Andrusia Lake

How big is Andrusia Lake?

How deep is Andrusia Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Andrusia Lake?

What are the closest cities to Andrusia Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Andrusia Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Andrusia Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Lake Andrusia

Are there boat launches on Andrusia Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Andrusia Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Andrusia Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Andrusia Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Andrusia Lake?

Lake Andrusia is one of several connected lakes joined via the Mississippi and Turtle Rivers that comprise the Cass Lake chain of lakes. Andrusia supports a moderate amount of residential development along its lakeshore, including several resorts. Lake Andrusia is located in southeastern Beltrami County approximately 10 miles east of Bemidji. It is a 1,590 acre lake with a 60 foot maximum depth. There is a USFS public access at the north end of the lake, just off of County Road 12 (Power Dam Road). A scenic north woods lake, Andrusia lies within the boundaries of both the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and the Chippewa National Forest.

Water levels in this system are affected by dam operations on the Mississippi River, both upstream and downstream of Andrusia. Water level fluctuations can affect growth of emergent and submerged vegetation as well as availability of potential spawning habitat. In addition, fish populations in these connected waters are frequently influenced by fish movement between lakes. Primary fish species include walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. Other important species inhabiting the system include muskellunge, black crappie, tullibee (cisco), and white sucker. Walleye is the main species of management interest.

Lake Andrusia is a popular destination among early season walleye anglers. The Mississippi River flows through the lake and is a major corridor of walleye migration during the spring spawning season. Since spawning is usually completed shortly before the season opener, walleyes are often found working their way back through the system, feeding heavily along the way.

Lake Andrusia is the direct source of brood stock for the Big Lake Creek spawn taking station, although fish from the entire Cass Lake system participate in the spawning run. Under DNR policy, ten percent of the annual walleye egg take is returned to the source water as fry. In the Cass Lake Chain, any stocking or natural reproduction should be viewed in the context of the entire connected system of lakes.

Walleye abundance in 2009 was at an all-time high, indicated by catch rates in experimental gill nets which have doubled since the mid-1980s. This trend is consistent with increased walleye abundance in Cass Lake over a similar time period, as monitored through annual large lake sampling. The last three assessments yielded gill net catch rates that were greater than what is typically expected for this type of lake. In 2009, walleye ranged in length from 7 to 23 inches and were composed of nine different year classes. The 2005 (age-4) and 2006 (age-3) year classes comprised 65% of the sample. Growth rates are similar to other Bemidji area lakes of this type.

Northern pike abundance has varied little over the past several assessments. Average size of pike over these same assessments has also been consistent. Growth rates are above average when compared to other Bemidji area lakes of the same type. At age-3, an average Lake Andrusia northern pike is 21.0 inches long, greater than the area lake class mean of 18.6 inches.

Muskellunge are rarely captured in standard population assessments, but because of Andrusias connectivity to other lakes with documented populations of muskellunge, it can be assumed that a fishable population exists. Anglers should remember that muskellunge harvest restrictions on Andrusia fall under the statewide 48 inch minimum length regulation.

Yellow perch abundance over the past five assessments has been greater than what is typical for this lake type. Perch are probably an important forage species for many predator species in Lake Andrusia. Fifteen percent of perch in the 2009 sample were greater than eight inches in length.

Another important forage species captured during the 2009 assessment was tullibee (cisco), which was also at above average abundance levels. Historically, tullibee abundance has varied widely, and it is commonly accepted that such variation in gill net catch rates simply reflects this species pelagic nature in lakes.

In past assessments, bluegill were rarely captured; however, the 2009 trap net sample indicated an increase in abundance and a quality size structure. Bluegill ranged from 3 to 9 inches in length.

Development pressure is increasing around the shorelines and within the watersheds of many Minnesota lakes. This development can degrade water quality and impact valuable shoreline habitat. Native shoreline vegetation provides habitat for fish and wildlife, filters harmful nutrients, and protects against shoreline erosion. Lakeshore owners can minimize their impact on the shoreline and maintain a more natural setting while actually decreasing annual maintenance. For more information on how to accomplish this, contact the nearest Area Fisheries office or go to the following website: www.dnr.state.mn.us/shorelandmgmt

What is the average air temp for Andrusia Lake?

Are there any state parks near Andrusia Lake?