Lawrence Lake

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Lawrence Lake is 395 acres and is located 9 miles north of Taconite, MN. The lake is part of the Prairie River system with the mainstem of the Prairie entering the lake at the north end. The lake is bog stained with a low Sechi disk reading of 4.5 ft at the time of the survey. Because Lawrence Lake is a riverine system it can experience large fluctuations in water levels. The lake has a public access on the southwest shore and is managed primarily for walleye and black crappie. Walleye gill net catch was 1.8/set which was within the normal range for similar lakes and is similar to the historical range of values from previous assessments. Walleye varied in length from 7 to 19 inches and averaged 14 inches in length. Walleye growth was excellent with fish reaching 15 inches by their fourth year. Walleye movement throughout the Prairie River can be extensive, thus walleye abundance likely fluctuates in Lawrence Lake during the spring and during periods of high water levels. Walleye stocking was discontinued after 1992 because stocking did not appear to contribute to the fishery. This assessment sampled a period of no walleye stocking which resulted in a gill net catch of 1.8/set. The previous 1991 assessment sampled a period when walleye fingerlings were stocked in three of the last five years and resulted in a gill net catch of 1.5/set. Because Lawerence Lake a riverine system, walleye movement throughout the Prairie River system is extensive and previous walleye stocking does not appear to increase walleye abundance. Black crappie are difficult to sample in the summer because they often suspend over deep water. With this caution in mind, the gill net catch was 5.6/set and the trap net catch was 3.6/set. Both catch rates were similar to previous assessments. Size structure was moderate with 31% of fish sampled over eight inches. Northern pike gill net catch was 5.7/set which was slightly less than the average for similar lakes. This assessment, however, represents an increase over past assessments. Size structure was generally poor with only 8% of fish sampled greater than 24 inches. Yellow perch gill net abundance was 4.8/set which was within the normal range for similar lakes. Abundance declined slightly from previous assessments. Size structure was poor with very few fish over 9 inches in length. Bluegill trap net catch was 5.0/set which is lower than the average for similar lakes. Size structure was poor with few fish reaching 8 inches. Other species sampled include smallmouth bass, rock bass, shorthead redhorse, tullibee, white sucker, pumpkinseed sunfish, and bowfin. Lakeshore owners may affect fish populations not only through fishing, but also through land use practices. It is important to leave a 30 to 50 ft buffer of native vegetation along the shoreline to prevent lawn wastes and sediment from entering the lake. In addition, if fertilizers must be used, lakeshore owners should consider a brand containing no phosphorous. Nonfunctioning septic systems can also lead to water quality problems. Good water quality and fish populations are the direct result of good land use practices.

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