Lawrence Lake

How big is Lawrence Lake?

How deep is Lawrence Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lawrence Lake?

What are the closest cities to Lawrence Lake?

Are there boat launches on Lawrence Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lawrence Lake?

Lawrence Lake is a 395 acre lake located 9 miles north of Taconite, MN. The lake is part of the Prairie River system and can experience large fluctuations in water levels. The lake has a state-owned public access on the southwest shore. Most of the shoreline is in private ownership and is relatively developed.

The Fisheries Lake Management Plan (LMP) was last updated in 2011. Northern Pike and Black Crappie were considered primary management species and Walleye were considered secondary management species. A standard lake survey was conducted in August 2022 to update information on the fishery.

Lawrence Lake has a history of producing relatively high numbers of small crappie. Black Crappie were the most common fish sampled in the gill nets. The catch of 6.8/net was average for the lake and similar type lakes. Lengths were similar to previous surveys and ranged from 4.3 to 9.8 inches with an average of 6.9 inches. Ages 1 through 8 were represented in the sample, with age-1 and -2 fish the most frequently sampled. Growth was considered slow with crappie averaging 8.0 inches after 5 years of growth.

Northern Pike were sampled at a catch rate of 2.1/gill net. This catch was below average for the lake and lakes with similar habitat. Lower catch rates are desirable because they may contribute to faster growth and better size structure. Pike lengths resembled the previous survey ranging from 18.3 to 26.6 inches with an average of 22.4 inches. Four year-classes were represented in the sample (ages 3-5, and 7) with average growth. Pike averaged 22.5 inches after 5 years of growth. Pike exceeding 28 inches were sampled in historical surveys but not in recent years. Anglers are encouraged to release larger Northern Pike to improve size structure.

Walleye were sampled at 0.8/gill net. This catch was below average for the lake and lakes with similar habitat. Walleye gill-net catches have generally been low in Lawrence, only exceeding 2/net twice in seven surveys. Lengths from the seven sampled fish ranged from 15.6 to 20.3 inches with an average of 17.1 inches. Meaningful evaluations of size structure and growth cannot be drawn from such a small sample size. Due to connectivity with the Prairie River system, Walleye abundance in Lawrence Lake likely fluctuates on a seasonal basis.

Lawrence Lake has typically produced Bluegill in low numbers with moderate size structure. The trap-net catch of 5.9/net was average for the lake. Size structure was very poor. Only 6% of the sample exceeded 6 inches. Sampled fish ranged from 3.0 to 8.0 inches, but averaged only 3.8 inches. The sample was dominated by age-1 and -2 fish less than 4 inches long. Angling opportunities for Bluegill should improve as these fish grow to more acceptable sizes for anglers.

Yellow Perch were captured at a rate of 3.3/gill net. This is below the expected range for similar type lakes and a historic low catch for the lake. A comparable decline in perch catches has occurred in many lakes around the state. Perch were generally too small to be of interest to anglers, ranging from 3.7 to 7.8 inches and averaging 6.2 inches.

Other species sampled in this survey included Bowfin, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead.

Anglers and boaters are reminded to help slow the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers, and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed, and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

What is the average air temp for Lawrence Lake?

Are there any state parks near Lawrence Lake?