Block Lake

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What kind of fish can you catch in Block Lake?

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Block Lake is a 263-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in southeastern Otter Tail County. The maximum depth is 23 feet and 50% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. Block lake is subject to winterkill during severe winters. The shoreline length is 3.0 miles and the secchi disk reading for this survey was 5.8 feet. Secchi disk readings, a measurement of water clarity, have ranged from 2.0 to 7.5 feet in previous lake surveys. A DNR owned public water access is located on the north shoreline of the lake. Development is low to moderate on Block Lake. Lakeshore development has been shown to negatively impact water quality by increasing nutrient levels and shoreline erosion. This can result in increased plankton/algae blooms, aquatic plant growth and suspended sediments, all of which can lead to decreased water clarity. By using best management practices (BMP's) and "lakescaping concepts", impacts of shoreline development and erosion can be minimized. Contact any county extension office for information on BMP's and you local DNR-Fisheries office for information on lakescaping techniques. Shoreline substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Some emergent aquatic plants such as hardstem bulrush and cattail are prevalent at various locations around the lake. These emergent plants provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms from erosion and can actually absorb and breakdown polluting chemicals. Emergent plants provide spawning habitat for fish species like northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish. They also serve as important nursery areas for all species of fish. Because of their important ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. A gill net assessment was conducted to evaluate the walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch populations. A spring trapnetting assessment was also conducted to analyze the black crappie population. These assessments documented good populations of walleye and black crappie in Block Lake. The DNR stocks walleye fry into Block Lake on a biennial basis. Age and catch data indicate that walleye fry stocking is producing good year classes. The 1997 and 1999 year classes appear to be strong and should provide good walleye angling for several years. The average length and weight of walleye was 16.7 inches and 1.8 pounds. Suitable spawning habitat exists for black crappie to produce good year classes. Age data indicate that black crappie reproduction is consistently good. The average length and weight of black crappie was 9.4 inches and 0.6 pound. Northern pike are present; however, abundance appears to be low. Yellow perch and black bullheads are very abundant. Anglers can maintain or improve the quality of fishing for all species of fish in Block Lake by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for eating. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish in the future and provide anglers with opportunities to catch large fish.

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Are there any state parks near Block Lake?