Ox Hide Lake

How big is Ox Hide Lake?

How deep is Ox Hide Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Ox Hide Lake?

What are the closest cities to Ox Hide Lake?

Are there boat launches on Ox Hide Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Ox Hide Lake?

Ox Hide Lake is a 121 acre, hardwater lake near Pengilly, MN in Itasca County. The lake has 38 littoral acres and is relatively deep with a maximum depth of 40 feet. The lakebed is characterized by a shallow, narrow shoal area adjacent to a steep sided drop off that rings most of the lake. The shoalwater is dominated by sand and marl substrates on the main basin and muck and detritus on the shallower southern basin. The lakeshore is forested and in a relatively natural state, although past mining activities are evident as the north and east shorelines abut tailing piles. No lake adjacent homes or cabins exist. The lake has good water quality with Secchi disk readings in excess of 20 feet. The lake supports a diverse aquatic plant community including widespread water lilies, bulrush, and cattail, especially in the southern basin. There is a state owned access on the south end of the lake.

Ox Hide Lake supports a quality northern pike fishery. Northern pike were the most common fish captured in the gill nets and catches were similar with those of similar lakes. The pike population appears to have increased in recent history. Four prior surveys from 1971 to 1989 resulted in relatively low pike catches. In 1999, the catch rate exceeded the expected catch for lakes with similar characteristics. Ox Hide Lake has a history of producing relatively large northern pike. In 2009, the size structure remained favorable for anglers, as most individuals exceeded 21 inches and 13% exceeded 28 inches. Pike averaged 22 inches in length and the largest pike exceeded 35 inches. Several year classes were present, although recruitment appeared inconsistent. Growth was near the statewide average, and individuals typically exceeded 21 inches in 5 years. Age structure was dominated by younger individuals; only 23% of the captured individuals were 5 years old or older. The skewed age distribution may indicate poor recruitment of earlier year classes, high natural mortality of older individuals, or high harvest pressure. Given the current size structure and catch rate, good angling opportunities likely exist for pike in Ox Hide Lake. Anglers are encouraged to help maintain the quality northern pike fishery by releasing pike exceeding 22 inches.

Yellow perch were captured in relatively low numbers. Most yellow perch were relatively small and angler interest may be limited by the poor size structure. Growth was near the statewide average and perch grew to 8 inches in 6 years. Although the perch fishery is limited, yellow perch are likely an important prey item in Ox Hide Lake.

Bluegills were the most common fish captured in the trap nets and were captured in average numbers compared to similar lakes. Lakes like Ox Hide generally produce relatively slow growing bluegill, limiting the overall size structure. The size structure of bluegill in Ox Hide Lake was moderate, as 68% exceeded 6 inches. Few individuals exceeded 8 inches, however. Captured bluegill averaged 6.5 inches in length and the largest was 8.3 inches. Growth was average for the lake class, with individuals typically exceeding 6 inches in 6 years. Given the catch rate and limited size structure, good angling opportunities likely exist for catching relatively high numbers of moderately or small sized fish.

Black crappies were captured in relatively low numbers. Black crappie catches have been inconsistent in Ox Hide Lake over the years, suggesting inconsistent reproduction and recruitment from one year to the next. Inconsistency in reproduction is a common life history trait for black crappies and often results in "boom and bust" fishing cycles. In 2009, the average size was 7 inches and the largest crappie was 9 inches. Inconsistent recruitment resulting in low population densities may limit the popularity of the current black crappie fishery.

Relatively good numbers of largemouth bass were captured using boat electrofishing. Ox Hide Lake has a history of producing a relatively high population of bass. In 2009, the size structure was favorable as fish exceeding 15 inches were common. Bass averaged 11.8 inches and the largest bass exceeded 17 inches. Growth was relatively slow as individuals exceeded 12 inches in 5 years. The age distribution was well balanced and 60% of the sampled fish exceeded age-5. Given the favorable size structure and catch rate, good bass angling opportunities likely exist on Ox Hide Lake. Given the relatively slow growth, anglers should consider releasing large bass in Ox Hide Lake to help maintain the quality of the fishery.

Other species sampled included blackchin shiner, bluntnose minnow, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow bullhead, and white sucker.

Natural, undistrubed shorelines are a major attribute of Ox Hide Lake. The protection of water quality and habitat is critical in maintaining or improving fish and wildlife populations. Unfortunately, human activities often negatively impact lakes. Fertilized turf-grass lawns and failing septic systems along with the removal of shoreline and aquatic vegetation, mowing to the shore, and installing sand blanket beaches results in destabilized shorelines, uncontrolled erosion, and increased run-off, contributing excess nutrients and sediment to the lake and degrading water quality and habitat. By understanding the cumulative impacts of our actions and taking steps to avoid or minimize them, we can help insure our quality water resources can be enjoyed well into the future. A complete description of shoreline best management practices can be found in online at www.mndnr.gov.

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Are there any state parks near Ox Hide Lake?