Swede Lake

How big is Swede Lake?

How deep is Swede Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Swede Lake?

What are the closest cities to Swede Lake?

Are there boat launches on Swede Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Swede Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Swede Lake?

Swede Lake is a 376 acre lake with a maximum depth of 12 feet. The lake is located in north central Carver County, southeast of Watertown. Swede Lake provides limited recreational opportunities. A state-owned boat launch with a gravel parking lot is present. Water quality in Swede Lake is very poor, compared to other West Metro lakes. By late summer most species of fish cannot inhabit water deeper than four feet for extended periods of time. Anglers should keep this in mind when pursuing crappie. Fishing in water deeper than four feet in mid to late summer could yield very few fish. Due to the dissolved oxygen disappearing at such a shallow depth, fish may become thermally stressed. The combined exposure to very low dissolved oxygen and high water temperatures in late summer could potentially result in fish ceasing their feeding behaviors. Boaters should also keep in mind that new state laws require the drain plug be removed while traveling on public roadways.

No predator community exists in Swede Lake. Neither of the last two surveys found largemouth bass, northern pike or walleye. Five species of panfish are present. Black crappie abundance is very high. Average length was 8.26 inches. Over 12% of sampled black crappie were 10 inches or larger. Individuals over 11.5 inches were sampled. Bluegill abundance decreased compared to the 2006 survey, but is still above average. Fully 95% of sampled bluegill were greater than 6 inches. More than one-third were 8 inches or larger. No bluegill over 9 inches were sampled. Yellow perch abundance in Swede Lake is above average. Mean weight of yellow perch was below average. Average length was 7.6 inches. Over 36% of sampled fish were 8 inches or larger. Hybrid and green sunfish were also sampled.

Rough fish are present in above average numbers, compared to similar lakes. Common carp abundance decreased since the 2006 survey, but remains above average. Black bullhead were also sampled at above average abundance. The 2011 measure was the lowest yet for Swede Lake. Golden shiner are also present.

Nearshore seining and backpack electrofishing only found species mentioned previously. Overall, Swede Lake contains a limited forage base. The absence of other minnows and darters reasserts the notion that water quality in Swede Lake is very poor.

Dissolved oxygen readings taken during the winter of 2010-2011 indicated the potential for winterkill. To prevent total loss of the fishery, Swede Lake was opened to liberalized fishing. Lakes are opened to liberalized fishing when a fish population is endangered due to the lack of oxygen available in the water. These lakes are opened so that the public can take fish before they die. Lakes opened to liberalized fishing have signs posted at the public access or along the shore, and announcements will be made in the local newspaper and through the DNR Section of Fisheries central office in St. Paul.

What is the average air temp for Swede Lake?