Lake Mina

How big is Lake Mina?

How deep is Lake Mina?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Mina?

What are the closest cities to Lake Mina?

Are there boat launches on Lake Mina?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Mina?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Mina?

Lake Mina is a deep, 424-acre lake located approximately four miles west of Alexandria. Maximum depth is 123 feet. Water clarity is excellent. Water transparency averages 11.9 feet in summer months. Basin morphology is characterized by small bays, separated by shallow reefs and steep drop-offs. Chara or muskgrass carpets much of the shallows. The lake is mostly fringed by cattail and bulrush. Despite the lake's limited fertility, it does become thermally stratified during summer months. The thermocline was detected below 20.0 feet during the July 2014 survey. Due to low dissolved oxygen concentrations in deep water in summer months, most gamefishes are confined to that the portion of the lake less than 25.0 feet in depth.

Lake Mina is a quiet, relatively scenic lake that can provide enjoyable, family-oriented fishing experiences. Common gamefishes present in Lake Mina include Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Walleye.

Members of the sunfish family, specifically Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie, tend to be abundant. Due to low fertility of the lake and intense competition for food, these fish grow slow. Most captures will be comprised of small- to medium-size fish. Average size of Largemouth Bass captured during the spring 2014 electrofishing survey was 9.8 inches. Based on age and growth calculations, bass don't attain 10.0 inches in length until age 5. Older, 11-year-old bass captures in the 2014 population sample were only 13.0 inches in length. Bluegill may not grow to 6.0 inches in length until age 6. No 8.0-inch or larger Bluegills were captured in 2014. The largest Black Crappie caught in 2014 was 11.1 inches. This fish was seven-years-old and likely near the end of its life expectancy. Other sunfishes common to Lake Mina include Green Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, and sunfish hybrids. Anglers should not be reluctant to harvest from surplus stocks of bass and panfishes.

Northern Pike densities have decreased through the 2000s, but this under-exploited gamefish remains abundant. Pike captures during the 2014 survey varied from 13.3 inches to 28.7 inches in length and averaged 19.4 inches.

Large Walleye fingerlings are stocked into Lake Mina on an alternate-year frequency to sustain a modest fishery. Walleye catches in 2014 averaged 5.1 fish/gillnet. Ten age classes were represented in the population sample. Age distribution was estimated to extend to age 15. In contrast to most other gamefishes in Lake Mina, Walleye growth is above average. Walleye attain a harvestable size of 17.0 inches by age 4. Average size of Walleyes captured was 18.6 inches. Angling catch rates may be modest, but Lake Mina can give up memorable-size fish. The largest Walleye caught during the 2014 survey measured 28.3 inches.

Anglers fishing Lake Mina may also encounter Muskellunge. A single Muskellunge stocking occurred in 1971. A low-density population continues to persist through probable downstream movements from Lobster Lake. None were captured during the July 2014 fish community assessment. Five Muskellunge were captured during an ice-out population assessment completed in 2008. The largest capture measured 47.3 inches.

Cisco, a deep-water fish that prefers cold, well-oxygenated water can be found in Lake Mina. They are an excellent indicator species of overall water quality.

Lake Mina is now designated as an infested waterbody due to the presence of zebra mussels in connected upstream lakes. Regulations restricting bait harvest and transport of water apply to this basin. For more information regarding aquatic invasive species in Minnesota see the following: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html

What is the average air temp for Lake Mina?

Are there any state parks near Lake Mina?