Whaletail Lake

How big is Whaletail Lake?

How deep is Whaletail Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Whaletail Lake?

What are the closest cities to Whaletail Lake?

Are there boat launches on Whaletail Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Whaletail Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Whaletail Lake?

Whaletail Lake is 510-acres (469 littoral acres) with a maximum depth of 22 feet. Whaletail is located northeast of St. Bonifacious in southwestern Hennepin County. Public water access is provided by DNR Parks and Trails on the northwest side of the lake off of County road 92 and West Highland road (up to 16 vehicle/trailer parking spaces). Whaletail is primarily managed for Northern Pike and Black Crappie, but also supports catchable populations of Bluegill and Largemouth Bass.

A Standard Survey (9 trap nets/6 gill nets) was conducted on Whaletail Lake during the week of 7/26/2021 to assess the fishery. During the 2021 survey, Whaletail was productive (brown-green stained water), with low water clarity, measured at 3 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen was zero parts per million (ppm) below 11 feet during the survey period. Eurasian Watermilfoil has been found in Whaletail Lake and remains present.

Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (9.0/net), at a comparable rate to similar lakes in the metro. The 2021 survey marked the highest Northern Pike catch rate in the previous 25 years. Although record catches were recorded, this did not negatively impact Northern Pike size structure. There were 54 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets, with an average size of 24.9 inches and the largest measured at 34.3 inches. Northern Pike size indices describe a balanced population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Northern Pike growth was fast compared to similar lakes across the metro, with an average length of 22.7 inches by age 4. Northern Pike had an annual mortality estimate of 37%, and consistent recruitment, with 6 consecutive year classes present during sampling and age analysis. Northern Pike in Whaletail Lake appear to be thriving with high numbers, fast growth, consistent recruitment, and low mortality. As a reminder, anglers can keep 10 northern pike on Whaletail Lake, but not more than two pike longer than 26 inches; and all from 22 to 26 inches must be released.

Moderate numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (17.5/net) and trap nets (5.8/net). There were 153 Black Crappie sampled during the 2021 survey, with an average length of 6.5 inches and the largest measured at 9.5 inches. Black Crappie in Whaletail Lake were mainly composed of small individuals with only 12% of fish sampled greater than 8 inches. Black Crappie growth was typical of the metro area, with an average length of 6.6 inches by age 3. Black Crappie mortality was high with an estimated annual mortality rate of 47%. While Whaletail Lake had been known as a crappie fishing destination, much of this was attributed to the White Crappie population. White Crappie were virtually non-existent from the 2021 survey with 3 fish sampled, and an average length of 6.5 inches.

Moderate numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (39.4/net). Although not an extremely high catch rate based on similar lakes, the 2021 catch rate was the highest Bluegill catch on Whaletail Lake in the previous 25 years. There were 355 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2021 survey, with an average length of 5.0 inches and the largest measured at 8.1 inches. Bluegill densities are currently high, leading to competition among individuals, in turn reducing growth potential, and keeping sizes low.

Largemouth Bass are present in Whaletail Lake, although targeted boat-electrofishing did not occur during the 2021 survey. Incidental capture with trap and gill nets caught 21 Largemouth Bass, which averaged 15.4 inches, with the largest measured at 19.5 inches. Targeted boat-electrofishing is intended for the next survey (scheduled for 2026 + 1 yr).

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

What is the average air temp for Whaletail Lake?