West Silent Lake

How big is West Silent Lake?

How deep is West Silent Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in West Silent Lake?

What are the closest cities to West Silent Lake?

Are there boat launches on West Silent Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near West Silent Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for West Silent Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations West Silent 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 West Silent Lake?

West Silent Lake is a 328-acre mesotrophic (moderately fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately eight miles east of Pelican Rapids, MN. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 58 feet; however, 36% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The shoreline length is 4.8 miles. The secchi disk reading for this survey was 18.0 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 12.1 to 24.0 feet.
The majority of the shoreline is developed with homes and cabins. A state owned public water access is located along the east shoreline of the lake off of County Road 41. The dominant shoreline substrate is sand. Emergent aquatic plants such as hardstem bulrush and common cattail are scattered around the lake, but are prevalent in the west bay. 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 ecological importance, emergent plants may not be removed without a DNR permit.
West Silent 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, Bluegill, and Black Crappie are the dominant gamefish species present in the lake.
A moderate to high density Northern Pike population exists. Age data indicate that pike reproduction is consistently good. Northern Pike size structure has historically been poor. In this survey, only three percent of the pike were 24.0 inches or greater in length. Northern Pike attain an average length of 20.6 inches at four years of age.
Bluegill abundance has historically fluctuated but it has remained stable over the two most recent surveys; however, size structure has declined. In this survey only thirteen percent of the Bluegills were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Bluegills attain an average length of 7.2 inches at six years of age.
Data from a spring trapnetting assessment indicate that Black Crappies are abundant. Age data indicate that reproduction is consistently good. Size structure is also good as 65% of the crappies were 7.0 inches or greater in length. Black Crappies attain an average length of 10.7 inches at five years of age.
Data from past spring electrofishing assessments indicate that a high-density, slow growing Largemouth Bass population exists.
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 for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that 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 West Silent Lake?

Are there any state parks near West Silent Lake?