Lake Ida

How big is Lake Ida?

How deep is Lake Ida?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Ida?

Are there boat launches on Lake Ida?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Ida?

Ida Lake is located in northern Wright County, about four miles west of Monticello. The lake has a surface area of 231 acres and a maximum depth of 60 feet. Ida Lake is one of the clearer lakes in the area, and is popular for angling and other types of recreation. A public access located on the southeast shore has a boat ramp and parking for several vehicles.
A survey was conducted in 2012 to assess fish populations, and included spring electrofishing and summer netting (trap nets, gill nets, and seines). The survey also included water chemistry analysis, watershed mapping, and an aquatic plant survey. For the most part, few changes in the abundance and size of fish species present were observed since the last survey in 2002.

Ida Lake is well suited for bass and panfish, due to the clear water and diverse, abundant aquatic plants. Bluegill numbers and average size were within the expected range expected for similar lakes. Most bluegills were in the 6-7.5 inch range, with a few over eight inches. Pumpkinseed, green, and hybrid sunfish were also sampled, but in lower numbers. Largemouth bass were sampled in the spring by electrofishing, and the catch rate of bass was higher than average for the area. The average size was 12 inches, with some as large as 17.5 inches. Only a few black crappie were sampled during the survey, but some anglers have reported good success during spring.

Northern pike also thrive in Ida Lake. There is ample area for spawning along the marshy shorelines and the clear water favors species that rely on sight for finding prey. A high number of northern pike were sampled in 2012, but average size was low (1.7 pounds). Ida Lake does hold a few larger individuals; a 38 inch northern pike was caught during the survey. Yellow perch numbers appeared very low due to the high northern pike population, and this probably limits growth rates of smaller northern pike.

As part of the lake survey, ages of fish are determined from looking at ear stones and other bony parts. Northern pike, bluegill, and largemouth bass all appeared to be long-lived, but relatively slow growing. This is typical of many lakes in the area that are clear, with average to high fish populations. Most of the black crappies sampled were two years old. It is common to see a few strong year classes making up the majority of a crappie population.

Ida Lake has excellent water quality, due largely to its small watershed (the surrounding land which drains into the lake). Because the watershed is mostly comprised of residential areas, lakeshore owners play an important role in maintaining the high quality of the lake environment. The DNR website contains information on protecting lakeshores and watersheds. Anglers and other recreational users are encouraged to remain diligent in thoroughly inspecting boat trailers, anchors and equipment to prevent and reduce the spread of invasive species to area lakes.

What is the average air temp for Lake Ida?