Waboose Lake

How big is Waboose Lake?

How deep is Waboose Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Waboose Lake?

What are the closest cities to Waboose Lake?

Are there boat launches on Waboose Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Waboose Lake?

Waboose is a small, shallow, moderately fertile hardwater lake located in north central Becker County within the upper reaches of the Otter Tail River watershed. Waboose Lake and its immediate watershed are contained entirely within the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, which maintains its relatively undisturbed character. Water leaving Waboose flows west to Lower Egg Lake, then south via the Egg River to Flat Lake, eastward to the Otter Tail River, southwest to the Red River and eventually north to Hudson Bay.

Waboose is one of 15 area lakes in ecological class 39. The shallow nature of class 39 lakes makes them susceptible to periodic, partial winterkill, often leading to "boom or bust" fish population cycles. However, Waboose has not experienced severe winterkill for at least 27 years. The lack of winterkill has resulted in continued low catch rates of bullhead and increased catches of several species of gamefish and panfish.

Waboose has little, if any, walleye spawning habitat, although forage and other conditions are favorable to sustaining a walleye population. Consequently, stocking has been used to maintain a walleye fishery in this lake. With the abundant forage base and lack of successful, walleye natural reproduction, Waboose was selected as a lake that could benefit from increased stocking rates. In 1998, fingerling stocking rates were doubled to two pounds of walleyes per littoral acre (464 pounds) biennially. The lake management plan calls for an aggressive goal of at least 7.0 walleyes per test net (the lake's historical average is 4.4). Despite increased walleye stocking, the most recent study showed a decline in catch rates from 8.8 walleyes per set in 2007 to 1.3 per set in 2012. However, it should be noted that northern pike, black crappie and bluegill catch rates increased over the same time period and at least one of those species may be having a detrimental effect on walleye numbers (likely pike).

During the late 1980's and early 1990's, Waboose was noted for its prolific crappie fishery. Test net catches of this fish species dropped quite low during the past two assessments but have begun to rebound in 2012 with three moderate to strong year classes sampled. Crappie sizes ranged from 2.6 to 10.7 inches.

In general, the fish community in Waboose Lake is typical of a lake that is subject to infrequent, partial winterkill. Northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch have survived without stocking. Bluegills and largemouth bass have recently increased in number (possibly due to mild winters) and stocked walleyes help provide a fishery between rare winterkills. Waboose also has an abundance of pumpkinseed and hybrid sunfish, yellow perch, and white suckers. Bluegills and largemouth bass were stocked in the past but did not establish strong populations until just recently. Good numbers of 7-8 inch bluegills, 8-10 inch crappies, and 15-23 inch northern pike were all found in 2012.

What is the average air temp for Waboose Lake?

Are there any state parks near Waboose Lake?