Lake Victoria

How big is Lake Victoria?

How deep is Lake Victoria?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Victoria?

Are there boat launches on Lake Victoria?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Victoria?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Lake Victoria?

Lake Victoria is a 419-acre basin located on the eastern city limits of Alexandria. It is the most southern or upstream basin comprising the Alexandria Chain of Lakes. Connections exist to Geneva and Jessie lakes, but shallow water may prohibit larger boats from navigating through these channels. A concrete public access is located on the south shore off of County Road 23. A handicapped-accessible public fishing pier is located adjacent to the public access. This is a popular fishing pier due to sharp drop off and greater depth under the pier. The shoreline of Lake Victoria is highly developed and largely bluff. The lake bottom is also steeply sloped, resulting in rapid drop-offs close to shore and limited shallow water habitat. The unique shape of this basin (i.e., a narrow horseshoe) makes it less susceptible to wave action and is often utilized as a calm retreat by both anglers and recreational boaters on windy days. While Lake Victoria is typically more turbid than the rest of the lakes in the Alexandria Chain of Lakes, water quality and clarity are considered good. Water transparency readings often exceed 9.0 feet during summer months and clarity has increased following infestation with zebra mussels. Lake Victoria supports abundant populations of Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Bluegill. The Walleye fishery is supplemented with combined fingerling stockings of the DNR, Lake Victoria Association and Viking Sportsmen Club, Inc. Walleye gill net catch rates declined slightly in 2016 to 6.6 Walleye/net, yet this catch rate is still considered high when compared to similar lakes in Minnesota. Many of the Walleye caught were of quality size. Average length was 16.8 inches. Lake Victoria provides ample panfishing opportunities. Bluegills over 8.0 inches and Black Crappies over 12.0 inches were caught during the survey. Catch rates of Black Crappie were low during the survey, but this species often moves off-shore in late summer and are less vulnerable to capture in trap nets. Largemouth Bass catch rates are increasing. Most of the bass caught during the survey were younger fish ranging from 10.0 to 14.0 inches. Look for average size of Largemouth Bass to improve in coming years. Very few Yellow Perch were caught during the survey. Yellow Perch are preferred prey of Walleye, Northern Pike, and Largemouth Bass. Quality fishing opportunities exist for many species in Lake Victoria. Anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help improve and sustain quality fishing experiences. Selective harvest philosophy encourages release of larger fish while encouraging 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. Lake Victoria was designated as an infested water after the discovery of zebra mussels in 2009. Minnesota statutes require all equipment be free of invasive species prior to leaving any access. Recreational users should take necessary precautions to prevent the further spread of invasive species.

What is the average air temp for Lake Victoria?

Are there any state parks near Lake Victoria?