Hydes Lake

How big is Hydes Lake?

How deep is Hydes Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Hydes Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Hydes Lake?

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Hydes Lake

Are there boat launches on Hydes Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Hydes Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Hydes Lake?

Hydes Lake is a shallow, productive 215-acre lake located approximately 2 miles northeast of Norwood Young America in Carver County. A state-owned public boat access is located on the northeast side; shore access, however, is limited.

The lake has a maximum depth of 18 ft and water clarity in July was 2.2 ft. The mid-summer profile of the lake's temperatures and oxygen concentrations indicated mixing throughout the top 2/3 of depth. During the winter of 2010-11, low oxygen levels caused a significant fish kill of most species. Bluegill and Largemouth Bass were restocked the following spring. A standard population assessment consisting of gill nets and trap nets was conducted in 2013 to characterize the game fish community in Hydes Lake.

The 2013 assessment revealed a fish community that still exhibits impacts of the partial winterkill in 2010-11. Compared to the previous assessment (2007), panfish species tended to be smaller and fewer in number, and bullhead species more abundant. However, Northern Pike may not have been as affected as other fishes. Pike abundance was high (17.3 per gill net) and well above the 75th percentile value (7.3 per gill net) when compared to other similar lakes in the state. Mean length and weight were 22.5 inches and 2.6 pounds. Size structure was moderate, with 74% of the fish measuring between 20-25 inches. The longest pike was 32.7 inches. Twenty-seven percent were age 2 and were produced after the winterkill. The other 73% (ages 3 through 5) were winterkill survivors. Typical of post-winterkill lakes, growth rates were fast for Northern Pike. Fish were 22.7 inches by age 3 and 26.7 inches by age 5.

Black Crappie abundance in spring trap nets was moderately high at 10.2 per net. However, the size structure was small. Eighty-one percent were between 5.5-6.5 inches. Mean length and weight were 6.0 inches and 0.1 pounds, with the largest fish sampled 9.5 inches. The majority (95%) of Black Crappie were age 2. This 2011 year class was the first produced after the winterkill. Growth rates were fast compared to other similar in the West Metro Management Area. Crappie were 6.2 inches by age 2.

Bluegill were moderately abundant in the spring trap nets (35.7 per net). Similar to Black Crappie, the size structure was small. Mean length and weight were 5.5 inches and 0.1 pounds. The longest measured 8.9 inches. Sixty-three percent were between 5.5 and 6.5 inches. The 2011 year class was dominant; these age-2 fish represented 64% of the Bluegill sampled. Bluegill grew fast, reaching 6.5 inches by age 3.

Yellow Perch were moderately abundant in Hydes Lake. Catch rates (11.5 per gill net) were near the median (10.5 per gill net) compared to other similar lakes. However, the size structure was small. Yellow Perch total length ranged from 5.3 to 7.4 inches, averaging 6.1 inches. Similar to the Black Crappie and Bluegill populations, the dominant year class of Yellow Perch was produced in 2011. Age-2 fish comprised 91% of the population. Perch grew fast, reaching 8 inches by age 3.

Bullhead were the most abundant group of fish caught during the assessment. The more common of the two species was Black Bullhead (97.2 per spring trap net) but Yellow Bullhead were also numerous (33.0 per trap net). Although bullhead numbers have fluctuated to a degree over the years, Hydes Lake has supported high densities throughout its sampling history. Bullhead species tolerate lower dissolved oxygen levels than most gamefish, so it is common for these catfish relatives to thrive in winterkill-prone lakes. Black Bullhead total length in gill nets ranged from 4.4-11.3 inches and averaged 7.3 inches. Yellow Bullhead ranged from 5.4-11.7 inches and averaged 8.3 inches.

Hydes Lake has a history of winterkill, but also a history of good fishing in spite of the occasional die-offs. While this productive "boom and bust" lake type may not provide a consistent fishery every year, it has demonstrated resiliency and the ability to grow quality fish. Fast growth rates and the abundant 2011 year class of several species may help return the fish populations to a desirable condition in the following years.

What is the average air temp for Hydes Lake?