Orchard Lake

How big is Orchard Lake?

How deep is Orchard Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Orchard Lake?

What are the closest cities to Orchard Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Orchard 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 Orchard Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Orchard Lake

Are there boat launches on Orchard Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Orchard Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Orchard Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Orchard 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 Orchard Lake?

Orchard Lake is a 235 acre (177 littoral acres), class 29 lake located in Lakeville in Dakota County. The lake is primarily managed for Hybrid (Tiger) Muskellunge and Largemouth Bass. Hybrid Muskellunge fingerlings are stocked at a rate of 2 fish per surface acre (468 fish) in even numbered years. Walleye were last stocked in 2015. An analysis of stocking effectiveness in 2017 determined that stocking was largely ineffective at providing a Walleye fishery and stocking plans were changed so that surplus Walleye fingerlings would be stocked at a rate of 1 pound/littoral acre when they are available. The lake was sampled with gill nets and trap nets in June while electrofishing targeting Largemouth Bass was conducted in May. The previous survey on this lake occurred in 2012.

Walleye were sampled by gill nets at a rate of 0.5 fish per net. This is equal to the 25th percentile for the lake class and similar to historical catch rates for the lake. Both fish sampled were approximately 20 inches long and 8 years old. Walleye are not expected to be abundant in this system as stocking has not occurred since 2015.

Hybrid (Tiger) Muskellunge were sampled at a rate of 1.25 fish per gill net. This is the highest catch rate on record although it is questionable as to how accurately summer gill netting reflects Hybrid Muskellunge population metrics. Fish ranged in length from 26.9 to 37.4 inches with a mean of 30.8 inches.

Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 5.8 fish per gill net, slightly below average for the lake class. Historical catches for this lake have varied widely but this rate is the lowest recorded and substantial lower than catches from the 2001 survey and earlier. Mean size exceeded the 75th percentile for the lake class with an average length of 22.7 inches. This is similar to historical average sizes surveyed. The largest fish sampled was 29 inches.

Yellow Perch were sampled by gill nets at a rate of 2 fish per net. This is equal to the 25th percentile for the lake class and typical for the lake relative to historical catches. Sizes ranged from 5.8 to 6.4 inches.

Trap nets sampled Bluegill at a rate of 14.4 fish per net. This is substantially lower than the average for the lake class and historical surveys. Catch rates have been over 100 fish per net for every survey since 1991. Size was relatively small with a mean length of 4.6 inches and a maximum of 7.8 inches.

Black Crappie were sampled by trap nets at a rate of 1.1 fish per net. This is typical for the lake and lake class. Fish size was respectable with a mean length of 8.9 inches and fish up to 10.9 inches sampled.

Largemouth Bass were sampled by electrofishing at a rate of 66.6 fish per hour. This is roughly half the catch rate of the previous survey and somewhat low relative to other historical catch rates. Mean size was the largest recorded with an average length of 12.4 inches. Fish up to 19 inches were sampled and 20 percent were longer than 15 inches.

Other species sampled were: Black Bullhead, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Bullhead.

What is the average air temp for Orchard Lake?