Sunfish Lake

How big is Sunfish Lake?

How deep is Sunfish Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Sunfish Lake?

What are the closest cities to Sunfish Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Sunfish 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 Sunfish Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Sunfish Lake

Are there boat launches on Sunfish Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Sunfish Lake?

Sunfish Lake is a small 119.0 acre lake located near the Town of Kilkenny in Le Sueur County. Sunfish Lake is unique in that much of its shoreline is unaltered (except north shore); however, agriculture likely impacts its water quality as much of its watershed is row crops. A county-owned ramp located on the west side of the lake provides access for the public. The game fish community is dominated by centrarchids including black crappie, bluegills, and largemouth bass. Stocking has not occurred at Sunfish Lake because natural reproduction is sufficient to sustain fish populations. A population assessment was conducted on 6-25-2012 to monitor fish populations using 3 gill nets and 9 trap nets.

Dissolved oxygen ranged from 9.8 ppm at the surface to 0.1 ppm at 22.0 feet deep. Thermal stratification of the water column occurred at 9.0 to 11.0 foot of depth as evidenced by the temperature dropping from 74.1 to 72.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The water appeared brown in color, likely due to sediment runoff, and had a secchi depth of around 1.5 ft.

Bluegill were the most abundant fish captured and had a catch rate of 55.2/trap net, which is high when compared to similar lakes. Historically, bluegill catch rates have ranged from 1.5/trap net in 2001 (following a winterkill) to 78.5/trap net in 1988. Post winterkill, bluegill catch rates have steadily increased from 1.5/ trap net in 2001, to 10.7/trap net in 2003, to 30.6/trap net in 2006 to 55.2/trap net in 2012. Six year classes were present in Sunfish Lake (2006  2011). Age estimates indicated a relatively young population, as bluegills age-4 or less accounted for 82% of the sample. Although the bluegill population was young, bluegill size structure was good with 44% being greater than 6.0 inches in length. Bluegills ranged in length from 2.4 to 8.1 inches and averaged 5.5 inches. Growth of bluegills at Sunfish Lake appears to be good with lengths averaging 3.1 inches at age-1, 4.5 inches at age-2, 5.3 inches at age 3, 6.6 inches at age-4, and 7.5 inches at age-5.

Black crappie catch rates (35.3/trap net) were extremely high in Sunfish Lake. Post winterkill, catch rates have steadily increased from 1.0/trap net in 2001 to 35.3/trap net in 2012. Scale and otolith ages indicated that there are several black crappie year classes present in Sunfish Lake including 2005, and 2007-2011. Age-1 black crappies were the most abundant and accounted for 45% of crappies sampled, with the oldest sampled black crappie being age-7. Size structure of black crappies was small, with only 9% being greater than 10.0 inches long. Black crappies ranged in length from 3.3 to 11.2 inches and averaged 6.1 inches. Despite having a small size structure, black crappies appear to grow fast in Sunfish Lake, having average lengths of 4.0 inches at age-1, 6.8 inches at age-2, 7.8 inches at age-3, 9.6 inches at age-4, and 10.6 inches at age-5. Black crappies grow fast in this system, but likely do not attain greater lengths because of angling mortality.

Prior to this survey, yellow perch had not been sampled in 3 surveys since 2001. In 2012, yellow perch were captured at a rate of 15.3/gill net, which is consistent with gill net catches prior to 2001, and is high when compared to similar lakes. Yellow perch were small with no fish exceeding 9.5 inches in length and averaging 7.2 inches. Yellow perch were present from 4 year classes, 2007-2011 (age-2 to age-5).

Northern pike were scarce in 2012, being captured at a rate of 0.7/gill net. Historically, northern pike have been abundant in Sunfish Lake particularly after being restocked in 2001. Catch rates have steadily declined since this stocking, going from 33.0/gill net in 2003, to 16.0/gill net in 2004, to 5.7/gill net in 2006, to 0.7/gill net in 2012.

Black bullhead have historically been abundant in Sunfish Lake; however in 2012 they were sparse (0.3/gill net and 0.1/trap net). Common carp had also been very abundant in this system (greater than 17.0/gill net) but were captured at a rate of 5.3/gill net in 2012. Several largemouth bass (N=17) were captured (5.0 to 19.7 inches) which may indicate an abundant population because largemouth bass are typically not caught by these gears. One white sucker was captured which is the first time they have been observed in a survey. Golden shiner, white sucker, yellow bullhead, hybrid sunfish, and pumpkinseed were also present, but occurred in low numbers.

Anglers can help maintain or improve the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest allows for the harvest of smaller fish for table fare, but encourages release of medium- to large-sized fish. Releasing these fish can help maintain balance in the fish community in Sunfish Lake and provide anglers the opportunity to catch more and larger fish in the future.

Shoreline areas on the land and into the shallow water provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife that live in or near Minnesota's lakes. Overdeveloped shorelines cannot support the fish, wildlife, and clean water that are associated with natural undeveloped lakes. Shoreline habitat consists of aquatic plants, woody plants, and natural lake bottom soils.

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 water quality, and provide habitat and travel corridors for wildlife.

What is the average air temp for Sunfish Lake?

Are there any state parks near Sunfish Lake?