. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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