Lotus Lake

How big is Lotus Lake?

How deep is Lotus Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lotus Lake?

What are the closest cities to Lotus Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Lotus Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Lotus Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Lotus Lake

Are there boat launches on Lotus Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lotus Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Lotus Lake?

Lotus Lake is a 245-acres (182 littoral acres) with a maximum depth of 29 feet. Lotus is located north of Chanhassen in northeastern Carver County. Lotus is primarily managed for Walleye and Largemouth Bass, but also supports catchable populations of Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. Public water access is provided by the City of Chanhassen on the south side of the lake off of State Highway 101 (up to 10 vehicle/trailer parking spaces).

A Standard Survey (9 trap nets/6 gill nets) was conducted on Lotus Lake during the week of 7/6/2021 to assess the fishery. During the 2021 survey, Lotus was productive (brown-green stained water), with moderate water clarity, measured at 5 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was zero parts per million (ppm) below 13 feet during the survey period. Eurasian Watermilfoil, Brittle Naiad, and Zebra Mussels has been found in Lotus Lake and remain present.

Walleye in Lotus Lake are maintained through fingerling stocking in odd numbered years. During the 2021 survey, Walleye were captured at high numbers (9.5/net); the highest catch rate in the previous 27 years. There were 57 Walleye sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 15.7 inches and the largest measured at 24.2 inches. Walleye size indices describe a balanced population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Growth rates were fast compared to the statewide average, with an average length of 12.3 inches by age 2. The 2021 survey results show Lotus exceeding abundance and size goals, providing desirable angling opportunity.

Largemouth Bass were sampled during spring 2021 with nighttime boat electrofishing; the first time this type of sampling has been completed on Lotus. Catch rates were moderate, with 34.4 fish/hour. A total of 63 bass were sampled, with an average length of 12.6 inches and the largest measured at 19.0 inches.

High numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (79.7/net). There were 717 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2021 survey, with an average length of 5.5 inches and the largest measured at 7.9 inches. Bluegill size indices describe a population skewed towards smaller individuals. High Bluegill densities and competition among other Bluegill are likely reducing growth potential and keeping sizes low.

Moderate numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (8.5/net) and trap nets (14.6/net), near the expected catch rates of similar metro lakes. There were 182 Black Crappie sampled during the 2021 survey, with an average length of 7.2 inches and the largest measured at 15.0 inches. Black Crappie in Lotus Lake are mainly composed of small individuals with only 32% of fish sampled greater than 8 inches. However, the presence of a single crappie greater than 15" shows that lake conditions exist that have the potential to grow fish to trophy size.

Low numbers of Yellow Perch were sampled with gill nets (2.2/net). There were 13 Yellow Perch sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 7.1 inches and the largest measured at 8.9 inches. While providing little value to anglers, Yellow Perch in Lotus Lake play an important role in the diets of Walleye.

Other fish species sampled in low abundances were Brown Bullhead, Northern Pike, Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.

With multiple invasive species found in Lotus Lake, anglers can help stop the spread by following three steps every time they leave a lake or river - whether or not it's infested:
Clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other invasive species from boats, trailers, and water-related equipment.
Drain water from your boat, ballast tanks, motor, live well and bait container. Remove drain plugs and keep drain plugs out while transporting equipment.
Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. To keep live bait, drain the water and refill the bait container with bottled or tap water.

What is the average air temp for Lotus Lake?