Lake Hook

How big is Lake Hook?

How deep is Lake Hook?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Hook?

Are there topographical lake maps available Lake Hook?

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Hook Lake

Are there boat launches on Lake Hook?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Hook?

Prior to the standard survey (summer gill netting and trap netting) in 2015, a winterkill check was performed during the spring of 2014. Hundreds of Common Carp, many Black Crappie, and some Walleye were observed dead near shore. The conclusion was the winterkill in 2014 was likely moderate to severe. Following this conclusion, 648 Adult Black Crappie (162 lbs.) were stocked into Hook Lake. In addition, 162,138 Walleye fry were also stocked. Bluegill stocking was also planned for 2014, but because of limited time they were not stocked until spring 2015, during which time 990 adult Bluegill (180 lbs.) were stocked. Walleye fry (162,000) were again stocked in 2015, in accordance with management plans.

A standard survey was conducted on Hook Lake during the week of 8/24/15. Water clarity was low due to an algae bloom, with a Secchi of 3.0 feet. Despite low water clarity and high algae abundance, dissolved oxygen remained at adequate levels (9.4 ppm) down to a depth of 16 feet. Submergent vegetation was very abundant, especially on the southwest side of the lake. The majority of vegetation as composed of Coontail and Canada Waterweed.

Northern Pike gill net catches (15.8/net) were nearly twice the high end (8/net) of the expected catch rate for Hook Lake. This was also the highest catch rate of Northern Pike ever recorded on Hook Lake. Average size of Northern Pike was 20.7" with a maximum length of 29.8". While there was an abundance of small to mid-sized pike, the population appeared to be missing the larger sized individuals. Despite limited size structure and a high numbers of pike, fish were very plump and condition values were high. Age analysis of Northern Pike reveals consistent recruitment among years. Six year classes of pike were present, with zero missing year classes between them. Northern Pike angling and spearing outlook is bright. High abundance and good condition of pike will provide plenty of angling opportunity, even if trophy sized fish are currently missing.

Walleye gill net catches (0.5/net) were well below what would be expected for Hook Lake. A total of 3 Walleye were sampled in gill nets with an average and maximum size of 11.1". Age analysis revealed all fish were 1 year olds, likely coming from the 2014 year class of stocked fish. Low numbers may be due to the high abundance of Northern Pike in the system. It's generally recognized Walleye are negatively affected by Northern Pike when Northern Pike are in excess of 8/net, and Hook Lake supports a population double that rate. Northern Pike are likely preying upon small Walleye and impacting their overall numbers. Walleye stockings may not succeed until Northern Pike numbers are reduced.

Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (14.7/net) and trap nets (12.8/net) at rates higher than expected for Hook Lake. Average size of crappies was 6" with a maximum size of 11". Age analysis indicated multiple missing year classes. Fifty-eight Black Crappie were aged and all but one were age-0 or age-1. The missing year classes of Black Crappie indicates the winterkill of 2014 was severe. However, it's likely the crappie stocked during spring 2014 have successfully reproduced for 2 consecutive years. While Black Crappie size structure remains limiting in Hook Lake, the outlook is bright. Black Crappie have been able to successfully reproduce and thrive in the presence of an abundant predator (Northern Pike), and we would expect that trend to continue. Within 1-2 years Black Crappie would likely reach catchable size and provide angling opportunity.

Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (5.3/net) and this catch rate was above the expected rate (3.9/net) for Hook Lake. Despite good numbers, size structure remains limiting. Average size of Bluegill was 3.2", with a maximum size of 7.2". Age analysis indicates multiple missing year classes, suggesting the most recent winterkill in 2014 had a negative impact on the Bluegill population. The 7" Bluegill were likely those stocked during spring 2015. These fish do appear to have successfully spawned based on the high number of age-0 fish collected during sampling. Bluegill in Hook Lake are a few years from contributing to a harvestable fishery. However, they have shown the ability to successfully reproduce and with a few mild winters, they should be able to provide additional angling opportunity.

Yellow Perch were sampled with gill nets (14.8/net), and this catch rate is nearly double the rate expected for Hook Lake. After 3 consecutive surveys (15 years) of catch rates falling below the expected rate, 2015 appeared to be a good year for Yellow Perch. Reduced predation and competition likely played a role in those numbers. Size structure of Yellow Perch was also higher than expected. Average size of perch was 8.6", with a maximum size of 9.7". Throughout much of the area, Yellow Perch are regarded as forage for other game species. However, Hook Lake presents a unique opportunity where high abundance and good size structure are currently contributing to a catchable fishery, and with one more mild winter could produce something special not often seen in the Hutchinson Area.

Black Bullheads were sampled with gill nets (149.9/net), and this catch rate was higher than expected for Hook Lake. Black Bullheads are very tolerant of low oxygen and winterkills and were likely positively impacted by the winterkill in 2014 which reduced predators and competition from other species. Average size of Black Bullheads was 7.1", with a max size of 13.4". As large predators continue to rebound, we would expect Black Bullhead numbers to decrease overtime.

Common Carp have been decreasing in abundance since the 1992 survey where they were near record highs. During the 2015 standard survey Common Carp were sampled with trap nets (0.3/net) and gill nets (1/net), which was the lowest rate in 20 years. Low numbers of carp may have also contributed to the increase in aquatic vegetation. Average size of Common Carp was 15.1", with a maximum size of 18.2". We did not see any young of year carp nor large adults. It's likely the winterkill in 2014 had a substantial impact on carp numbers. The remaining juvenile sized fish could have survived the winterkill or migrated from the adjacent Echo Lake. Carp are at their lowest number in some time, and as Bluegill and other predatory fish continue to recover, we would expect carp numbers to remain low.

Following the standard survey, DNR Fisheries personnel inspected a fish kill on Hook Lake during the morning of September 9th 2015. The majority of fish found near shore were small Yellow Perch (3.5-4.5"). However, large Yellow Perch (8.5-9.5"), Northern Pike (6-12"), and Black Bullheads (3-4") were also found dead along shore. It's likely a number of factors could have contributed to the fish kill. Hook Lake had an abundance of aquatic vegetation and blue-green algae. Hot days with little wind were frequent the week prior. Additionally, heavy rains were observed days before the fish kill. Any one of these factors could have provided the necessary environment to create a summer kill.

What is the average air temp for Lake Hook?