Lake Nokomis

How big is Lake Nokomis?

How deep is Lake Nokomis?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Nokomis?

What are the closest cities to Lake Nokomis?

Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Nokomis?

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 Lake Nokomis (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Lake Nokomis

Are there boat launches on Lake Nokomis?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Nokomis?

What are the fishing regulations for Lake Nokomis?

There are specific fishing regulations Lake Nokomis 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 Lake Nokomis?

Lake Nokomis is a 201 acre lake with a maximum depth of 33 feet, located in southeast Minneapolis. Lake Nokomis provides ample recreational opportunities. Fishing and sailing are very popular. No gas powered outboard motors can be used on Lake Nokomis. Electric motors are allowed. Ice augers are legal to use; holes are limited to 10 inches in diameter. Beaches provide swimming opportunities. Water quality in Lake Nokomis is poor, compared to other West Metro lakes. By late summer most species of fish cannot inhabit water deeper than 13 feet for extended periods of time. Anglers should keep this in mind when pursuing walleye and crappie. Storm water drains and other inputs from impervious surfaces that abound in the surrounding watershed are partially responsible. Despite degraded water quality, a thriving fish community exists. Fishing in water deeper than 13 feet in mid to late summer could yield very few fish. Boaters should also keep in mind, new laws require the drain plug be removed while on public roadways.

The predator community in Lake Nokomis is maintained through stocking. Both walleye and hybrid (tiger) muskellunge are stocked. Walleye average length was 18.6 inches, average weight was 2.82 pounds. Abundance was above average, weight was also above average for this type of lake. The largest walleye sampled was 27.6 inches in length. Six hybrid (tiger) muskellunge were sampled. Average length was 26.6 inches. One individual exceeded 40 inches in length. Northern pike numbers are very low in Lake Nokomis. Only one northern pike was sampled. This is an improvement compared to the past three surveys. In the 2010 population assessment largemouth bass abundance was low. Standard lake survey gear does not consistently provide an accurate estimate of largemouth bass abundance.

Six species of panfish are present in Lake Nokomis. Yellow perch abundance in Lake Nokomis decreased to the lowest value ever recorded. Mean weight of yellow perch was below average. Average length was 5.8 inches. Pumpkinseed were sampled at a below average abundance. Hybrid sunfish were also sampled. Black crappie abundance is average. Few large fish were sampled. Average black crappie length was 6.6 inches. White crappie are also present. Bluegill abundance increased compared to the 2007 survey. The 2010 abundance was a new all time high. Average weight decreased slightly to a below average value. Only 21.7% of sampled bluegill were greater than 6 inches. Most panfish species displayed stunted growth.

In the Metro area, stunting in size is likely due to overpopulation and size selective harvest by anglers. Overpopulation reduces the amount of food available to all fish, reducing growth rates. Harvest of larger (keeper size) fish by anglers reduces the number of quality fish in a lake. Harvesting large fish also removes the spawning stock and reduces the biological incentive to grow large. Larger fish compete for spawning habitat and food more effectively. Thus, fish have more incentive to grow large if large fish are present in a lake. Harvesting smaller fish preserves spawning stock and increases the biological incentive to grow large which promotes big fish genetics.

Rough fish are present in low numbers. Common carp abundance decreased slightly since the 2007 survey. Black bullhead were also sampled at low levels. White sucker abundance was low and the fish sampled were large. Golden shiner abundance is high. Average weight was also above average.

Nearshore seining and backpack electrofishing found both Iowa and Johnny darters. Darters are intolerant of very poor water quality. Their presence in a Minneapolis lake is a positive sign. Spotfin shiner and bluntnose minnows were other species captured during nearshore sampling. Overall, Lake Nokomis contains a fair forage base.

What is the average air temp for Lake Nokomis?

Are there any state parks near Lake Nokomis?