Snowball Lake

How big is Snowball Lake?

How deep is Snowball Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Snowball Lake?

What are the closest cities to Snowball Lake?

Are there boat launches on Snowball Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Snowball Lake?

Background

Snowball Lake is a 146-acre lake located one mile east of Calumet, MN. Approximately 30% of the surface area is littoral (<15 feet) and the maximum depth is 38 feet. The lake is moderately fertile. The shoreline is lightly developed and Essar Steel has recently bought much of the north and east shorelines as part of their expanded mining operation. The lake has an outlet, which drains to the Swan River just west of Swan Lake. Fishing pressure is considered moderate.

The lake management plan (LMP) was last revised in 2004. Walleye and black crappie were the primary management species. Goals of the LMP were to increase walleye gill net catch rates to 2.5 per net and maintain black crappie trap net catch rates above 3.4 per net. A population assessment was conducted in 2013 to evaluate the success of walleye stocking and to determine the status of the fish community. This assessment consisted of 6 gill nets and 9 trap nets.

Results

Lakes with similar habitats rarely produce large walleye catches, and Snowball Lake has a history of low walleye catches. Only five walleye were sampled in 2013. The catch was lower than when compared to lakes with similar habitats and did not meet the management plan goal. Walleye were recently stocked at one pound/littoral acre (43 pounds) in 2009 and 2004, but the success of stocking is not clear. It is unlikely that Snowball Lake can produce a quality walleye fishery, given the characteristics of the lake, current fish community, and poor prey base.

Northern pike catches have increased with time. The 2013 catch rate was higher than expected when compared to similar lakes, and the second highest ever sampled for Snowball Lake. Increased pike abundance is not desirable in Snowball Lake. Northern pike populations typically exhibit density dependent growth. Average size and growth are typically poor when northern pike occur at high densities. Size structure was poor as most of the sampled fish were between 16 to 18 inches in length. Growth was similar to the statewide average with fish averaging 26.4 inches by age 6. Anglers can help improve the size structure by releasing pike exceeding 24 inches.
Snowball Lake generally produces low yellow perch catches.

Yellow perch catch rate in 2013 was lower than expected compared to similar lakes. Yellow perch are an important prey species and catch rates will likely remain low as long as northern pike catch rates remain high.

Bluegill catch rates in past assessments have generally been low to moderate. Bluegill trap net catch in 2013 was typical for lakes with similar habitats. Size structure was poor as only two sampled fish exceeded 8 inches. Similar lakes typically produce slow growing bluegill. Bluegill from Snowball averaged 7.3 inches at age 6. No fish older than age 7 were sampled. Poor size structure likely limits the popularity of the fishery.

Black crappie populations often exhibit irregular recruitment resulting in dominant year classes, shifting age and size structures, and inconsistent angler success. Catch rates from Snowball Lake have been highly variable. Black crappie catch rates were lower than expected in 2013, as only four fish were sampled between both gears. All four crappie sampled in the 2013 assessment were from the same 2009 year class, indicating inconsistent recruitment.

Largemouth bass were also sampled in this survey. Since largemouth bass are difficult to sample with standard survey gear during summer months, catch rates may not represent an accurate reflection of largemouth bass population. Largemouth bass are likely an important component of the fishery.
Several other fish species were sampled in relatively low abundance and included brown and yellow bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white sucker, and bowfin.

Snowball Lake does not appear to currently contain invasive species. 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 Snowball Lake?

Are there any state parks near Snowball Lake?