Town Lake

How big is Town Lake?

How deep is Town Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Town Lake?

What are the closest cities to Town Lake?

Are there boat launches on Town Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Town Lake?

Town Lake is a relatively shallow, eutrophic lake that is subject to partial winterkills of some fish species. A standard survey was conducted in June 2017 using four gill nets and eight trap nets.

Despite annual Walley fry stocking since 2010, only one Walleye was sampled during the 2017 assessment. No Walleyes have been caught in the previous assessments, although anglers may find them occasionally, as they are present in the Otter Tail River and may migrate into Town Lake. The captured Walleye was 14.6 inches long.

Bluegills sampled during the 2017 assessment were of decent size, with an average length of nearly seven inches, and a maximum length of 9.3 inches. During the assessment, many large Bluegills were observed on nests. Spawning conditions are ideal in Town Lake. Bluegill catch rates are similar to those observed in 2007, and above average for lakes of similar biological characteristics.

Only seven Black Crappies were sampled during the 2017 assessment. Crappies ranged from 5.6 inches to 7.8 inches (trap net data), with an average length of 8.9 inches. Crappie populations are more accurately sampled with electrofishing, which was not part of the 2017 assessment.

The population of Northern Pike in Town Lake has remained relatively stable over the three assessments that have been completed. Over 13 pike were sampled in each gill net. The average length of pike sampled was 21.8 inches, and the maximum length sampled was 31.3. The natural characteristics of Town Lake make it ideal for Northern Pike, with abundant spawning habitat.

Yellow Perch sampled during the 2017 were between 5.2 and 9.3 inches, with an average length of 6.9 inches. The population is within normal range for lakes of similar conditions, and surprisingly stable, given the high Northern Pike population.

Black, Yellow, and Brown Bullheads are all present in Town Lake, while only Brown and Yellow Bullheads were sampled in 2017. Average bullhead size was 10.0 inches (Yellow) and 13.1 inches (Brown).

Other fish sampled during the 2017 assessment include Bowfin, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker.

Dissolved oxygen in Town Lake during the winter months of 2017-2018 reached critical levels, and winterkill is expected. Detroit Lakes Area Fisheries will check Town Lake in spring, 2018 to determine if reestablishment of the fishery is necessary.

What is the average air temp for Town Lake?

Are there any state parks near Town Lake?