DOCSLIB.ORG

Lake Minnetonka Special Assessment 2003 Status of the Fishery

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Lake Minnetonka Special Assessment 2003 Status of the Fishery Lake Minnetonka Special Assessment 2003 Status of the Fishery A special assessment of Lake Minnetonka occurred from June 9-27, 2003. Although the lake has fisheries of many important game species, this survey was undertaken to target walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch populations using only gill nets. Species such as bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, and muskellunge, while sampled incidentally with gill nets, are better sampled with other gears used during more-complete survey types. Such information can be found in documents such as the internet-posted 1997 Minnetonka lake survey (in “Lake Finder” section of MN-DNR web site). Lake Minnetonka’s next multiple-gear survey is scheduled for 2007. Walleye sampled in 2003 averaged 16.5 inches and 1.97 pounds. Sixty-five percent of walleyes caught were larger than 15 inches. Walleye catch per gill net was 3.3, below the median value this lake type (6.6 walleye/gill net) and the 2002 special assessment (5.2 walleye/gill net). Minnetonka’s walleye gill net catch values have typically been below the lake-type median, except in 1999 and 2000, when per-net values were, respectively, 8.8 and 7.4. Walleye fingerlings are scheduled for stocking, according to Lake Minnetonka’s management plan, in alternating (even-numbered) years; however, stocking occurred in consecutive years from 2000 through 2002 to make up for sub-quota stocking in 2000. (Only 4,846 pounds of the 6,446- pound quota was stocked in 2000.) Because surplus production was available, 10,808 pounds of walleyes were stocked in 2001. Of 76 walleye sampled during 2003, only one fish was of an age when there was no stocking. This and results from previous surveys demonstrate that the lake’s walleye natural reproduction is very limited. The lower average gill net catch of 2003 likely reflects the lower, below-quota numbers of fish stocked in 2000. Walleye stocked in 2001 were not fully vulnerable to gill nets in 2003 because of these fishes’ smaller sizes (10.5-inch average) and use of different habitat than larger (adult) walleye. Among different areas of this 14,000-acre lake, the 2003 walleye gill catch net catch was highest in the Lower Lake (4.0/net), followed by that of the North and West Bays (3.3/net) and Upper Lake (2.3/net). Note: the biennial walleye fingerling stocking quota is split between 4,510 lb for Lower Lake and 1,936 lb for Upper Lake. Walleyes present in the North and West Bays are almost assuredly immigrants from other lake basins. Northern pike averaged 14.9/gill net, well above the lake-type median of 5.0/gill net. Since 1982, northern pike catches have never been lower than 8.0/gill net. 2003 northern pike averaged 21.4 inches and 2.4 pounds, with 19% of fish 25 inches or larger. Minnetonka’s northern pike population sustains itself via natural reproduction, and age determinations indicate reproduction has been consistently good. Although the abundant northern pike population creates the potential for good angler success, high numbers of northern pike can have some negative impacts, which include competition with walleye for forage fish (such as yellow perch) and predation on stocked walleye fingerlings. Yellow perch averaged 10.3 fish/gill net, a value below the lake-class median (17.1 fish/gill net). Recent perch catches have all been below the median, most likely because of predation from the abundant northern pike. Average perch size was 6.1 inches, and only 2% of the sample were 8 inches or larger. This size structure precludes most anglers from targeting yellow perch as a sport species, meaning that the species’ importance in Lake Minnetonka is primarily as forage. As mentioned earlier, largemouth bass are not sampled well with gill nets. Measurements from a 2001 bass-fishing tournament reflect presence of a quality largemouth bass population. Average length and weight of tournament-caught largemouth bass were, respectively, 15.8 inches and 2.3 pounds, with 16% of fish 18 inches or larger. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Review of Secchi Transparency Trends in Minnesota Lakes
    Hennepin County This county-based case study was developed in support of a report entitled “A review of transparency trends in Minnesota lakes.” It is one of several county-based case studies, which provide a brief lake-by-lake description of transparency and TP trends and potential reasons for the observed trends. Corresponding transparency (R-generated seasonal Kendall with median, max, and min for each year) and summer-mean TP graphs for each lake are included following the lake-by-lake descriptions. Further details on these charts and overall trend assessments, are found in the report cited above. Hennepin County had 19 lakes with significant trends. Of these, 14 had increasing transparency and five were decreasing. Eurasian water milfoil was a common exotic among these lakes and was present in 13 lakes. In most cases, confirmation dated to the late 1980s and mid 1990s. Zebra mussels have been present in Lake Minnetonka since about 2010. In general, there was good correspondence between transparency and TP trends for 13 of 14 lakes with increasing transparency. Of the five lakes with decreasing transparency, there was an increase in TP over time in four. Summary comments were derived from TMDL reports, communication with MPCA project managers, and local resource managers including Three Rivers Park District (TRPD; Rich Brasch and Brian Vlach). Increasing transparency Lake Calhoun is a large, deep lake located in Minneapolis and is the focal point for the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park. It exhibits a significant increase in transparency based on a continuous record from 1988-2014. These data are augmented by sporadic measures dating to 1971.
    [Show full text]
  • Aquatic Vegetation Harvesting Program Evaluation
    Prepared by: EOR & Blue Water Science For the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District DRAFT Lake Minnetonka Vegetation & AIS Master Plan: Aquatic Vegetation Harvesting Program Evaluation DRAFT - 10.09.2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 3 2. PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 3. EXISTING PROGRAM OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................... 4 3.1. LMCD Harvesting Program Goals ............................................................................................................... 4 3.2. Harvesting Priorities ................................................................................................................................. 4 3.3. Staffing ..................................................................................................................................................... 5 3.3.1. Staff Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 6 Site Supervisor .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Harvesters, High Speed Transporters, Shoreline Conveyors ......................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 2007 MPCA Metro Lakes PFC Fish Data – Additional 20 Lakes January 28, 2008
    Update: Urban Lakes PFCs Study January 29, 2008 The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has completed analysis of additional data from a study of PFCs in fish in Twin Cities-area fishing lakes. The MPCA began the survey in April 2007 after finding relatively high levels of PFOS in Lake Calhoun fish in Minneapolis last spring. The latest findings represent another 381 fish taken from 20 lakes and two new river reaches. (The first results were released in August 2007.) The findings show a mix of results, from elevated levels of PFOS to no detection. However fish from several lakes had levels high enough to possibly be of concern. These lakes include Lake Johanna (Arden Hills), Cedar (Minneapolis), Harriet, Hiawatha, Jane, Keller, Powers, Red Rock and Tanners. For example, fish from Lake Johanna have levels similar to those previously found in fish from Lake Calhoun and Lake Elmo. Fish from a number of lakes or rivers in the survey show little or no trace of PFOS, including Cedar (Scott County), Centerville, Colby, Green Mountain, Hydes, Independence, Nokomis, Peltier, Upper Prior, Sarah, Silver, and the Mississippi River at Brainerd. The MPCA urban lakes study will be complete after results from Lake Minnetonka and Lake Josephine come in later this winter. Certified analysis can take several months due to the number of parameters included and the fact that only a few labs in North America can analyze PFCs in fish tissues. Fish were collected over the summer by PCA and DNR crews and analyzed for 13 different PFC compounds. Lakes were selected based on higher fishing pressure and prevalence of species such as bluegill and bass, which have shown relatively higher concentrations of PFOS.
    [Show full text]
  • Description of the Minneapolis and St. Paul District
    DESCRIPTION OF THE MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL DISTRICT. By Frederick W. Sardeson. INTRODUCTION. district described in this folio lies in the northwestern part and southern Wisconsin, in Illinois, and in Iowa, but not of the Upper Mississippi basin subprovince and embraces the in Minnesota. They are chiefly dolomitic limestones, which LOCATION AND RELATIONS OF THE DISTRICT. junction of the Mississippi and Minnesota valleys. (See fig. 2.) include many coral reefs. They were laid down in clear, shal­ The district here described is bounded by parallels 44° 45' low seas while this region was a low coastal plain between the and 45° 15' and by meridians 93° and 93° 30' and comprises OUTLINE OF THE GEOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE UPPEE Laurentian highlands on the north and the sea on the south. the Anoka, White Bear, Minneapolis, and St. Paul quad­ MISSISSIPPI BASIN SUBPROVINCE. The Devonian system covers the Silurian and overlaps it on rangles, an area of 846 square miles. It is in southeastern Extent and general relations. The Upper Mississippi basin the north so that it rests on the Ordovician in southern Minnesota (see fig. 1) and includes nearly the whole of subprovince lies west of Lake Michigan, east of the Coteau Minnesota (see fig. 3), but elsewhere it has been more strongly Ramsey County, the greater part of Hennepin County, and des Prairies, north of the Carboniferous basin or coal fields of eroded away and is less extensive than the Silurian system. smaller parts of Anoka, Dakota, Scott, and Washington coun­ Illinois and Iowa, and south of The Ranges, a southward It consists of limestones and clay shales, which were laid down ties.
    [Show full text]
  • Lakes 0 ) Reams
    fi ° ckle' via nove. ey • MINNESOTA lakes 08) reams 'Published by The Bureau of Information Minnesota Department of Conservation Room 633 State Office Building Saint Paul eXinnesota SOME OF MINNESOTA'S GAME FISH NORTHERN PIKE WALLEYE Esox lucius Stizostedion vitreum BROOK TROUT RAINBOW TROUT Salvelinus fontinalis SoImo gairdnerii MUSKELLUNGE LARGEMOUTH BASS Esox masquinongy masquinongy Huro salmoides BLACK CRAPPIE BLUEGILL Pomoxis nigro-maculatus Lepomis macrochirus (cuts through courtesy of James Heddon's Sons Dowagiac, Michigan) PUMPKINSEED Lepomis gibbosus MINNESOTA fish Lakes and Streams Published by the BUREAU OF INFORMATION, DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION Room 633 — State Office Saint Paul 1 Minnesota RECORD FISH CATCHES BY ANGLING IN MINNESOTA Black crappie ......... 5 lb. Muskellunge ......... 50 lb. Bluegill ................ 2 lb. 13 oz. Northern pike ....... 41 lb. Brook trout ........... 4 lb. 3 oz. Rainbow trout ....... 13 lb. 2 oz. Lake trout ............ 42 lb. Smallmouth bass 8 lb. Largemouth bass ....8 lb. 15 oz. Walleye ................ 16 lb. 8 oz. 1 FISHING IN MINNESOTA By Dr. George A. Selke, Commissioner, Minnesota Dept. of Conservation Minnesota needs no other press agent than the invitation and promise of 10,000 lakes-11,007 lakes to be exact, 25,000 miles of streams and water- ways, and headwaters of the Mississippi. We offer you the matchless climate of Minnesota summertime — the hospitality of the good people of our state—churches for your Sunday wor- ship during your sojourn with us—and hospitals of world renown for your every medical need. We offer you the scenic wonders of our State Parks—the breathtaking beauty of the North Shore Drive—the canoe trails of the Roadless Wilder- ness area—incomparable Lake Superior and Lake of the Woods—the tum- bling cascades of the Temperance and the Baptism—the much visited White- water area—the charming peace and quiet of southern Minnesota lakes— and the far-reaches of rolling prairies and fertile acres stretching into the pine forests and iron ranges of the North.
    [Show full text]
  • Preliminary History of the Bushaway Neighborhood
    HISTORY OF BUSHAWAY ROAD AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD 1858 – 2009 SEPTEMBER, 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. History of Bushaway Road……………………….............4 II. “Carpenter’s Point” South of McGinty Road……………..8 III. Bushaway Neighborhood North of McGinty Road……..24 IV. Bushaway Road 150 Years – the Sesquicentennial…..…41 V. Bibliography …………………………………………….. 43 VI. Appendix: Petition to Annexation into Wayzata, 1956… 44 INTRODUCTION THE HISTORY OF BUSHAWAY ROAD AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD documents the early history of the road and settlement of the neighborhood. The research was conducted and prepared by Irene Stemmer, of the Wayzata Heritage Preservation Board (HPB)1 as a means of preserving the history of the Bushaway Road and its neighborhood. We began with a history of the road. Thanks to Nancy Kehmeier, who located the original 1858 surveyor’s map of the “Shakopee to Dayton” road, we knew in 2008 that County Road 101 (Bushaway Road) was a 150 year old road. Unfortunately, just being 150 years old was not enough. Historian Bob Frame of Mead & Hunt reviewed the history of the road and deemed it ineligible for consideration as a “historic road” due to the changes over the years to the surface. So we stopped the presses and celebrated our 150 year old road.2 The next step was to document the history of the neighborhood. The Bushaway and West Holdridge land was annexed to Wayzata in 1956 which was after many of the early histories were written about our city, so where do you start? The starting point became the “Architectural History Evaluation of Locust Hills Estate by Andrew J.
    [Show full text]
  • LAKE MINNETONKA Wake When 150 Feet from Shore
    BOAT SAFETY BASICS DANGER BUOYS Identifies potential hazards in the middle of a bay © Vern Whitten Photography Credit: Chris Murphy Prints available at lmcd.org CHANNEL BUOYS Stay between red and green channel buoys. Create minimum LAKE MINNETONKA wake when 150 feet from shore. M11 POINT BUOYS Identifies potential hazards between buoy and the closest shore. M3 M8 M13 M9 BIG ISLAND CRUISER’S COVE No anchoring between designated safety lanes and minimum wake in quiet waters. M7 M10 GRID LOCATIONPUBLIC ACCESS HEAD PUMPOUTPUBLIC PUBLIC TOILETS ACCESS – FEE PICNIC AREA GASOLINE PUBLIC ACCESS PARKING 1. Deephaven, City of | 952-474-4755 H15 • • • Parking by city permit only. Vehicles with trailer. Limited 30 Lake depths (in feet) cars-only parking. Quiet water areas 2. Grays Bay Public Access & Marina | 952-939-8390 E17 • • • • • Parking – vehicles with trailer. Parking – cars only. Public and private parks 3. Halstead Drive Access | 952-446-1660 I1 • • Parking – vehicles with trailer, limited space. Bike trail (regional) 4. Headwaters Canoe Access | 952-939-8390 E18 • • • Parking – no trailer. Access to Creek only. M1 Marina (commercial) M12 5. Hendrickson Access – North Arm | 612-348-4378 E8 • • • Parking – vehicles with trailer. Parking – cars only. M4 B1 Boat access (public) 6. Lake Minnetonka Regional Park | 763-694-7754 K4 • • • • Shore shing Parking – vehicles with trailer. Parking – cars only. 7. Maxwell Bay Access – DNR | 952-496-4141 E8 • • • Public restroom Parking – vehicles with trailer. Parking – cars only. 8. Mound, City of | 952-472-0600 G4 • • • • Picnic area Parking – restrictions on weekends. On-lake restaurants 9. Spring Park Access | 612-348-4378 G7 • • • Parking – vehicles with trailer.
    [Show full text]
  • LAKE MINNETONKA CONSERVATION DISTRICT 23505 SMITHTOWN ROAD, SUITE 120 • SHOREWOOD, MINNESOTA 55331 • TELEPHONE 952/745-0789 • FAX 952/745-9085 Gregory S
    LAKE MINNETONKA CONSERVATION DISTRICT 23505 SMITHTOWN ROAD, SUITE 120 • SHOREWOOD, MINNESOTA 55331 • TELEPHONE 952/745-0789 • FAX 952/745-9085 Gregory S. Nybeck, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR December 13, 2011 LMCD NEWS- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Greg Nybeck, Executive Director (952) 745-0789 or [email protected] Ice Safety on Lake Minnetonka With a wide range of winter activities starting soon on Lake Minnetonka, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) is encouraging the public’s assistance to ensure that the activities are performed safely. Although the ice is never deemed 100% safe, there is no reason that ice-based activities cannot be safely enjoyed, as along as a few simple rules are followed. Winter Speed Limits Winter speed limits are established for Lake Minnetonka by LMCD Code Section 3.11. A summary of these speed limits are as follows: The “shorezone” is that area of the ice within 150 feet from the entire shoreline of Lake Minnetonka. This area is reserved for non-motorized activities such as walking, skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fishing. All motorized vehicles (snowmobile, ATV, cars, etc.) may traverse within the shorezone by the shortest direct route from the shoreline to open ice 150 feet beyond the shoreline, and return as necessary when leaving the Lake. The speed limit for motorized vehicles within the shorezone (daytime and nighttime) is 25 M.P.H. No motorized vehicle may be operated at a speed in excess of 25 M.P.H. within 150 feet of any fisherman, fish house, pedestrian, skater/rink, sliding area, or in any area of the Lake where the operation would conflict with or endanger other persons or property.
    [Show full text]
  • Medicine Lake Total Maximum Daily Load Excess Nutrients Project Overview
    Medicine Lake Total Maximum Daily Load Excess Nutrients Project Overview Water Quality/Impaired Waters #8.19a • December 2009 edicine Lake has been placed on water body meets water quality standards the state’s list of impaired waters. in the future. MThe lake contains excess levels of nutrients such as phosphorus from stormwater runoff. These excess nutrients can lead to frequent algae overgrowth in the lake, interfering with swimming, fishing, and other aquatic recreation. Medicine Lake Medicine Lake is located in the city of Plymouth in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Areas of land that drain into the lake include portions of the cities of Plymouth, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka, Golden Valley, New Hope, and Medina. The land in this watershed is mostly developed, and a high percentage of the land is covered by impervious surfaces such as concrete. The lake occupies approximately 900 surface acres in size, with a maximum Medicine Lake impairment depth of 11 meters. The outlet of Medicine The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Lake is the headwater of Bassett Creek (MPCA) has prepared a TMDL report on which drains into the Mississippi River. Medicine Lake. The goal of this report is to quantify the pollutant reductions needed Total Maximum Daily Load for Medicine Lake to meet water quality standards. For lakes in the North Central background Hardwoods Forest Ecoregion, summer Based on the federal Clean Water Act, averages of less than 40 µg/L total lakes and streams that do not meet water phosphorus concentration, less than 14 quality standards are “impaired”. The µg/L chlorophyll-a concentration, and at Clean Water Act requires states to develop least 1.4 meters of Secchi depth are a clean-up plan for each impairment considered appropriate.
    [Show full text]
  • Welcome Tolake Minnetonka
    Bridge heights Welcome to Lake Minnetonka These are the vertical clearances under bridges to the normal lake elevation 929.4 feet. For Avoid these top ten common offenses current lake elevations, call the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, 952-471-0590. According to Hennepin County Sheriff’s cause may request chemical testing. By standing or kneeling. Hours of operation At anchor, all boats must display a white Water Patrol, the following boating rules are law, the watercraft operator is required to for personal watercraft are 9:30 a.m. to light visible 360 degrees. Consult the Channel Clearance Channel Clearance Arcola 14'9" Hendrickson 14'11" among the most common boating violations. submit to chemical testing. Note: Laws one hour before sunset. Cannot operate Minnesota DNR Boating Guide for more Prevent the transport of invasive species. A few simple, required actions can prevent them from spreading. Don’t let that be you. Follow the rules and prohibiting alcohol consumption by more than 30 consecutive minutes in a details. Black Lake 9'9" Libbs Lake 8'10" Boy Scout 6'11" Lost Lake 11'1" common sense for safe and courteous minors are enforced. single area. 10. Speed limits: 40 mph during the Some current invasive species present boating. 1. CLEAN watercraft, trailer, motor, in Lake Minnetonka Carson’s Bay 5'8" Narrows 18'3" 3. Fire extinguishers: All boats with 7. Quiet Waters Areas: No person shall daytime, 20 mph at night, and 5 mph in and equipment. Remove visible Coffee 13'6" Noerenberg 12'8" For a complete list of boating rules and enclosed fuel tanks must provide fire operate a motor-operated watercraft on Quiet Water Areas and within 150 feet aquatic plants, mussels, other animals, and mud before leaving any Zebra mussles Emerald Lake 12'4" St.
    [Show full text]
  • Fishing Big Bluegills in Metro Area Lakes
    Fishing Big Bluegills in Metro Area Lakes Doug Erbeck Disclosure: I am CEO and Senior Partner of Fisherbeck LLC, a small entity corporation that has trademarked the name Fisherbeck and has patented the bluegill lure, Fisherbeck Easy Thread jig, called the Gillerbeck. In my descriptions of bluegill fishing in Metro area lakes, I have fished exclusively using the Gillerbeck, baited with wax worms, rarely with leeches, or a one inch white plastic twister tail. West Metro Bluegill Lakes Hunting big bluegills, the furthest west Metro lake I fish is LAKE OSAKIS. Since Osakis is about 100 miles NW of Minneapolis off Hiway 94, it isn’t really a Metro area lake. This is a bluegill lake I would compare to Lake Mille Lacs, a walleye lake. Just like walleye anglers must fish Lake Mille Lacs, my nirvana for big bluegill is Lake Osakis. I try to fish it at least twice a year during open water season. It is on this lake where I have most consistently, using the Fisherbeck Easy Thread lure with a small white twister tail, caught bluegills at or just under one pound. I use the th public boat access on Battle Point, off 210 St on the NE part of the lake. Almost all of the good bluegill fishing has been in the north arm of the lake. Sometimes the big gills are in the middle of the northern most bay and sometimes off the weeds in 10-12 feet of water at the drop-offs from the various points on the north end. We have also found big bluegills in deep water (20- 30 feet) off Lakeshore Resort point, off the rockpile S of Battle Point and along the W weedline of the main lake.
    [Show full text]
  • Wayzata at a Glance
    INSIGHTS Wayzata, Minnesota Written by: Michael Stein and Pat Saari WAYZATA AT A GLANCE Wayzata is an affluent city just 4.7 square miles in size. Ranked Top High School in MN by USA Today Wayzata is the 2nd wealthiest zip code in Minnesota by average adjusted gross income ($345,200 annually). Though Ranked 2018 Wealthiest Zip Code In MN the average household size is just 2.0 persons, the average home price is $580,000 according to Bloomberg Business. Based on IRS data, Wayzata’s zip code is the 11th wealthiest in the Midwest region (55391). The Wayzata Public School District covers 38 square miles with students coming from eight neighboring municipalities. In 2018, USA Today named Wayzata High School the top public high school in Minnesota. The school’s location is in the neighboring city of Plymouth. Cargill Inc, the largest privately-owned company in Minnesota, has its headquarters in Wayzata. Highway 12 in Wayzata stretches across the city before turning into Interstate 394, the main artery into the Twin Cities from the west metropolitan area. Approximately 74,000 vehicles flow in and out of Wayzata’s east side daily via Hwy 12/I-394. In recent years, Wayzata has seen an uptick in commercial and residential development. The largest redevelopment in the city’s history was completed in 2017 on Lake St E. Further development is and will continue to revolve around the city’s greatest asset and attraction, Lake Minnetonka. With Wayzata pushing for more residential density, the city’s advisory committee in 2018 released an in-depth development and community plan for Wayzata through 2040.
    [Show full text]