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Frequently Asked Questions About South Lindstrom Lake, MN
- How big is South Lindstrom Lake?
- How deep is South Lindstrom Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in South Lindstrom Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for South Lindstrom Lake?
- What are the closest cities to South Lindstrom Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the South Lindstrom Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available South Lindstrom Lake?
- Are there boat launches on South Lindstrom Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near South Lindstrom Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for South Lindstrom Lake?
- What is the average air temp for South Lindstrom Lake?
- Are there any state parks near South Lindstrom Lake?
How big is South Lindstrom Lake?
How deep is South Lindstrom Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in South Lindstrom Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Bluntnose Minnow, Common Shiner, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for South Lindstrom Lake?
What are the closest cities to South Lindstrom Lake?
Are there places to stay in the South Lindstrom Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available South Lindstrom Lake?
Are there boat launches on South Lindstrom Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near South Lindstrom Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for South Lindstrom Lake?
Explore the South Lindstrom Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in South Lindstrom Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
South Lindstrom Lake is a moderately hard water and moderately fertile 499 acre lake located in southern Chisago County bordering Chisago City. The lake is broadly connected to Chisago Lake by a natural channel. The two lakes are somewhat physically different with South Lindstrom having a smaller percentage of littoral (less than 15 feet depth) acreage (42%) than Chisago (80%). The channel allows fish to migrate freely between the two lakes. Because past surveys and assessments dating back to 1956 indicate similar fish composition and abundance, the two lakes are considered one for management purposes. Currently, the primary management species are Walleye and Largemouth Bass.
The Chisago chain of lakes, which also includes Chisago, North Lindstrom, North Center, and South Center, has a history of extreme water level fluctuations. These fluctuations, up to 7 vertical feet, are believed to be due to a net loss of water to groundwater in the system, making the lakes dependent on long term cycles in precipitation. The water levels in 2009 were the lowest they have been in 40 years.
Chisago-South Lindstrom Lake was selected for a special Largemouth Bass regulation due to a 1995 survey that found a high abundance of small bass in both basins. A 12-inch maximum size limit for Largemouth Bass was implemented in March 1997 and was based on the premise that angler harvest was limiting the size structure of the Largemouth Bass population. Post regulation surveys have indicated that the overall population size structure of Largemouth Bass has improved. Nighttime spring electrofishing was conducted on May 27, 2014 to assess the current Largemouth Bass population. A catch rate of 244 fish per hour was the highest catch rate observed in South Lindstrom Lake. The modal length group of Largemouth Bass observed in the electrofishing assessment was 13 inches, and lengths ranged from 7.3 to 17.8 inches. Currently, the Largemouth Bass population is meeting the objectives of the special regulation.
Walleye catch rates were above average at 7.0 fish per net, which is similar to levels observed in the 2000 and 2005 assessments. Mean weight of Walleye was similar to the past two surveys at almost 2.4 pounds. Walleye lengths ranged from 12.8 to 25.6 inches with a mean length of 18.5 inches. Otolith data sorted the thirty aged Walleye into seven year classes, with all but one fish corresponding to years with fall fingerling stockings. The 2009 year class (stocked) accounted for 53% of the catch. The Walleye catch rate of 7 per net is within the long range goal of 3 to 8 per net.
The Northern Pike gill net catch of 4.8 per net was above average when compared to similar lakes in Minnesota. Northern Pike catch rates have been similar in all surveys since 1995, when catch rates peaked at just over 6 fish per net. Previous to the 1995 assessment, catch rates were less than 2 per net. Mean weight was similar to the last assessment at 3.1 pounds and remained above average. Northern Pike lengths ranged from 12.8 to 30.2 inches with a mean length of 23.9 inches. The oldest Northern Pike sampled was age-8 and 7 year-classes were represented.
Trap nets sampled Bluegill at above average rates. The mean weight, 0.22 pounds, was also above average. Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.3 to 8.1 inches with a 6.4 inch mean length. Bluegill 7 inches and greater represented 44% of the catch, a good ratio for the Chisago Lakes Area. However, not many Bluegill exceeded 8 inches.
Black Crappie gill net catch rates declined to 8.0 per net and the trap net catch rates also declined to below average. Mean weight, based on the trap net catch declined to well below average, while the mean weight of Black Crappie caught in the gill nets also declined but remained above average. Sampled Black Crappie lengths ranged from 5.3 to 10.5 inches and had a mean length of 7.0 inches, however only a few fish over 8 inches were observed.
Yellow Perch numbers continue to decline and catch rates are at the lowest levels ever observed. Now at 1.3 per gill net, they are well below average when compared to similar lakes. White Sucker catch rates are also at the lowest point ever observed and no Golden Shiners were caught during the assessment.
Quality fishing opportunities exist for most species in South Lindstrom Lake. At times fishing pressure can be high and anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help maintain and improve the quality of South Lindstrom Lake's fishery. Selective harvest encourages releasing larger fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish. Releasing medium to large fish will help restore and maintain fish community balance, as well as increase opportunities to catch large fish in the future. The current Largemouth Bass regulation is a great example of this. This regulation protects larger fish, which has created excellent catch-and-release angling opportunities for Largemouth Bass larger than 12 inches, while still allowing for harvest of the smaller fish.
Non-native invasive species of vegetation are present in South Lindstrom Lake. Eurasian Watermilfoil was first documented in South Lindstrom Lake in the fall of 2009 and Curlyleaf Pondweed has been present since at least 1969. Anglers and boaters should take necessary precautions to prevent the further spread of invasive species.
Some shorelines of South Lindstrom Lake are highly developed, which can put stress on the lake's aquatic habitat and ecosystem integrity. Environmentally friendly development practices, such as shoreline buffer strips of natural vegetation, are encouraged to help maintain and improve the water quality of South Lindstrom Lake. Water level fluctuations in the Chisago chain of lakes can leave exposed sediments and if left alone, these areas will naturally vegetate and stabilize the shorelines on their own. Also, if trees and branches have fallen in the water, consider leaving them where they are to provide important habitat for fish and wildlife that is often missing in highly developed lakes.
What is the average air temp for South Lindstrom Lake?
Are there any state parks near South Lindstrom Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around South Lindstrom Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
North Lindstrom Lake | 1.1 mi | 142 | 29 ft |
Chisago Lake | 1.7 mi | 944 | 34 ft |
South Center Lake | 1.8 mi | 835 | 109 ft |
Kroon Lake | 1.9 mi | 193 | 30 ft |
Linn Lake | 2.3 mi | 177 | 15 ft |
North Center Lake | 2.4 mi | 749 | 46 ft |
Pioneer Lake | 2.4 mi | 77 | 8 ft |
Sunrise Lake | 3.2 mi | 796 | 21 ft |
Green Lake | 3.3 mi | 1,810 | 32 ft |
Ogrens Lake | 3.4 mi | 48 | 41 ft |