Medicine Lake

How big is Medicine Lake?

How deep is Medicine Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Medicine Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Medicine Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Medicine Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Medicine Lake

Are there boat launches on Medicine Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Medicine Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Medicine Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Medicine Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Medicine Lake?

Medicine Lake is an 886-acre Class 24 lake, surrounded by the cities of Plymouth and Medicine Lake. Clifton E. French Regional Park (a Three Rivers Parks District) borders the northwest portion of the lake and provides the only public boat launch during the open-water season. As with other parks in this regional system, a fee is required to park boat trailer-vehicle combinations. Harty's Boatworks, located on the east side of the lake, rents boats and provides drive-on wintertime access. Two Plymouth city parks provide year-round, carry-in access.

Since 1999, Walleye have been stocked every other year; following a 10-year research study where varying sizes and densities of young Walleye were stocked, a biennial fingerling stocking plan resumed in 2013. In 2014, a summer population assessment and fall electrofishing were conducted to determine the composition and abundance of game fish present.

Summer gill netting revealed a population of abundant Northern Pike; the fish also displayed quality size. The catch rate from the summer gill nets, 10.3 fish per net, exceeded the 75th percentile for this Lake Class. The average size of Northern Pike sampled was 25.4 inches and 3.90 pounds; eighty-one percent of the gill netted fish exceeded 21 inches and 29% exceeded 28 inches. The largest fish measured 35.8 inches. Northern Pike grew at an average rate in Medicine Lake; they reached an average length of 25.0 inches by age 5 and 27.5 inches by age 7.

Walleye were sampled at above-average levels in 2014. The catch rate of 3.3 per gill net exceeds the lake-type median. Fish also tended to be large; ninety-seven percent exceeded 15 inches, and 59% exceeded 20 inches. The average size of Walleye was 21.1 inches and 3.32 pounds. The largest fish was 28.0 inches.

During fall 2014, an electrofishing survey was conducted to assess the Largemouth Bass population. Ninety-five bass were caught during 1.5 hours of electrofishing (63.3 fish per hour of active sampling). Twenty-six percent of the sampled fish exceeded 12 inches, and 5% exceeded 16 inches. The largest fish was 17.7 inches. Consistent recruitment was evidenced by fish ages 1 through 10 appearing in the sample. Largemouth Bass grew at an average rate in Medicine Lake, reaching average lengths of 12.9 inches by age 4, 14.4 inches by age 8 and 16.3 inches by age 9.

Bluegill abundance was higher than statewide Lake-Class average in 2014, and the fish were of quality size. The catch rate of 37.4 fish per trap net was between the median and 75th percentile for this lake. Fifty-eight percent of the sampled fish exceeded 7 inches, and the largest fish measured was 8.4 inches. Bluegill grew fast in Medicine Lake, reaching an average length of 7.6 inches by age 5.

Black Crappie were abundant in 2014, and their size was average. The catch rate, 15.3 fish per gill net, is just below the 75th percentile for this type of lake. The average size of fish was 6.9 inches and 0.20 pounds. Twenty-eight percent of the Crappie exceeded 8 inches; only 2% exceeded 9 inches.

The 2014 survey revealed notable numbers of Yellow and Brown Bullheads. Brown Bullhead were caught at a rate of 2.1 per trap net, exceeding the 75th percentile for this lake type. Yellow Bullhead were caught at a rate of 4.7 fish per trap net, between the median and 75th percentile for Lake Class 24. Both species of Bullhead were of quality size; the average size of Brown Bullhead was 13.6 inches and 1.43 pounds, while the average size of Yellow Bullhead was 11.3 inches and 0.83 pounds. Ninety percent of Brown Bullheads and 32% of Yellow Bullheads exceeded 12 inches. The largest Brown Bullhead sampled was 15.3 inches, and the largest Yellow Bullhead was 13.7 inches.

Other species caught in low abundances included Bowfin, Common Carp, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and White Sucker.

What is the average air temp for Medicine Lake?