Middle Spunk Lake

How big is Middle Spunk Lake?

How deep is Middle Spunk Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Middle Spunk Lake?

Are there boat launches on Middle Spunk Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Middle Spunk Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Middle Spunk Lake?

Middle Spunk Lake is a 236 acre lake located within the city limits of Avon in central Stearns County. It has a maximum depth of 81 feet and a large watershed dominated by row crops, forest, and pasture. A city owned public access is located on the northeast corner of the lake. Middle Spunk Lake is managed for Northern Pike and was last surveyed in 2008. Anglers can expect good fishing for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and large Smallmouth Bass.

Emergent and floating leaf vegetation covered more than half of the shoreline in August, primarily cattail, waterlily, and bulrush. Submerged vegetation was not surveyed, but chara and coontail were the dominant species in 2008. Water clarity was good; Secchi depth was 10.5 feet in late June and MPCA data show an average summer Secchi depth of 13 feet over the last ten years. Dissolved oxygen was adequate to support fish down to 35 feet in late June.

Northern Pike numbers were higher than 2008 and above the expected range of values for similar lakes. Lengths ranged from 13.9 to 35.9 inches with an average length and weight of 21.1 inches and 2.3 pounds. Northern Pike were smaller compared to the last survey; only
16% were 24 inches or longer in 2016, compared to 43% in 2008.

Walleye catches have historically been low in Middle Spunk Lake despite regular fingerling stocking for many years. Only four Walleye were captured during the 2016 survey; this is below the expected range of values for lakes like Middle Spunk and similar to results in 2008. Walleye ranged in length from 18.5 to 25 inches with an average length and weight of 22.5 inches and 4.2 pounds. Due to continued poor returns from our Walleye stocking, Middle Spunk Lake will no longer be stocked with Walleye.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass were sampled by electrofishing at night on May 26. The catch rate of 56/hour was below the Sauk Rapids nighttime average of 74/hour and the 2008 result of 68/hour. Largemouth Bass lengths ranged from 4.4 to 17.8 inches with an average length of 10.4 inches. Of catchable size fish (>8 inches), 10% were longer than 15 inches. The Smallmouth Bass catch was lower (16/hr), but most were longer than 16 inches and three exceeded 20 inches.

Middle Spunk Lake is one of the few lakes in the Sauk Rapids Area to support a Tullibee population. However, the Tullibee catch was lower than in 2008 and the lowest recorded from all surveys. Tullibee lengths ranged from 7.5 to 14.6 inches with a mean length of 10.1 inches. Tullibee need cold, well oxygenated water; a warmer climate may be hindering Tullibee survival.

Bluegill numbers were higher than 2008, but within the range of expected values for similar lakes. Lengths ranged from 2.5 to 7.8 inches with an average length of 4.9 inches. Black Crappie numbers were below the expected range and similar to 2008. Black crappie lengths ranged from 7.6 to 8.3 inches, with an average length of 8.1 inches.

Only four Yellow Perch were caught in the survey; perch abundance is likely hindered by high numbers of Northern Pike. Other species captured included: Bowfin (Dogfish), Common Carp, Green and Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, and Yellow Bullhead.

An Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) survey was also conducted on Middle Spunk Lake in August; results from this survey will be summarized in a separate report.

What is the average air temp for Middle Spunk Lake?

Are there any state parks near Middle Spunk Lake?