Vails Lake

How big is Vails Lake?

How deep is Vails Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Vails Lake?

What are the closest cities to Vails Lake?

Are there boat launches on Vails Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Vails Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Vails Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Vails 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?

Mud Lake, also known as Vails Lake, is located north of Eden Valley, in south-central Stearns County. The lake is 151 acres and relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of 20 feet. It is the first of a series of lakes that outlet northward to join the Sauk River Chain of Lakes. Nearly 23,000 acres of mostly agricultural land form the watershed of Mud Lake, and this is reflected in the lake's impaired water quality. The lake has had a history of partial winterkill, but significant fish loss has not occurred since 2001. Submersed plant growth is inhibited by low water clarity. Coontail and sago pondweed were the most common species sampled, but curly-leaf pondweed was also very abundant in early June. The 2013 survey consisted of day-time electrofishing, gill and trap netting, and an aquatic plant survey.

Largemouth Bass were sampled by electrofishing in late May. Forty-five Largemouth Bass were captured in just under 1 hour of effort, somewhat above average for lakes in the area. Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 7.3 to 18.8 inches with an average length and weight of 11.5 inches and 0.9 pounds.

The catch rate of Northern Pike in 2013 was within the range expected for lakes like Mud and similar to the rate observed in 2003. Northern Pike ranged in length from 17.6 to 30.3 inches with an average length and weight of 21.8 inches and 2.4 pounds. Seventeen percent of the Northern Pike catch was longer than 24 inches. Average size has decreased, which may be due to a decrease in the number of Yellow Perch available for forage.

Mud Lake is not stocked with Walleye, but several were sampled during the 2013 survey. It is likely that fish can migrate in from Eden Lake (less than 1/2 mile), which is regularly stocked with Walleye fry. Walleye ranged in length from 11.5 to 23.0 inches, and averaged 18.2 inches and 2.4 pounds. Channel Catfish, which were not found in previous surveys, were also sampled in low numbers compared to the rest of the Sauk River of Chain of Lakes but the average length and weight (21.4 inches and 3.5 pounds) was larger.

The catch rate of Black Crappie was relatively high, which has been historically the case in Mud Lake. Black Crappie ranged in length from 4.8 to 11.8 inches with a mean length of 8.2 inches and 0.34 pounds. The catch rate of Bluegill was also high in Mud Lake and fish ranged in length from 4.6 to 8.9 inches with a mean length and weight of 6.3 inches and 0.21 pounds.

Growth rates of all the species mentioned above were similar to statewide averages. Other species sampled in 2013 included Black and Yellow bullheads, Common Carp, Bowfin, Pumpkinseed, Golden Shiner, and White Sucker.

What is the average air temp for Vails Lake?