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Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Union, MN
- How big is Lake Union?
- How deep is Lake Union?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Union?
- What are the closest cities to Lake Union?
- Are there places to stay in the Lake Union area?
- Are there boat launches on Lake Union?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Union?
- What is the average air temp for Lake Union?
How big is Lake Union?
How deep is Lake Union?
What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Union?
Other fish species in the lake include Brook Silverside, Common Shiner, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Lake Union?
Are there places to stay in the Lake Union area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Lake Union?
Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Union?
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History & Status of the Fishery
A population assessment was conducted at Union Lake in 2012 to monitor the fish population. Union is primarily managed for largemouth bass and bluegill.
A total of 2 walleyes were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 0.7/net, indicating low numbers were present. The catch rate in 2007 was 1.3/net. Lengths in 2012 were 17.9 and 19.5 inches long. Historically, despite various stocking efforts, walleye catch rates in Union Lake have failed to reach moderate numbers in all but one year (1997). Walleye stocking was discontinued in 1992 after considering the habitat and fish community dynamics of the lake. The continued presence of walleyes in recent samples (2002, 2007, and 2012) may indicate a small, yet self-sustaining population persists in Union Lake.
A total of 30 northern pike were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 10.0/net, indicating high numbers were present for the third straight sample (2002, 2007, and 2012). This was the second highest catch rate ever observed. Lengths ranged from 14.7 to 32.5 inches with an average length of 22.4 inches. Three northern pike measuring 15.6, 32.5, and 35.0 inches long were sampled with trap nets. Ages from both gears ranged from 1-7 years old with 7 year-classes present. Growth rates were fast.
Three yellow perch up to 6.4 inches long were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 1.0/net, indicating low numbers were present and matched the lowest catch rate ever recorded in 1989. Eleven perch were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 1.4/net. The trap netted fish ranged from 5.6 to 8.0 inches long with an average length of 6.8 inches.
A total of 120 black crappies were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 15.0/net, indicating high numbers were present. The catch rate in 2007 was 8.9/net. In 2012, lengths ranged from 3.5 to 12.4 inches long with an average length of 4.8 inches. Despite the overall large sample size, only about 12% were larger than 5 inches. A total of 17 black crappies were also sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 5.7/net, indicating moderate numbers were present. Ages from both gears ranged from 1-7 years old with 6 year-classes present. Age-1 fish accounted for 66% of the sample with an average length of 4.4 inches long. Growth rates were moderate.
A total of 459 bluegills were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 57.4/net, indicating high numbers were present. Catch rates have increased since the 1997 sample of 13.9/net. The sampled fish ranged from 2.8 to 8.0 inches long with an average length of 5.7 inches. Approximately 18% of the trap netted bluegills were greater than 7 inches, but no individuals over 8 inches were sampled. Bluegills were by far the most commonly sampled fish species in the gill nets with 117 for a catch rate of 39.3/net. Over 32% were greater than 7 inches and one individual measured over 8 inches long. Ages from both gears ranged from 1-9 years old with 9 year-classes present. Growth rates were slow.
A total of 18 largemouth bass were sampled with spring night-time electrofishing for a catch rate of 18.0/hour. The catch rate in 2007 was 14.4/hour. In 2012, largemouth bass were 3.7 to 18.6 inches long with an average length of 11.3 inches. Ages ranged from 1-8 years old with 6 year-classes present. Growth rates were slow.
A total of 14 black bullheads were sampled with gill nets for a catch rate of 4.7/net, indicating moderate numbers were present. The catch rate in 2007 was 34.5/net. Nine black bullheads were sampled in trap nets for a catch rate of 1.1/net, also indicating moderate numbers were present.
Two common carp measuring 25.6 and 30.2 inches long were sampled with trap nets for a catch rate of 0.3/net, indicating low numbers were present. No carp were sampled with the gill nets.
Other species sampled in 2012 include bowfin, brown bullhead, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, white sucker, and hybrid sunfish (Lepomis spp.).
What is the average air temp for Lake Union?
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Lake Union...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Scott Lake | 1.5 mi | 83 | 23 ft |
Lake Betty | 1.8 mi | 154 | 29 ft |
Pickeral Lake | 1.9 mi | 20 | 37 ft |
Lake Francis | 2.2 mi | 1,053 | 17 ft |
West Lake Sylvia | 2.3 mi | 904 | 97 ft |
Moose Lake | 2.4 mi | 87 | 43 ft |
East Lake Sylvia | 3.2 mi | 669 | 78 ft |
Louisa Lake | 3.6 mi | 189 | 44 ft |
Goose Lake | 4.1 mi | 42 | 14 ft |
Marie Lake | 4.4 mi | 146 | 36 ft |