Somers Lake

How big is Somers Lake?

How deep is Somers Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Somers Lake?

What are the closest cities to Somers Lake?

Are there boat launches on Somers Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Somers Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Somers Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Somers 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?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Somers Lake?

Somers Lake is a 158-acre lake located about three miles north of Maple Lake in Wright County. Somers is connected to Mink Lake via a navigable channel and a public boat access is located on the southwest side of Mink Lake. High phosphorous concentrations result in nuisance algal blooms, large stands of curly-leaf pondweed and reduced water clarity. A standard lake survey was conducted in Augustto monitor changes in the fishery from the last survey completed in 2011. In addition to the standard survey, a Bluegill assessment was conducted in May and an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) survey was conducted in August. Results from these surveys will be summarized in separate reports.

Mink and Somers Lakes were reclaimed with rotenone in 1994. The lakes were restocked and closed to fishing until 1998, when special regulations were established, including bag limits of 5 sunfish, 5 crappie, 10 Yellow Perch, 2 Walleye and catch and release of Largemouth Bass. The use of live minnows is also prohibited. In 2003, a 24 to 36 inch protected slot with one over 36 inches allowed in possession was put in place for Northern Pike. In 2008, the Yellow Perch regulation was dropped, the Walleye regulation was changed to a 17 inch minimum, three fish bag limit, and the Largemouth Bass regulation was changed to a 12 to 20 inch protected slot limit with harvest of one bass over 20 inches allowed.

Walleye have been stocked as fry, fingerlings, and adults since the reclamation and the lake is currently stocked with fingerlings every other year. The catch of Walleye was lower than reported in 2011, but within the expected range of values for similar lakes. Walleye ranged in length from 20 to 28 inches with an average length of 24 inches. Only six Walleye were sampled during the survey, but represented five different year classes.

Northern Pike were never stocked in Mink-Somers Lakes but established populations by 2001. The 2016 catch of Northern Pike was the highest observed since reclamation and is above the expected range for similar lakes. Pike ranged in length from 11 to 33 with a mean length of 26 inches. Seventy-six percent of the Northern Pike sampled were longer than 24 inches and 12% were longer than 30 inches.

Anglers are encouraged to harvest smaller pike (under 22 inches) and release the larger ones to help achieve a more balanced fish community and promote good growth rates. Lower pike numbers may also increase the survival of young Walleye and Yellow Perch. Higher perch populations are desirable as they are an important prey species for both Walleye and Northern Pike.

Largemouth Bass were sampled by night-time electrofishing on June 19, 2016. Eighty-seven bass were sampled in 0.92 hours of effort for a catch rate of 95.0 fish/hr. This is higher than the average night-time catch rate for Sauk Rapids Area lakes (73.6 fish/hour). Largemouth Bass ranged in length from 3 to 20 inches with an average length of 13 inches and numerous bass longer than 15 inches.

The catch of Yellow Perch was significantly higher when compared to recent surveys and well above the range of expected values for similar lakes. Yellow Perch ranged in length from 5 to 8 inches with an average length of 6 inches.

Bluegill catches were slightly lower than previous surveys, but still within the range of expected values for similar lakes. Overall, Bluegill ranged in length from 3 to 9 inches with an average length of 6 inches. The trap net catch of Black Crappie was also slightly lower than previous surveys, but within the range of expected values for similar lakes. Whereas, the gill net catch was higher the previous survey and higher than the expected values for similar lakes. Black Crappie ranged in length from 4 to 12 inches with an average length of 7 inches.

In 2001, Common Carp were present in high numbers in Mink and Somers lakes (9.4/gill net and 3.4/trap net, lakes combined). However, as the average size of Carp increased, the catches decreased such that in 2016 no Carp were caught in the gill nets and only 1.1/trap net.

Pumpkinseed Sunfish were the only other fish species sampled during the survey.

What is the average air temp for Somers Lake?