Union Lake

How big is Union Lake?

How deep is Union Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Union Lake?

What are the closest cities to Union Lake?

Are there boat launches on Union Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Union Lake?

Union Lake is a 104-acre lake located southeast of Alexandria, near Forada. Water clarity measurements exceed 13 feet during summer months. A broad band of emergent plants, namely hardstem bulrush and cattails ring much of the shoreline. Rooted aquatic plants are common to abundant, particularly in the shallow southwest portion of the lake. Habitat attributes are most characteristic of a bass-panfish lake. A DNR public access is located on the northeast side of the lake. Union Lake is relatively quiet and only moderately developed compared to other lakes in the area.

A standardized fisheries survey was completed in 2016 to gain estimates of abundance and size structure of gamefish populations. Largemouth Bass population attributes were gained from a night electrofishing survey completed May 18, 2016. Electrofishing catches described a modest density of Largemouth Bass. Sizes at capture ranged from 5.9 inches to 17.2 inches and averaged 12.1 inches.

The netting component of the standard survey occurred July 18-21. Northern pike proved to be abundant. Pike catches averaged 20.5 inches in length. Seven of the 56 Northern Pike captured in gill nets exceeded 28.0 inches in total length. The largest pike capture measured 31.1 inches.

Walleye stockings have not been very successful in this very small, clear water lake holding an abundance of competitors and predators, namely Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass. Five Walleyes were captured. With few young fish in the population, age structure and average size of Walleyes was skewed towards larger fish. Average size of Walleye captures was 20.3 inches and 3.8 pounds.

Black Crappie catches were modest as expected in mid-summer surveys. The population sample included representatives of six age classes. Age distribution extended to age 7. Crappie captures ranged from 3.9 to 12.1 inches. Fish quality offered by the crappie population was good. Twenty-five percent of captures were 10.0 inches and larger.

Bluegills proved abundant. The population sample depicted some modest recruitment of young fish into the population each year and an age distribution that extended to age 12. Bluegill growth is a little below average, but with the extended age structure, a modest density of 8.0 inch and larger fish were present. The single 12-year-old Bluegill captured measured 10.1 inches in length. The panfish community also includes Pumpkinseed Sunfish and sunfish hybrids.

Yellow Perch are present, but few are large enough to stimulate harvest.

Other fishes common to surveys include Bowfin or dogfish, as well as Yellow and Brown Bullheads.

Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the lightly exploited surpluses of 21.0-inch and smaller Northern Pike and 12.0-inch and smaller Largemouth Bass and release larger gamefishes to enhance fishing quality.

What is the average air temp for Union Lake?

Are there any state parks near Union Lake?