Reitz Lake

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What kind of fish can you catch in Reitz Lake?

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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 Reitz Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Reitz Lake

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What aquatic invasive species are found in Reitz Lake?

Reitz Lake (DOW#10-0052-00) is a 79-acre, Class 30 lake with a maximum depth of 36 feet. It is located in central Carver County, southeast of Waconia. Reitz is actively managed as a panfish lake focusing on Black Crappie and Bluegill. Long-range goals aim to maintain Bluegill numbers above 60/net, while Black Crappie should produce numbers between 20-40/net. Secondary management species include Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass. A standard survey (9 trap nets/6 gill nets) was conducted on Reitz Lake during the week of 6/20/16 to monitor water characteristics and fish populations. Spring nighttime electrofishing was also completed to sample Largemouth Bass. Reitz is a small eutrophic lake, which during the survey had visible brown/green water with 6 feet of water clarity. Dissolved oxygen fell to 1.8 parts per million (ppm) at a depth of 12 feet, and 0 ppm at greater depths, during the late-June 2016 sampling period.

Bluegill numbers in Reitz Lake were low, sampled at 4.4/trap net, and the lowest since the 1993 survey (2.2/net). Despite historically low catch rates, size structure was well above management expectations. Of the 51 Bluegill measured in gill and trap nets, fish averaged 6.9 inches with the largest individual measuring 9.7 inches. Body condition values were at an all-time high and well above average values. Growth of Bluegill was also fast compared to other metro lakes, with an average length of 7 inches at age 3. Despite low numbers of Bluegill, the population has responded with increased growth, body condition, and a more favorable size structure.

Black Crappie in Reitz Lake were abundant in the 2016 survey. Trap net (14/net) and gill net (30.8/net) catches were high when compared to similar lakes across the state. There were 300 total Black Crappie netted between gill and trap nets, with an average length of 7.2 inches and maximum length of 11.0 inches. However, only a small proportion were of quality (>8 inches) size. Despite low numbers of quality fish, body condition values were high. Growth was also fast with an average size of 8.5 inches by age 3. In addition, there is a large year class of age-2 fish that made up the bulk of the catch, averaging 7 inches.

Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets at 8.0/net, a high catch rate compared to similar lakes across the state. The 2016 catch rate was the highest recorded on Reitz Lake, and more than double the previously high catch rate of 3.5/net. Average size of Northern Pike was 23.4 inches with the largest measured at 30.7 inches. Body condition values were normal. Growth of Northern Pike was moderately fast, with an average length of 23 inches at age 3. Seven consecutive year classes were identified during aging, suggesting consistent recruitment among years. The 2016 survey results suggest Northern Pike in Reitz Lake had consistent recruitment, good abundance, average condition and size.

Largemouth Bass were sampled during spring 2016 with nighttime boat electrofishing. This was the first year Largemouth Bass had been targeted with electrofishing. 62 total bass were sampled with a catch rate of 29.7/hour. Average size of Largemouth Bass was 11.4 inches with the largest measured at 18.7 inches. Although average size was small, the proportion of fish greater than 15 inches was high. Growth rates were moderate, with an average length of 9.5 inches by age 3. Natural recruitment was consistent, shown by 10 consecutive years without a missing age class.

Other fish species sampled in low abundance were Black Bullhead, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch. In addition, 43 Freshwater Drum were sampled with an average length of 15 inches, and the largest measuring 19.4 inches.

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