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Frequently Asked Questions About Villard Lake, MN
- How big is Villard Lake?
- How deep is Villard Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Villard Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Villard Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Villard Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Villard Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Villard Lake?
- What are the fishing regulations for Villard Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Villard Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Villard Lake?
How big is Villard Lake?
How deep is Villard Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Villard Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Johnny Darter and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Villard Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Villard Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Villard Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Villard Lake?
What are the fishing regulations for Villard Lake?
There are specific fishing regulations Villard 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?
Explore the Villard Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Villard Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Villard Lake is a shallow, 544-acre basin located in northeastern Pope County, immediately west of the City of Villard. The lake is the middle basin making up a connected chain of three basins that include Leven, Villard, and Amelia lakes. Dependent upon frequency and severity of precipitation events, water quality can be seasonally impacted from excessive nutrient loading from a large, well-drained watershed. Maximum depth is 16.0 feet. Average depth is 10.0 feet. Due to shallowness of the basin, strong winds and waves can re-suspend nutrients and trigger temporary algal blooms after storm events. Water transparency during summer months averages 5.9 feet.
Despite seasonal water quality impairments, Villard Lake supports all common game fishes and fishing can be very productive. Important fish habitat attributes include extensive beds of hardstem bulrush, yellow water lilies, and a diversity of submergent plants critical to sunfishes, largemouth bass, crappie, and northern pike. Walleyes are stocked to sustain a modest fishery.
The recent fish community assessment occurred in mid-July 2013. Northern pike proved to be very abundant. Lengths of pike captured ranged from 14.5 33.9 inches. Average size of the catch was 19.9 inches and 1.7 pounds. Much of the catch was comprised of young fish, three to five-years-of-age fish. Anglers are encouraged to harvest surplus of 17.0 21.0 inch fish.
Lake Villard supports healthy bass and panfish populations. Bluegill sunfish are moderately abundant. Size at capture in trapnets ranged from 4.5 8.7 inches. Average length of the catch was 6.5 inches. Age distribution of the population sample extended to age 12. Due to the longevity, 12% of the bluegills captured in 2013 exceeded 8.0 inches. Pumpkinseed sunfish are also common. Largemouth bass are less abundant, but the population supports good fishing. While their numbers are not high, 56% of bass captures exceeded 15.0 inches. Black crappie catches were limited, but low catches are not atypical during summer surveys when water temperatures are elevated. Actual population density is uncertain, but the lake can give up some nice size fish. The largest crappie caught measured 12.6 inches in length.
The walleye catch rate of 4.2 fish/gillnet was reasonably good in light of high mortality induced by an over-abundance of northern pike. Length at capture ranged from 9.6 - 24.4 inches, which reflects presence of eight age groups in the population sample. Average size of walleyes caught in gillnets was 16.5 inches which is a 1.8 pound fish.
Notes:
Rank growth of aquatic vegetation, that may include curly-leaf pondweed, can impair navigation and fishing in shallow bay areas.
What is the average air temp for Villard Lake?
Are there any state parks near Villard Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Villard Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Leven Lake | 1.3 mi | 282 | 33 ft |
| Amelia Lake | 1.8 mi | 934 | 69 ft |
| Westport Lake | 4.2 mi | 203 | 12 ft |
| Maple Lake | 6.0 mi | 831 | 78 ft |
| Lake Reno | 6.6 mi | 3,794 | 23 ft |
| Turtle Lake | 7.0 mi | 218 | 21 ft |
| Ann Lake | 7.3 mi | 370 | 14 ft |
| Union Lake | 7.7 mi | 117 | 42 ft |
| Union Lake | 7.8 mi | 107 | 45 ft |
| Grove Lake | 9.1 mi | 345 | 31 ft |
