Reeds Lake Fishing guide

Reeds Lake was surveyed the week of June 13, 2022, by the MN DNR as part of a regularly scheduled monitoring program. A standard survey is used for sampling a wide range of fish species during the summer months using standard methods (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, trap nets, and spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). This survey included deploying 4 gill nets and 12 trap nets, as well as recording water quality parameters. Since Largemouth Bass are not effectively sampled in nets, electrofishing was conducted on May 18, 2022, to assess the Largemouth Bass population. Reeds Lake is scheduled to be surveyed again in 2028.

The 2022 gill net catch rate for Northern Pike was 9.5 fish/net, which was below the long-term average for Reeds Lake (12.1 fish/net) and far below the catch rate of the previous survey in 2016 (25.5 fish/net). The size structure was moderate to small, with an average of 23.6 inches and a range of 18.8 to 38.2 inches. About 30% of the sample were of legal length (24 inches) or longer. Ages ranged from 1 to 9 years old. Most (58%) of the aged fish were age-4 or age-5. The most recent Northern Pike stocking events took place in 2019 and 2022.

Largemouth Bass are not effectively sampled in traditional gears, like gill nets or trap nets. As a result, sampling using an electrofishing boat is required to assess the population. Electrofishing was conducted on May 18, 2022, to target and assess the Largemouth Bass population in Reeds Lake. The catch rate was 68.9 fish/hour, which was greater than the long-term average for Reeds Lake (50.3 fish/hour). The size structure of Largemouth Bass was respectable, with total lengths ranging from 4.1 to 18.0 inches and averaging 12.8 inches. Largemouth Bass ranged from 1 to 8 years old, with the 2019 year-class being the most abundant. Average length at age for age-1 was 2.8 inches, 5.0 inches at age-2, 8.8 inches at age-3, and 11.4 inches at age-4. The abundant and diverse aquatic vegetation, woody debris along the shoreline, and relatively clear water in Reeds Lake provide ideal Largemouth Bass habitat. Largemouth Bass are not stocked in Reeds Lake, so the population persists through natural reproduction. Spring electrofishing targeting Largemouth Bass will complement each Standard Survey that is completed on Reeds Lake (every six years).

Bluegills were sampled in trap nets at a rate of 122.4 fish/net, which was slightly lower than the long-term average for Reeds Lake (135.7 fish/net). This catch rate was well above the lake class third quartile (62.5 fish/net). Bluegill lengths averaged 6.1 inches. The largest individual that was sampled measured 9.0 inches, which suggests that the Reeds Lake Bluegill population exhibits a small size structure. Bluegill ages ranged from 2 to 9 years old. The oldest fish (9 years old) was only 8.0 inches long, which suggested a very slow growth rate. The Bluegill in Reeds Lake are the result of natural reproduction. The management plan goal for Reeds Lake is 50.0 to 100.0 fish/trap net, which was exceeded in 2022.

Reeds Lake produces 2 crappie species, the Black Crappie and the White Crappie. Black Crappies were sampled in gill nets at a rate of 10.3 fish/net. This catch rate was above the long-term average for Reeds Lake (9.5 fish/net). Black Crappies were also sampled in trap nets at a rate of 2.5 fish/net, which was below the long-term average (3.8 fish/net). Lengths of Black Crappie from both gear types ranged from 4.5 to 15.5 inches and averaged 7.0 inches. Black Crappies were aged using scales and otoliths, ages sampled were 2-5 and 13. The White Crappie gill net catch rate was 2.0 fish/net, which was below the long-term average for Reeds Lake (5.3 fish/net). White Crappies were not sampled in trap nets. The size structure was small, with an average length of 8.0 inches. The oldest individual was 8 years old and measured 13.2 inches. Neither of the crappie species are stocked in Reeds Lake.

In 2016, a total of 91 Yellow Bullheads were sampled in gill nets (12.8 fish/net) and trap nets (3.3 fish/net). In 2022, 21 yellow bullheads were sampled (0.8/GN and 1.6/TN) The average length of Yellow Bullheads was 11.5 inches. Yellow Bullheads are typically found in lakes with higher water clarity, like Reeds Lake. Other fish species sampled in low abundance included hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Golden Shiner.

Water quality measurements recorded in the 2022 survey included secchi depth, water temperature, and dissolved oxygen readings. The secchi depth reading was 8.0 feet. Water temperatures and dissolved oxygen readings throughout the water column ranged from 72.0 degrees Fahrenheit and 8.0 ppm at the surface to 57.9 degrees Fahrenheit and 0.1 ppm at 20.0 feet. The thermocline was established at about 12.0 feet below the surface.

Shoreline property owners also play an important role in the overall health of an aquatic ecosystem, including the fish population. Natural shorelines, including vegetation, woody debris, and bottom substrates, provide valuable habitat for fish and wildlife, help maintain water quality, and reduce bank erosion. Cattails and bulrushes are particularly beneficial for fish spawning, rearing, and feeding. By leaving natural shorelines unaltered or restoring them to natural conditions, shoreline property owners are doing their part to maintain or improve a healthy ecosystem in the lake and protect the resource for future generations.

-Tyler Fellows, fisheries specialist