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Frequently Asked Questions About Koronis (main lake), MN
- How big is Koronis (main lake)?
- How deep is Koronis (main lake)?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Koronis (main lake)?
- What are the closest cities to Koronis (main lake)?
- Are there places to stay in the Koronis (main lake) area?
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- Are there any state parks near Koronis (main lake)?
How big is Koronis (main lake)?
How deep is Koronis (main lake)?
What kind of fish can you catch in Koronis (main lake)?
Other fish species in the lake include Bluntnose Minnow, Brook Silverside, Cisco (Tullibee), Common Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Golden Redhorse, Golden Shiner, Greater Redhorse, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Logperch, Sand Shiner, Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Smallmouth Buffalo, Spotfin Shiner, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Koronis (main lake)?
Are there places to stay in the Koronis (main lake) area?
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Are there boat launches on Koronis (main lake)?
Are there places to eat and drink near Koronis (main lake)?
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Koronis (main 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
A population assessment of Lake Koronis was conducted in late July of 2014. Koronis is a large (2968 acres), deep (132 feet maximum), and productive lake located primarily in Stearns County. Koronis is a popular fishery for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, tullibee and bluegill. Koronis receives moderate recreational use during the summer months. There are five public access sites on Koronis. The lake is highly developed with approximately 498 homes and cabins, and seven resorts/bible camp/campgrounds. In addition, the city of Paynesville is within two miles of the lake. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural row crops, hardwood areas, and residential development. Nutrient runoff enters Koronis via 45 inlets/tiles (mostly small inlets) from agricultural, city storm sewer, and lake residential sources. The largest inlet is the North Fork of the Crow River, which enters Koronis along the east shore and outlets near the southeast corner. The greatest volume of nutrient loading is delivered to Koronis via the North Fork of the Crow River. Aquatic vegetation densities are variable yearly in the lake. Various submergent species (curly-leaf pondweed, coontail, sago pondweed, narrow-leaf pondweed, chara and wild celery) can often become dense in the east bays, outlet bay and near shore areas of Koronis. Submergent vegetation densities were low to moderate in 2014. Water clarity was fair/poor (3.5 feet) on July 28, 2014 in Koronis. Water clarity (coffee colored) was poor during the 2012 fall and 2012-13 winter months, but improved in 2014-15 winter months. Water levels were high during June and July of 2014 due to rain events, but low by fall. A slow no-wake zone was put in place for lakes in Kandiyohi and Stearns Counties during June thru early July of 2014. High water levels due to rain events resulted in some shoreline erosion in addition to many docks and boat lifts floating away from their moorings.
A minor summerkill of large sized tullibee (cisco) was noted during late July to early August of 2010. A major summerkill of tullibee occurred in Koronis during 2011, but only a minor kill occurred in Green Lake during the 2011 summer. Drought conditions and extremely high air temperatures were the norm for the area during July and early August of 2012. There were no apparent summerkills in Green or Koronis during 2012, but adult numbers were so low that summerkill events may not have been recognizable, especially due to the large numbers of pelicans living on Lake Koronis islands. A narrow band (1-3 feet) of marginal temperatures (<74.5 F) and dissolved oxygen levels (1-3 ppm) was present at depths of 18-25 feet in Koronis during mid-July and early August of 2012. Tullibee summerkill conditions on Koronis were suitable when dissolved oxygen levels were less than 1 ppm at a depth of 20 feet with a water temperature of 75.6 F on July 24, 2012, but no summerkill events were observed in 2012. No summerkills were observed in 2013 or 2014. Partial summerkills of tullibee and white sucker are common in Koronis during hot summers.
Rice Lake is upstream and connects to Lake Koronis via the North Fork of the Crow River. Walleye from both Rice and Koronis spawn in the North Fork of the Crow River upstream of Rice Lake. Walleye also spawn adjacent to the east shores of the three islands in Koronis and the east point of Rice. Both Rice and Koronis are periodic walleye egg take sites for the statewide walleye propagation program. Historic spawning sites for walleye in both Koronis and Rice have been degraded in recent years with increased sedimentation, algal and periphyton growth. Northern pike spawning areas are located along the north (Spaeth) and west (Hendrickson) shores of Koronis.
Best management practices (buffers, storm sewer settling ponds, better wastewater management practices, better shore land practices) have been enacted or encouraged by local governments, North Fork Crow River Watershed District, homeowners, lake associations, and Paynesville Sportsman's Club. Koronis is managed primarily for walleye and northern pike, in addition to secondary species such as bluegill, yellow perch, tullibee, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and black crappie.
Black crappie numbers were moderately abundant in 2014 (4.20 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average of 1.30 fish/gillnet, but below the 2010 gillnet catch (7.50 fish/gillnet). The 2014 black crappie average sizes were small from both gillnets (0.10 pounds and 5.12) and trapnets (0.34 pounds and 6.98 inches). The black crappie historical average length is 7.83 inches from gillnets. Black crappie growth rates were moderate. A large 2013 year class of small (4-6 inches) black crappie was documented in the 2014 survey catch. Black crappie ranging in size from 9-12 inches (2011 and 2009 year classes) currently make up the angler catch based on local reports. Black crappie fishing has been excellent the last few years from shore adjacent to the Highway 55 access during the spring.
Bluegill numbers were abundant in 2014 (18.40 fish/trapnet) compared to the historical average of 9.16 fish/trapnet. The 2014 bluegill average size was small (0.08 pounds and 4.51 inches) from trapnets. The bluegill historical average length is 5.04 inches from trapnets. There were low numbers of moderate sized (6.00 plus inches) bluegill (1.28 fish/trapnet). Bluegill growth rates are generally moderate to excellent for all ages. A large 2012 bluegill year class (<6 inches) was documented in the 2014 survey catch.
Northern pike numbers were abundant in 2014 (5.20 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average of 2.80 fish/gillnet. The 2014 northern pike average size was moderate (3.96 pounds and 24.97 inches) from gillnets. The northern pike historical average length is 24.27 inches from gillnets. There were abundant numbers moderate sized (21.00 plus inches) northern pike (4.60 fish/gillnet). Northern pike growth rates were moderate. The largest northern pike captured was 33.7 inches from a gillnet in 2014. Approximately 72% of the northern pike captured in survey nets were from 2011 and 2010 year classes. Poor winter water clarity resulted in low observed spearing pressure during 2012-13 and 2013-14 winters, but spearing pressure increased in 2014-2015 due to increased clarity based on annual fish house counts and local reports. Northern pike angling (2012 summer) and spearing (2011-12 winter and 2014-15 winter) was excellent according to local reports for moderate/larger sized fish.
Smallmouth bass numbers were moderately abundant in 2014 (1.00 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average of 0.87 fish/gillnet. The smallmouth bass average size was small (0.64 pounds and 10.40 inches) from gillnets. The smallmouth bass historical average length is 12.58 inches from gillnets. Smallmouth bass growth rates are moderate to excellent. Koronis has been known as an excellent smallmouth bass fishery for angling large (>15 inches) fish in recent years.
Tullibee "cisco" numbers were low in 2014 summer (0.20 fish/gillnet) compared to the summer historical average catch rate (1.15 fish/gillnet) for Koronis. The 2014 tullibee average length was small (8.74 inches). The tullibee summer historical average length is 11.91 inches from gillnets.
Vertical gillnets were also set for tullibee at three deep water (50-130 feet deep) sites which included the north bay (Assembly Grounds), southeast side (deepest part) and south side of Third Island during mid-August of 2014. Vertical gillnets were marked at 3.3 feet intervals and depth at capture is recorded for each fish. There were 62 tullibee captured in 15 vertical gillnets. Tullibee captured with this gear averaged 8.1 inches and ranged from 3.1 to 17.5 inches. Approximately 45% of the tullibee captured were likely young of year fish, 34% were probably age 2+ (2012 year class) and 21% were probably ages 6+ to 8+ (2006-2009 year classes) based on historical growth data. The tullibee average depth at capture was 19.4 feet during mid-August. Tullibee were sampled in waters from 3.3-32.8 feet deep. These waters ranged in temperatures from 59-75 F and dissolved oxygen concentrations of 0.12-9.09 ppm.
Tullibee abundance was moderate (23.8 fish/gillnet, 15.28 inches average length) in the 2010 fall gillnet special assessment, but low in 2012 (5.33 fish/gillnet) and 2014 (6.00 fish/gillnet). The 2014 fall tullibee average size was large (2.00 pounds and 15.95 inches) for Koronis. The fall tullibee historical average catch rate and average length are 30.1 fish/gillnet and 15.20 inches for Koronis. Fall tullibee catch rate in nearby Green Lake was also low in 2012 (8.33 fish/gillnet, 13.61 inches average length). Tullibee growth rates were within the Koronis normal ranges for ages 1-6. The 2007 and 2009 year classes each comprised 33% of the 2014 fall tullibee catch in Koronis. Hopefully, cool summers will occur during the next several years, which may result in a good hatch and survival of tullibee in Koronis if adequate brood stock numbers are still present. Tullibee are an important forage species for both large northern pike and walleye.
Yellow perch numbers were moderately abundant in 2014 (36.40 fish/gillnet) compared to similar lakes, but below historical average of 57.90 fish/gillnet. The 2014 yellow perch average size was small (0.12 pounds and 6.38 inches) from gillnets. The yellow perch historical average length is 6.96 inches from gillnets.
Walleye numbers were abundant in 2014 (19.80 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average of 10.48 fish/gillnet. The 2014 walleye average size was moderate (1.27 pounds and 14.67 inches) from gillnets. The walleye historical average length is 13.92 inches from gillnets. There were abundant numbers of moderate sized (15.00 plus inches) walleye (8.00 fish/gillnet) from gillnets in 2014. Walleye growth rates were moderate. The 2011 year class (fry stocked and natural reproduction) comprised 52% of the 2014 walleye gillnet and trapnet catch. Local anglers reported excellent walleye fishing (14-18 inches) in both the 2014 summer and 2014-2015 winter.
Walleye natural reproduction in Koronis was generally both frequent and adequate to sustain walleye numbers based on previous fall and summer surveys from 1993-2002. Young of year "YOY" walleye numbers were low from 2003-2006 and 2008-2010, but abundant since 2011 in Koronis. Abundant numbers of YOY walleye (205.50 YOY/hour, 6.50 inches) were captured in the 2011 fall electrofishing survey. Walleye fry stockings (marked fish) contributed 80% in 2011, 92% in 2012 and 45% in 2013 of the YOY walleye catch in fall electrofishing surveys. Abundant to moderate numbers of YOY walleye captured included 2011 (205.00 YOY/hour), 2012 (32.83 YOY/hour), 2013 (71.25 YOY/hour, and 2014 (208.09 YOY/hour, 6.39 inches average length). The 2011 walleye year class was successful in many area lakes.
Walleye fry (0.5-2.0 million/year) were stocked during 1996 and 2001-2014 as a 10% return of walleye eggs taken for the DNR statewide walleye hatching program. Walleye fingerlings were recently stocked in 2004 (2,409 pounds, 48,180 fish), a combination of ages (2,355 pounds, 45,685 fish) were stocked in 2006, and a combination of yearlings and fingerlings (867 pounds, 4,887 fish) were stocked in 2010 due to poor fry survival from stocking and natural reproduction years.
Rock bass numbers were low in 2014 (0.60 fish/gillnet) compared to the historical average of 1.69 fish/gillnet. The 2014 rock bass average size was small (0.32 pounds and 6.43 inches) from gillnets. The rock bass historical average length is 7.04 inches from gillnets.
Largemouth bass angling in Koronis by fishing clubs has been popular in recent years. Largemouth bass growth rates are excellent in Koronis. Standard survey gears like gillnets and trapnets do not efficiently sample largemouth bass, none the less, fair numbers of largemouth bass (0.40 fish/gillnet) were sampled in 2014.
Other species of interest captured in 2014 included low numbers of black bullhead (0.40 fish/gillnet, 0.00 fish/trapnet), carp (0.00 fish/gillnet, 0.40 fish/trapnet), channel catfish (0.20 fish/gillnet), and yellow bullhead (2.60 fish/trapnet); high numbers of white sucker (7.80 fish/gillnet), bigmouth buffalo (1.00 fish/trapnet), and shorthead redhorse (1.00 fish/gillnet).
Current fish management activities on Koronis include protecting important aquatic vegetation such as bulrush through the permit process, participating in local watershed projects, assisting aquatic plant management and enforcement personnel with invasive species monitoring and education, stocking various species as needed, and stocking walleye fingerlings after two consecutive years of poor natural reproduction as documented by fall night electrofishing surveys. The Koronis fishery will be surveyed again for YOY walleye in the 2015 fall and 2017 for a population assessment.
What is the average air temp for Koronis (main lake)?
Are there any state parks near Koronis (main 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 Koronis (main lake)...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Rice Lake | 5.5 mi | 1,509 | 41 ft |
Calhoun Lake | 7.3 mi | 647 | 13 ft |
Long Lake | 7.6 mi | 325 | 46 ft |
Vails Lake | 8.7 mi | 161 | 20 ft |
Deep Lake | 8.8 mi | 54 | 54 ft |
Big Lake | 9.0 mi | 458 | 42 ft |
Eden Lake | 9.0 mi | 278 | 77 ft |
North Brown's Lake | 9.2 mi | 312 | 41 ft |
South Brown's Lake | 9.3 mi | 97 | 5 ft |
Long Lake | 9.9 mi | 487 | 35 ft |