Jim Lake

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Jim Lake is a 99-acre moderately fertile lake located in north-central Otter Tail County, approximately four miles east of the city of Vergas, MN. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of mixed hardwoods. Jim Lake has a maximum depth of 27 feet; however, 59% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading was 10.0 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 7.0 - 9.3 feet.
Little development exists around the lake. A partially developed township owned public access is located on the northwest shoreline. Sandy soils can at times make access difficult and parking is very limited. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and muck. Hardstem bulrush, cattails, and wild rice exist at several locations around the lake. These emergent aquatic plants provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. Emergent plants provide spawning areas for fish species such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass and Panfish. They also are important nursery areas for all species of fish. They protect shorelines from erosion and can actually absorb and break down pollutants. Because of their ecological importance emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
Jim Lake is subject to partial winterkills; however, none has been reported since the winter of 1986-1987. Lack of winterkill has allowed the fish populations to expand. Jim Lake contains populations of Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Black Crappie, Bluegill and Bullhead.
A high-density Northern Pike population exists that exceeds the normal range for lakes of this type. The population increase is likely in response to high water levels and lack of winter kill in recent years. Since 1994, Northern Pike abundance has been on a steady increase. Northern Pike ranged in length from 15.6 to 35.8 inches with a mean length and weight of 20.2 inches and 1.8 pounds. Only 4% of the pike exceeded 24.0 inches in length.
Only one Walleye was sampled. This is the first time that the Walleye abundance hasn't exceeded the normal range. Walleye abundance is likely limited by predation from the high-density Black Crappie population and Northern Pike populations.
Black Crappie were sampled for the first time in 2000. Black Crappie abundance has steadily increased and is now well above the normal range. Age data indicate that Black Crappie reproduction is consistently good. Twenty-three percent of the Black Crappies were 10.0 inches or greater in length. Black Crappies attain an average length of 9.9 inches at five years of age.
Bluegill abundance increased from the previous survey but remains within the normal range. The 2007 year class is strong as it composed a majority of the sample. Bluegill size structure continues to remain good as 76% of Bluegill 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.1 inches at five years of age.
Anglers can help maintain the quality of angling 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 table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

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