Warner Lake

How big is Warner Lake?

How deep is Warner Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Warner Lake?

What are the closest cities to Warner Lake?

Are there boat launches on Warner Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Warner Lake?

Warner Lake is located two miles west of Clearwater in eastern Stearns County. It has a surface area of 27 acres and a maximum depth of 38 feet. The watershed is large and primarily agriculture, forest, pasture, and wetland. Water quality is good, especially given the large watershed; July water clarity was over eight feet. A total of 21 species of aquatic plants were found and the near shore area is mostly covered with emergent and floating-leaf vegetation, especially waterlilies. The lake is surrounded by a county park with no residential development. A nature center and boat ramp are located on the north end of the lake. The last survey was in 2002.

Northern pike were caught in numbers within the expected range for similar lakes and nearly the same as in 2002. Average length (21 inches) and weight (two pounds) were also similar to 2002. The largest northern pike was 30 inches long. Growth was fast, reaching 20 inches in three years and nearly all northern pike were one or three years old. Anglers can help improve the fishery by releasing larger fish (>24 inches) and keeping smaller northern pike to eat.

Daytime electrofishing for largemouth bass in May resulted in a catch rate of 16/hr. This is less than the Montrose median for daytime electrofishing of 38/hr and less than the 2002 catch of 29/hr. Average length was 13 inches and the largest individual was 19 inches. Twenty-nine percent of adult largemouth bass were longer than 15 inches. One smallmouth bass was also caught. Anglers are encouraged to help improve the fishery by practicing catch and release for largemouth bass.

Black crappie catch rates have been low in all surveys. The 2012 catch was lower than 2002, but within the expected range for similar lakes. Average length (6 inches) and weight were low and the largest individual was 9 inches. Black crappie growth was slow. The bluegill catch rate was low, but within the expected range for similar lakes. Past catches have been higher, ranging from six to 29 per trap net. Bluegill average length was over six inches and the largest individual was eight inches. Young bluegill grew quickly, reaching five inches at age two, but growth for older fish was average, reaching seven inches at age five. Most bluegill were four to six years old.

A few large channel catfish, one small walleye, and one yellow perch were also caught during the survey. Other species included: bigmouth buffalo, hybrid sunfish, yellow bullhead, and white sucker. Warner Lake is connected to the Mississippi River via Plum Creek, which may account for the presence of bigmouth buffalo, channel catfish and walleye.

What is the average air temp for Warner Lake?