Lake Independence

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INTRODUCTION

Independence Lake is a 112-acre lake located seven miles southeast of the City of Windom in Jackson County. The lake's shallow depth (maximum of 10 feet) and improved water clarity in recent years have encouraged the growth of dense aquatic vegetation (mainly curly-leaf pondweed, which is an exotic species and coontail) throughout the lake. There was also some bulrush present in a couple of locations on the perimeter of the lake. The vegetation growth has benefitted the fishery by providing habitat for several species of fish. Independence Lake has historically been vulnerable to low oxygen levels during the winter, which have resulted in occasional winterkill of fish; however, this has not occurred in recent years. Because of the threat of winterkill, the Jackson County Conservation League operates a Helixor aeration system in Independence Lake. Independence Lake is managed primarily for Largemouth Bass and secondarily for Bluegill and Walleye. Largemouth Bass fingerlings were stocked in 2013; however, Largemouth Bass mostly maintain themselves through natural reproduction. Walleye fingerlings are stocked two out of three years and have been stocked extensively in the last decade (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014). Independence Lake was surveyed the week of June 15, 2015 to monitor fish populations using three gill nets and nine trap nets.


LARGEMOUTH BASS

Largemouth Bass were captured at a rate of 656.5 per hour, which is the highest recorded catch rate on Independence Lake. Catch rates in previous years had been stable, ranging from 22.7 per hour in 2007 to around 47.0 per hour in 1999 and 2011. Largemouth Bass were 3.6 to 19.0 inches and averaged 6.2 inches. Average length was small because 82 percent of the bass sampled were less than 5.4 inches; however, good numbers of fish from 15.0 to 19.0 inches were present. Largemouth Bass were plump, indicating that plenty of food is available. The wide range of lengths indicated that this is a balanced population that should provide good fishing in an area where bass fishing opportunities are scarce.


WALLEYE

Gill net catch rates of Walleye in Independence Lake have varied from 0.0 per gill net in 2007 to 15.0 per gill net in 1999, and have averaged 5.9 per gill net since 1985. In 2015, Walleye were captured at a rate of 8.0 per gill net, which was about the same as the 2011 catch rate of 7.7 per gill net, and was within the expected range of catch rates for similar lakes in the area (2.3 to 13.3 per gill net. Walleye were 12.1 to 24.3 inches long and averaged 16.3 inches. Four year classes of Walleye were sampled including fish from 2013 (age-2), 2012 (age-3), 2011 (age-4), and 2008 (age-7), all of which correspond to stocking events. Fingerlings were not stocked in 2012, but yearlings from Carey Lake (1.6 fish per pound) were stocked in the fall 2013, which accounts for the 2012 year class. The 2013 year class was the most abundant, accounting for 61 percent of the Walleye sampled. Growth of Walleye was good as they reached 16.2 inches at age-3. Walleye were plump, suggesting that they are readily feeding on the abundant Yellow Perch population. Fingerling stocking appears to be providing a stable Walleye population with a decent number of fish, good size structure, and good growth. Independence Lake should be a good walleye angling destination right now and in the future.


BLUEGILL and PUMPKINSEED

Bluegill catch rates have steadily declined since 1999, going from 78.0 per trap net in 1999 to 13.0 per trap net in 2003 to 1.9 per trap net in 2007 to 0.4 per trap net in 2011 to 0.0 per trap net in 2015. However, the decline in Bluegill numbers is likely related to the increase in Pumpkinseed (28.2 per trap net) and Yellow Perch (167.7 per gill net) numbers. The three species often occupy similar habitats and eat similar foods thereby competing with each other for resources. Oftentimes, Bluegill and Pumpkinseed hybridize, resulting in fewer "pure strain" Bluegill. Pumpkinseed were first sampled in 2003 at a rate of 4.2 per trap net and since have declined to 3.7 per trap net in 2007 to 1.6 per trap net in 2011, and then drastically increased to 28.2 per trap net in 2015. Pumpkinseed were 4.0 to 8.7 inches and averaged 5.1 inches. Pumpkinseed less than 6.0 inches accounted for 99 percent of the sample, as only two over 6.0 inches were captured. With an additional year or two of growth, the Pumpkinseed should reach a size that anglers can harvest.


YELLOW PERCH

In the last decade, Yellow Perch abundance has increased from 25.5 per gill net in 2007 to 67.7 per gill net in 2011 to a record high of 167.7 per gill net in 2015. Yellow Perch were 6.5 to 8.7 inches and averaged 7.7 inches. With an additional year or two of growth, Yellow Perch should be approaching a size that anglers are willing to harvest. Yellow perch fishing should be phenomenal in the next couple of years at Independence Lake. No doubt this would be a great destination for young anglers learning to fish as action for Yellow Perch, small Largemouth, and/or Pumpkinseed is likely to provide hours of entertainment outdoors.


BLACK BULLHEAD

Black Bullhead catch rates in gill nets (7.0 per gill net) and trap nets (3.6 per trap net) were the lowest recorded catch rates for Independence Lake since surveys began in 1985. Both catch rates were below their expected ranges of catch rates for similar lakes (30.3 to 150.6 per gill net; 11.5 to 132.6 per trap net). Black Bullhead were 10.4 to 12.3 inches and averaged 11.2 inches. The decline in Black Bullhead abundance may be attributed to stable predator populations of Largemouth Bass and Walleye.


OTHER SPECIES

Two Black Crappies, both 5.1 inches in length, were captured in the 2015 survey. Black Crappie have historically occurred at very low abundances in Independence Lake. Independence Lake is unique, in that Common Carp, Bigmouth Buffalo, and Channel Catfish have never been sampled there. This is due in part to the fact that Lake Independence does not have a good connection downstream thus making fish immigration difficult if not impossible. To avoid unintended introductions, anglers should be diligent about disposing of unused bait in the trash and should report unpermitted movement of fish.

Plants in the water and at the water's edge provide habitat, prevent erosion, and absorb excess nutrients. Shrubs, trees, and woody debris such as fallen trees or limbs provide good habitat both above and below the water and should be left in place. By leaving a buffer strip of natural vegetation along the shoreline, property owners can reduce erosion, help maintain or improve water quality, and provide habitat and travel corridors for wildlife.

Best management practices within the watershed (no-till farming, cover crops, buffer strips, targeted fertilizer application, reduced or metered tiling) would help reduce nutrients entering the lake. High nutrient and sediment input can cause algae blooms and reduce overall water quality. Any improvements in the watershed are likely to have positive impacts on the fishery.

Prepared by Jonah Dagel

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