Kings Lake

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What kind of fish can you catch in Kings Lake?

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Are there boat launches on Kings Lake?

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Kings Lake is a 194 acre lake located two miles northwest of Freeport in Stearns County. The lake has a maximum depth of 44 feet and a small watershed dominated by row crops and pasture. A public access is located on the south end of the lake. Kings Lake is managed primarily for Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike and was last surveyed in 2004. Anglers can expect good fishing for Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye.

Curly leaf pondweed was surveyed in June and covered less than one percent of the lake area. An aquatic vegetation survey was conducted in early July; star duckweed, coontail and sago pondweed were the most common aquatic plant species and plants grew to a maximum depth of 24 feet. Water clarity was good; Secchi depth was 7 feet in early July and MPCA data show average Secchi values of 6 feet over the last ten years. Dissolved oxygen was adequate to support fish down to 14 feet in early July.

Largemouth Bass were caught by daytime electrofishing in late May in low numbers, but with good size. The catch rate of 14.6 per hour was much lower than the Sauk Rapids Area daytime average of 43.3 per hour. Electrofishing during the day in clear water was difficult and likely lowered the catch rate. The catch rate in 2004 at night was much higher. Lengths in 2015 ranged from 8.0 to 19.6 inches with an average length of 15.8 inches. Largemouth Bass were large; of catchable size fish (>8 inches), 68% were 15 inches or longer.

Northern Pike numbers were lower than most lakes in the area and lower than in past surveys, but within the expected range of values for similar lakes. Lengths in 2015 ranged from 15.6 to 32.0 inches with an average length and weight of 23.3 inches and 2.8 pounds. Northern Pike size was good; 35% were 24 inches or longer. Many lakes in the area have high numbers of pike, which often results in smaller fish, but Kings Lake is an exception.

Walleye were stocked by the DNR until 2003, but are no longer stocked or managed by the DNR. However, the local sportsman's club has stocked fingerlings since 2005 and maintained a viable fishery. Walleye numbers increased since 2004, but are within the expected range of values for similar lakes. Lengths ranged from 8.9 to 22.4 inches with an average length and weight of 14.3 inches and 1.4 pounds. Walleye growth was fast, reaching 18 inches in four years.

Bluegill numbers were higher in 2015 than in 2004 and higher than expected for lakes like Kings. Lengths ranged from 3.6 to 8.6 inches with an average length of 6.2 inches. Bluegill size was larger than in 2004 and larger than many other lakes in the area. Black Crappie numbers were higher than expected compared to similar lakes and much higher than in 2004. Lengths in 2015 ranged from 4.4 inches to 10.6 inches with an average length of 8.1 inches. Mid summer netting can be highly variable for panfish; surveys around spawning time would better assess Bluegill and Black Crappie abundance and size.

The Yellow Perch catch was similar to 2004 and within the range of expected values. Lengths ranged from 4.8 to 8.5 inches with a mean length of 6.4 inches. Compared to many lakes in the area, the Northern Pike catch is low, likely increasing Yellow Perch survival. Other species captured in low numbers include: Bowfin (Dogfish), Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed and Yellow Bullhead.

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Are there any state parks near Kings Lake?