Games Lake

How big is Games Lake?

How deep is Games Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Games Lake?

What are the closest cities to Games Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Games Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Games Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Games Lake

Are there boat launches on Games Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Games Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Games Lake?

A standard survey of Games Lake was conducted in July of 2015. Games Lake is a moderately sized (521 acres), moderately deep (42 feet maximum), and low to moderately productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Games Lake is a popular recreational and fishing lake. A county park is located along the southeast shoreline. Residential development has occurred throughout the entire shoreline area with the exception of small portions of the south side, north side, and northwest bay. Two public access sites are present with one along the east side (DNR access) and another on the southeast side (county access). An aquatic management area is located along the north shore. A channel is present that connects Games Lake to Norway Lake and is conducive to boat navigation. Games Lake is also connected to several periodic winterkill (Swan, Henchien) and non-winterkill lakes (Andrew) via the outlet which eventually becomes Shakopee Creek. Water levels were below normal during the spring and fall, but normal in the summer of 2015. Water clarity (secchi reading=7.6 feet) was good during the 2015 survey. Emergent vegetation densities (bulrush, cattails, burreed, and arrowhead) are low to moderate in Games Lake occurring mostly in the northwest shore and bay, and east shore areas. Eurasian watermilfoil "EWM" was found along the west side of Games during 2014. EWM has been present in upstream Norway Lake since 2001. Other submergent vegetation species (bladderwort, clasping-leaf pondweed, flat-stem pondweed, chara, coontail, wild celery, sago pondweed, northern milfoil, etc.) are moderately abundant within the shallow areas (<15 feet deep). Shoalwater substrates consist mostly of sand, gravel, rubble and silt.

Black Crappie numbers were low (1.10 fish/trapnet) in 2015 as compared to the Games historical average (5.07 fish/trapnet). Black Crappie populations often cycle resulting in periods of boom or bust years. Black Crappie year classes have been weak in Games and other connected lakes during recent years. Yellow Perch numbers were also low in 2015 (2.67 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average (22.60 fish/gillnet) and the normal range. Historically, Bluegill catch rates have been high but average sizes are generally small in Games. However, Bluegill abundance was low in 2015 (17.40 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average (37.13 fish/trapnet). The 2015 Bluegill average size was small (0.11 pounds and 5.2 inches) from trapnets.

Northern Pike numbers were low in 2015 (2.33 fish/gillnet) compared to the normal range and the Games historical average (6.30 fish/gillnet). However, the 2015 Northern Pike average size was moderate (3.54 pounds and 25.4 inches) from gillnets and above the historical average.

Walleye numbers were also low in 2015 (1.67 fish/gillnet) compared to the normal range. The Walleye historical average catch rate is 2.14 fish/gillnet for Games Lake. The 2015 Walleye average size was moderate (1.11 pounds and 14.6 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.62 pounds from gillnets. Walleye natural reproduction is generally insignificant in Games, however fish movement in or out via Norway is possible. Games Lake was recently stocked with Walleye in 2009 (3,656 fingerlings, 488 pounds), 2011 (15,563 fingerlings, 532 pounds; 721 yearlings, 103 pounds), 2013 (14,297 fingerling, 493 pounds) and 2015 (3,498 fingerlings, yearlings and adults combined, 795 pounds).

Largemouth Bass numbers were low (9.50 fish/hour) in the 2015 spring electrofishing survey. The 2015 Largemouth Bass average size was moderate (1.05 pounds and 12.10 inches) from spring electrofishing. Largemouth Bass growth rates were slow.

Freshwater Drum "Sheepshead" numbers were high in 2015 (10.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the normal range and the Games historical average (7.49 fish/gillnet). The 2015 Freshwater Drum average size was small (1.51 pounds and 14.68 inches) but similar to the historical average from gillnets. Other fish species of interest captured in low numbers included Yellow Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, Bigmouth Buffalo, Bowfin, Common Carp, Shortnose Gar, Hybrid Sunfish, and Green Sunfish.

Current fish management activities on Games Lake include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel in educating boaters and monitoring access sites for potential invasive species introductions, participating in local watershed initiatives, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Games Lake fishery will be surveyed in the 2019 spring for Largemouth Bass and 2019 summer for all fish species.

What is the average air temp for Games Lake?

Are there any state parks near Games Lake?