McKinney Lake

How big is McKinney Lake?

How deep is McKinney Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in McKinney Lake?

What are the closest cities to McKinney Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near McKinney Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in McKinney Lake?

McKinney Lake is a small, moderately fertile lake located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. McKinney Lake has a surface area of 115 acres, a littoral area of 99 acres, and a maximum depth of 34 feet. The water was bog stained with a Secchi disk transparency of 6 feet. McKinney Lake is within the Mississippi River Watershed, receiving water from a bog on the northwest shore with an outlet to Ice Lake.

The Fisheries Lake Management Plan (LMP) was last revised in 2002. Northern Pike and Black Crappie were the primary management species and Largemouth Bass and Bluegill were secondary species. A population assessment was conducted in July of 2014 to assess the status of the fish community. This assessment consisted of 4 gill nets and 8 trap nets.

Black Crappie were the most common fish captured in gill nets. The catch was the highest recorded for McKinney Lake, and was high compared to lakes with similar habitats. Size structure was poor as crappie length ranged from 5.8 to 10.8 inches and averaged 7.2 inches. Black Crappie populations often exhibit irregular recruitment resulting in dominant year classes, shifting age and size structures, and inconsistent angler success. Size structure is expected to vary with recruitment. Six year classes were present (age 2-8) and the 2011 and 2010 year classes comprised 45% and 27% of the catch. Growth was somewhat slow as crappie averaged 8.2 inches by age 5.

Northern Pike populations typically exhibit density dependent growth. Average size and growth are typically poor when pike occur at high densities so lower densities are often desirable. The 2014 catch was the highest observed for McKinney Lake and was high compared to similar lakes. Despite the high density, size structure was good, as pike ranged from 18.5 to 31.5 inches and averaged 24.5 inches. PSD (21 inches) was 84 and RSD-P was 14, meeting the goals outlined in 2002. Many pike populations are dominated by younger fish, with few fish exceeding age 5. In contrast, 30% of the sampled pike from McKinney were age-7 or older, suggesting low adult mortality. Growth was near the statewide average as pike averaged 23.7 inches by age 6. Low adult harvest has probably contributed to the good size structure. Angler can help maintain pike quality by releasing pike over 22 inches.

McKinney Lake has a long history of poor perch catches. The Yellow Perch catch was low compared to similar lakes, but typical for McKinney Lake. Yellow Perch appear to occur at too low of a density and are too small to interest anglers but may provide an important prey item for predatory fish. High pike numbers likely contribute to the low catch of Yellow Perch.

Bluegills were captured at a rate typical for the lake type, but below average for McKinney Lake. McKinney Lake has a long history of producing small Bluegill. In 2014, size structure was similar to past assessments as Bluegill ranged from 3.1 to 8.4 inches with an average of 5.3 inches. Seven year classes were present and recruitment appeared inconsistent. Growth was near the lake class average with Bluegill averaging 6.5 inches by age 7.

Other species sampled included Bowfin, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Bullhead.

McKinney Lake is infested with Eurasian Milfoil. The City owned boat launch has been closed for summer use but anglers can carry in small boats or canoes. The access is open for winter use. Anglers and boaters are reminded to help stop 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 McKinney Lake?

Are there any state parks near McKinney Lake?