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Frequently Asked Questions About Howard Lake, MN
- How big is Howard Lake?
- How deep is Howard Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Howard Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Howard Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Howard Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Howard Lake?
- Are there boat launches on Howard Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Howard Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Howard Lake?
How big is Howard Lake?
How deep is Howard Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Howard Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Emerald Shiner, Fathead Minnow, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Howard Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Howard Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Howard Lake?
Are there boat launches on Howard Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Howard Lake?
Explore the Howard Lake area in a RV
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2020 Lightning Aluminum Enclosed 5-place Snowmobile Trailer
Lakeville, MN
What aquatic invasive species are found in Howard 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
Howard Lake is a 717 acre lake located in the City of Howard Lake in Wright County. About half of the lake is less than 15 feet deep. Howard Lake has a maximum depth of 39 feet and three public accesses. The most useable is the Lions Park access located on the southeast end of the lake. Previous surveys were conducted in 2002, 1996, 1990, and 1985.
While Howard Lake has had a reputation of being a good fishing lake things seemed to change after a flooding event in June 2002. Water quality worsened, Eurasian Water Milfoil was discovered and angling was poor. This survey is the second since that flooding event occurred and includes electrofishing for Largemouth Bass. Results indicate that Howard Lake fish populations have improved since the 2002 flooding event.
Largemouth Bass were sampled with nighttime electrofishing on May 15, 2014. Forty six Largemouth Bass were sampled in 1.4 hours of effort for a catch rate of 32.7 fish per hour. This is below the average catch rate (59.0 fish per hour) for Montrose Area lakes, but similar to the two previous surveys. Although the bass may not be as numerous as other area lakes there are quality sized fish. Largemouth Bass ranged from 9.0 to 19.8 inches in length.
Gill nets and trap nets were set from August 11th-15th. A total of 51 Walleye were sampled in the gill nets. The 4.3 fish/gill net was an increase from the previous survey (2.7 fish/gill net), but was still below the recent high seen in the 1996 survey (8.7 fish/gill net). The Walleye catch is higher than average for its Lake Class. Howard lake has an estimated 0.8 Walleye per acre (PE 548; 222-1,371). Eight year classes were identified. The 2010 and 2011 year classes were the strongest, and represented 78% of the aged samples. Fish age three through nine were present with the exception of five year olds. Fish ranged in length from 9.7 to 26 inches, with an average length and weight of 20.7 inches and 3.5 pounds.
The catch rate of 5.8 Northern Pike/gill net was an increase from the previous survey (1.8 fish/net). This catch rate puts Northern Pike above the average rate for similar lakes. Northern Pike ranged in length from 10.7 to 36.7 inches with the average fish being 25.5 inches and 3.8 pounds. Seventy-five Northern Pike were sampled during the August survey. Mark recapture samples estimated there are 2.8 Northern Pike per acre in Howard Lake (PE: 1,988; 939-4,587).
The number of Yellow Perch is below average for lakes with similar characteristics. This is the third survey in a row with a decreased catch rate of Yellow Perch. They ranged in length from 4.1 to 8.3 inches with an average length of 6.4 inches.
The Bluegill catch was low, but still an increase from the previous survey. Fish ranged in length from 2.8 to 7.1 inches, with an average length of 5.0 inches. Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, and Pumpkinseeds were also observed during this survey.
The Black Crappie catch was low at 0.2 fish per trap net and 2.4 per gill net. Although few fish were seen in the summer survey, there were numerous Black Crappies seen in the spring ice out survey. Fish were seen from 5.0 to 14.6 inches in length, with an average length being 10.3 inches.
Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullhead were in high numbers in Howard Lake. Catch rates for Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullheads were 8.4, 10.1, and 8.6 fish per gill net, respectively. All species of Bullhead were relatively the same size, ranging from 5.0 to 15.1 inches in length. The bullhead species in Howard Lake were of exceptional size and considered to be some of the best in the Montrose Area.
Other fish species identified in Howard Lake included: Bluntnose Minnow, Central Mudminnow, Fathead Minnow, Iowa and Johnny Darter, Spottail Shiner, and Tadpole Madtom.
What is the average air temp for Howard Lake?
Howard Lake Reviews
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More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Howard Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Dutch Lake | 1.5 mi | 162 | 21 ft |
Smith Lake | 2.8 mi | 244 | 5 ft |
Lake Ann | 3.3 mi | 375 | 18.5 ft |
Yager Lake | 3.4 mi | 212 | 27 ft |
Yaeger Lake | 3.5 mi | 111 | 28 ft |
Little Waverly Lake | 3.6 mi | 338 | 12 ft |
Lake Emma | 4.1 mi | 189 | 16 ft |
Grass Lake | 4.4 mi | 92 | 35 ft |
Waverly Lake | 4.7 mi | 492 | 70.5 ft |
Round Lake | 5.0 mi | 45 | 28 ft |