Clubhouse Lake

How big is Clubhouse Lake?

How deep is Clubhouse Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Clubhouse Lake?

Are there boat launches on Clubhouse Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Clubhouse Lake?

Clubhouse Lake is located about six miles east of Marcell, MN, and within the Chippewa National Forest. The 210 acre lake has 32 littoral acres, a maximum depth of 103 feet, and about 4.7 miles of shoreline. The lake is split into two distinct basins with connectivity to Rice River and numerous other lakes within the drainage. There is a popular National Forest Campground on the west shore where the public access is located. The majority of the shoreline is in private ownership, yet development appears to be minimal. Largemouth Bass and Bluegill are the primary management species, though the lake is likely known as a Northern Pike lake.

Largemouth Bass were sampled at a rate of 60.0/hour in spring night electrofishing, similar to the 2005 catch rate of 68.3/hr. Size structure was moderate with 44% of the sample exceeding 12 inches. Lengths ranged from 5.9 to 18.7 inches with a mean length of 10.9 inches. Scale analysis identified ages 1 to 10, indicating consistent recruitment. Growth was typically slow, but similar to the statewide average from ages 4 to 6. Largemouth Bass averaged 11.8 inches by age 5. Smallmouth Bass were occasionally sampled in past assessments, however none were sampled in 2014. One large smallmouth was observed during spring night electrofishing, but was not captured.

Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 6.2/gill net, similar to the lake class median (5.0/net). The 2014 catch was down from the historically high catch of 10.0/net in 2004. Most assessments sampled pike within the lake class expected range. Size structure was poor with few fish being sampled over 28 inches. Scale and bone analysis identified ages 1 to 7 with growth similar to the statewide average. Age classes were relatively similar suggesting consistent recruitment. Northern Pike averaged 24.7 inches by age 5.

Bluegill trap net catches have been variable but never exceeding the lake class third quartile. Bluegill were sampled at a rate of 5.8/trap net, below the lake class first quartile and the previous assessment (35.0/net). Size structure was moderate with some fish exceeding eight inches. Lengths ranged from 3.4 to 9.2 inches with a mean length of 7.6 inches.

Black Crappie have been observed in all assessments and were sampled at a rate of 0.2/gill net and 0.5/trap net, similar to, or below, the lake class first quartile. Sample size was too small to accurately assess size structure, yet lengths from the five fish sampled in trap nets were 5.3 to 10.6 inches with a mean length of 7.7 inches. Scale analysis of a combined sample identified ages 2 to 5 present, suggesting consistent recruitment. Growth was slow early, but similar to the statewide average by age 2. Black Crappie were almost nine inches by age 4.

Yellow Perch, an important prey species, were not sampled in this assessment. When sampled in past assessments, the catches were very low. Another important prey species, Tullibee, were sampled at a rate of 10.2/gill net, near the lake class third quartile. Lengths were from 7.1 to 12.2 inches with a mean length of 9.2 inches. Tullibee are likely a significant prey species, especially with the lack of Yellow Perch.

Other species sampled include Bowfin, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.

What is the average air temp for Clubhouse Lake?

Are there any state parks near Clubhouse Lake?