Florence Lake

How big is Florence Lake?

How deep is Florence Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Florence Lake?

What are the closest cities to Florence Lake?

Are there boat launches on Florence Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Florence Lake?

Florence is a semi-fertile 141 acre lake located in eastern Isanti County. A state owned access is located on the northwest corner of the lake. The maximum depth is 26 feet but 90 percent of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Vegetation can become dense in the shallower areas of the lake and likely facilitates the occasional winterkills that occur on the lake. Differing levels of winterkill severity have affected and will continue to affect the fish community in Florence Lake. Following winterkill, gamefish populations are reestablished by stocking as part of the lake management plan and by immigration from nearby water bodies. The most recent winterkill event occurred in early 2011. While it was not a complete kill, fish species less tolerant of low oxygen levels such as Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Walleye were likely the most affected. The lake is primarily managed for Northern Pike and secondarily for Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Largemouth Bass.

Northern Pike catch rates were above average and sizes were below average when compared to similar lakes. Captured Northern Pike ranged from 13.6 to 33.0 inches. Walleye are present in Florence Lake, but catch rates are below average when compared to similar lakes. Walleyes present during the survey were a result of fry stocking in the spring of 2011. With no natural reproduction, future Walleye abundance is dependent on the success of Walleye stockings. Spring electrofishing found high numbers of Largemouth Bass. The 47 Largemouth Bass collected averaged 9.8 inches and 0.66 pounds with lengths ranging from 6.3 to 17.7 inches. Most of the Bass collected in the survey were the result of spawning events that took place after the winterkill in 2011.

Black Crappie catch rates in Florence Lake were low when compared to similar lakes. The largest Black Crappie collected was 9.4 inches and the average length was 7.0 inches. Bluegill catch rates were very high when compared to similar lakes and the catch consisted of many quality sized fish that should provide a great fishing opportunity. The largest Bluegill collected in the survey was 8.0 inches and over half of the Bluegills observed were greater than 7 inches. Yellow Perch abundance was low and Black Bullhead abundance was slightly above average when compared to similar lakes. The short term reduction in fish abundance as a result of the winterkill has meant faster growth rates for the surviving fish and their newly hatched offspring. Strong recruitment and fast growth following that winterkill event have resulted in an abundant population of catchable sized game fishes. Florence Lake will likely continue to be affected by winterkills of varying magnitude which could limit fishing potential in the future.

What is the average air temp for Florence Lake?

Are there any state parks near Florence Lake?