Stuart Lake

How big is Stuart Lake?

How deep is Stuart Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Stuart Lake?

What are the closest cities to Stuart Lake?

Are there bait or tackle shops near Stuart Lake?

Are there boat launches on Stuart Lake?

Stuart Lake area businesses:

Are there places to eat and drink near Stuart Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Stuart Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Stuart Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Stuart Lake?

Stuart Lake is a 699-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in south-central Otter Tail County, approximately two miles east of Clitherall, MN. Stuart Lake is connected to East Battle Lake via a non-navigable outlet along the north shoreline. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 49 feet; however, 58% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2015 lake survey was 15.2 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 7.8 to 24.0 feet.
A majority of the shoreline of Stuart Lake is developed with homes and cabins. A DNR owned public water access is located along the north shoreline. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Stands of hardstem bulrush, common cattail, and wild rice are scattered throughout the lake. Emergent plants provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat, and are critical for maintaining good water quality. They protect shorelines and lake bottoms, and can actually absorb and break down polluting chemicals. Emergent plants also provide critical spawning habitat for fish such as Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and panfish. They also serve as an important nursery area for all species of fish. Because of their ecological value, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit. To maintain the excellent water quality and angling that this lake has to offer, it is imperative to preserve the quality of the aquatic habitat.
Stuart Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill are the dominant gamefish species. The prolificacy of these species can be attributed to the abundance of suitable spawning habitat that is available.
Catch data indicates that a high-density Northern Pike population exists. Age and length data indicate that Northern Pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern Pike size structure is poor with an average length and weight of 17.5 inches and 1.2 pounds. Only eight percent the Northern Pike in the gill net sample were 24.0 inches or greater in length.
Catch data indicate that a balanced Largemouth Bass population exists. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 8.0 to 17.7 inches with an average length and weight of 11.2 inches and 0.8 pounds. Largemouth Bass attain an average length of 12.6 inches at four years of age.
Data from a spring trap netting assessment indicate that Black Crappies are abundant and the size structure is good. Black Crappies ranged in length from 6.6 to 12.8 inches with a mean length of 9.1 inches. Age data indicate that reproduction is consistently good. Fourteen percent of the Black Crappie sample was 10.0 inches or greater in length. Black Crappies attain an average length of 9.9 inches at four years of age. In 2005, a 10-inch minimum size limit for Black Crappies was implemented. The intent of the regulation is to improve the size structure of the Black Crappie population, which it appears to be accomplishing.
Bluegill abundance remains low compared to previous assessments. Bluegills ranged in length from 2.2 to 8.9 inches with a mean length and weight of 6.9 inches and 0.3 pounds. Sixty-four percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Age data indicate that Bluegill reproduction is consistently good. Bluegills attain an average length of 6.8 inches at five years of age.
Walleyes ranged in length from 14.9 to 24.0 inches with an average length and weight of 20.4 inches and 3.0 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 14.6 inches at four years of age.
Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish. 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.

What is the average air temp for Stuart Lake?

Are there any state parks near Stuart Lake?