Lake Oscar

How big is Lake Oscar?

How deep is Lake Oscar?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Oscar?

What are the closest cities to Lake Oscar?

Are there boat launches on Lake Oscar?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Oscar?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Oscar?

Lake Oscar is a shallow, 1,191-acre basin located west of Holmes City in southwestern Douglas County. Maximum depth is approximately 25.0 feet. The lake is very productive since 70% of the basin area is less than 15.0 feet in depth. Due to shallowness of the lake, strong winds can mix the lake and prevent or break down thermal stratification during summer months. Fish could occupy the entire lake at time of the late-July 2014 survey. Coolwater fishes may be periodically stressed by high summer water temperatures and lack of thermal refuge. Water temperatures approached or exceeded 73 degrees F throughout the lake in late July. Water clarity averages 8.1 feet during the summer.

Walleye fingerlings are stocked annually to sustain the desired population abundance objective. Gillnet catches during the 2014 survey averaged 5.8 walleye/net. This catch rate was a modest decline from preceding surveys, but above expectations for lakes similar to Lake Oscar. Eight age classes of walleye were captured. Age distribution extended to age 16. Size at capture ranged from 8.2 to 24.5 inches. The majority of Walleye captures in 2014 were relatively young fish. Average size was 15.0 inches. Nineteen percent of Walleyes captured during the 2014 survey exceeded 20.0 inches in length.

Lake Oscar is one of the three lakes within the Glenwood Fisheries Management Area stocked with Muskellunge to sustain a low-density population and support a unique fishery. Muskellunge are not abundant, but through multiple catch and release, fishing quality is good. Average length of muskellunge captured during the 2014 spring population assessment was 42.6 inches. Captures averaged 21.0 pounds each. Two captures exceeded 50.0 inches in length. The largest capture measured 51.6 inches.

Survey statistics described a low-density Northern Pike population that should support quality fishing experiences. Mean length and weight of Northern Pike captures was 23.4 inches and 2.7 pounds. Sixteen percent of captures exceeded 28.0 inches. The largest pike measured 31.5 inches.

Lake Oscar supported an exceptional Largemouth Bass fishery for many years following a six-foot increase in water elevation through the late-1980s and 1990s and associated habitat expansion. Population attributes have moderated over the last decade with attainment of an adjusted carrying capacity, flooded timber decay, and a steadily declining water level. Largemouth Bass continue to be moderately abundant, but rate of growth and average size have declined. No memorable-size bass (> 20.0 inches) have been captured since the 1998 survey. Average size of 2014 electrofishing captures was 11.2 inches. The proportion of 15.0-inch and larger captures in the population sample decreased from approximately 40% in 2006 and 2010, to 17%.

Bluegill catches in recent surveys have greatly exceeded those of early surveys. High catches during the 2014 survey were attributable to recruitment of three very strong year classes established in 2009, 2010, 2011. Average size of the trapnet catch was 5.3 inches in length due to the high relative proportion of young fish making up gill net and trap net population catches. Eighty-nine percent of the total Bluegill catch was comprised of five-year-old and younger captures. Fortunately, Bluegill growth remains acceptable and fishing quality will improve. Cohorts of the strong 2009 year class averaged 6.8 inches in length at time of capture. It is noted however, that Bluegills exceeding 8.0 inches have been rare catches throughout surveys dating back to 1994.

Black Crappie catches were modest during the late-July survey. More and larger fish were captured in gillnets suggesting this species was likely suspended in deeper water rather than occupying shoreline habitat. Population density was likely greater than reflected in survey catch rates. Seven age class were identified in survey catches. Average size of captures was 9.0 inches. Growth remains rapid with age-4 fish averaging 8.8 inches. Local anglers reported good success catching Black Crappies during the winter and spring months of recent years.

If planning to fish Lake Oscar, a small public access is located on the north shoreline off Highway 27. Parking space is limited. Boaters are also cautioned that submerged tree stumps are common in shallow areas. Eurasian watermilfoil, a harmful exotic plant species, is present in Lake Oscar. Anglers and recreational boaters can do their part by exercising preventative measures to prevent spread of this and other exotic invasives.

What is the average air temp for Lake Oscar?

Are there any state parks near Lake Oscar?