O'Dowd Lake

How big is O'Dowd Lake?

How deep is O'Dowd Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in O'Dowd Lake?

What are the closest cities to O'Dowd Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available O'Dowd Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of O'Dowd Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

O'Dowd Lake

Are there boat launches on O'Dowd Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near O'Dowd Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in O'Dowd Lake?

O'Dowd is a highly productive Class 42 lake located just south of Shakopee. It is 300 acres, with a maximum depth of 22 feet. The lake's shoreline is complex, with numerous islands scattered throughout the lake, and bottom substrates varying between muck and large rocks. A good portion of the lake shore is developed with single-family homes and there is an 18-hole golf course on the north shore. Because of a combination of a fertile watershed, shallow depth, and development, Lake O'Dowd is a very nutrient-rich lake; a winter aeration system has been operated since the mid-1980s to help sustain fish populations. (In winter 2010-11, a partial winterkill was noted in spite of an operating aerator.)

Despite issues associated with a shallow, eutrophic lake, O'Dowd remains an important fishery and recreational resource in the local area. It is primarily managed for Walleye and Northern Pike and secondarily for Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. Walleye fingerlings are stocked annually. In 2013, a population assessment was conducted, consisting of spring trap netting and night-time electrofishing, followed by summer gill netting.

Walleye are abundant in Lake O'Dowd, and of quality size. The catch rate in 2013, 8.2 fish per gill net, was slightly higher than the previous survey (2007; catch of 7.8 fish per gill net). Prior to 2007, catch rates of walleye had been noticeably lower, ranging from 1.3 fish per net in 1996, to 4.3 fish per net in 1991. The average size of Walleye in 2013 was 16.8 inches and 2 pounds. Thirty-six percent of fish were longer than 16 inches, and 28% were longer than 20 inches. Ages two through nine were represented in the sample, with the majority of fish age 2. Walleye growth appears fast in O'Dowd, relative to statewide average. Fish reach 16 inches by age 3.

While Northern Pike are only moderately abundant, they are of good size. The catch rate in 2013, 3.5 fish per gill net was lower than the previous survey value (5/3 fish per gill net in 2007). Historically, Northern Pike abundance has been high, but has been gradually decreasing since it peaked at 8.8 fish per net in 1996. Average size of Northern Pike has increased since the previous survey, from 3.0 pounds in 2007 to 3.6 pounds in 2013. Average length of Northern Pike in 2013 was 24.6 inches, with fish as large as 37 inches sampled. Ninety percent of the sampled fish were longer than 21 inches, and 24% of the sample was longer than 28 inches. Ages two through six appeared consistently in the sample, with one age eight. Northern Pike growth appears fast relative to statewide averages of length at age. Fish reach 24 inches by age 4.

Largemouth Bass were abundant in the night-time electrofishing sample (102.3 per hour on-time), relative to other lakes in the West Metro area; however, few large fish were sampled. Thirty-two percent of the sample was longer than 12 inches, and 5% were longer than 16 inches. The largest Bass sampled was 19.9 inches. The average weight of Largemouth Bass was 0.8 pounds. Fish ages 2 through 10 were present in the sample. The fish reached 12 inches by age 4, and 20 inches by age 10.

Although only moderately abundant, Black Crappie sampled in the spring trap nets were of quality size. The catch rate of 4.1 per trap net falls below the median for this type of lake, and the fish average 8.7 inches and 0.4 pounds. Forty-seven percent of the fish caught were longer than 8 inches, and 39% were longer than 10 inches. The largest Black Crappie measured 12.0 inches. Ages two through seven were represented in the trap net sample. Black Crappie grow fast in Lake O'Dowd, reaching 10 inches by age four.

Lake O'Dowd has historically had a highly abundant population of small-sized Bluegill. While this continues to be the case from this survey's results, abundance-average size balance appears to be more favorable. Trap net catch rates have decreased from 85 fish per trap net in 2007 to 35 fish per trap net in 2013 (still high for this type of lake). Size has also improved, from an average length of 5.1 inches in 2007 to an average length of 6.1 inches in 2013. Sixty-six percent of the Bluegill sampled in 2013 were larger than 6 inches, and only two percent were larger than 8 inches. Not surprisingly, these fish are slower growing relative to statewide averages of length at age. Lake O'Dowd Bluegill attain a length of 6 inches by age 5.

What is the average air temp for O'Dowd Lake?