Battle Lake

How big is Battle Lake?

How deep is Battle Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Battle Lake?

Are there boat launches on Battle Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Battle Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Battle Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Battle 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?

Battle Lake is a 199 acre lake located east of Effie, MN in the Bigfork River watershed. The lake has a maximum depth of 15 feet and is part of a navigable chain of lakes including Pickerel and Deer Lakes. The lake has limited development, and the primary access is through a shallow channel from Pickerel Lake. All three lakes in the chain have a conservation regulation (10 fish daily bag limit) for sunfish and a slot length limit (17-26 inch protected) for Walleye.

The lake management plan (LMP) was last revised in 2014. Bluegill and Black Crappie were considered primary management species because they are well suited for the lake. Northern Pike and Walleye were considered secondary management species. A standard survey was conducted in 2018 to assess the status of the fish community.

The Bluegill trap net catch rate in 2018 was above the management plan goal, but within the typical range when compared to similar lakes. Bluegill numbers may be increasing in Battle Lake. A trend of increased Bluegill abundance has been noted in many area lakes in recent years and is consistent with statewide trends. The three highest catch rates for Battle Lake Bluegill have occurred in the most recent surveys. Average size in Battle Lake has generally declined over the same period. Sampled Bluegill in 2010 ranged from 3.2 to 9.2 inches, with an average length of 6.0 inches. This compares to average lengths of 6.8 inches in 2004 and 8.4 inches in 1998. Size structure in the most recent survey was influenced by a strong 2015 year class. Ages 2 through 10 were represented, but age 3 fish made up 42% of the sample. Despite the decline in average size, overall size quality remains favorable, as 27% of the sampled Bluegill exceed 8 inches. Good angling opportunities appear to exist for Bluegills given the abundance and size quality.

Battle Lake typically produces a modest crappie population. The 2018 catch was typical of Battle Lake and similar to lakes with comparable habitats. The catch rate was below the LMP goal and had declined from the previous two surveys. Crappie populations in northern Minnesota are often cyclical, and the Battle Lake fishery likely varies based on inconsistent year class production. At the time of this survey, the population appeared to be comprised of mostly younger fish. Crappie from gill nets ranged from 4.2 to 11.6 inches, with an average length of 8.0 inches. Ages 1 and 3 made up 62% of the sample, with average growth of 9.2 inches at age 5.

Battle Lake has a history of moderate to high pike numbers with poor size quality. The 2018 gill net catch for Northern Pike was higher than the LMP goal, but less than the catch from the previous survey. Reduced pike numbers are often desirable, as high numbers of small pike result in poor growth and small average size. Size quality remained relatively poor in 2018. Sampled pike ranged from 17.4 to 26.3 inches with an average length of 21 inches. Poor size quality may limit the popularity of the pike fishery. The north central pike zone regulation implemented in 2018 requires anglers to release pike from 22-26 inches, while allowing for more harvest of small pike. It is hoped that this regulation will improve size quality on Battle Lake.

Battle Lake typically produces a modest number of Walleye. The walleye gill net catch remained below the expected range for similar lakes, and was similar to previous surveys. Net catches for Walleye have only exceeded the management plan goal of 2.0/net in two of the ten surveys since 1960. Sampled Walleye were generally large, as lengths ranged from 18.9 to 27.2 inches, with an average length of 21.6 inches. Low numbers likely limit the popularity of the Walleye fishery.

The gill net catch for Yellow Perch was below the typical range for similar lakes. Like many Minnesota lakes, perch numbers have declined over time. Although catches in past surveys have been as high as 51.3/net, historical catch rates have generally been less than 10.0/net. Size structure of Yellow Perch is too poor to interest most anglers. Low perch numbers likely limit Walleye production.

Unfortunately, bass are difficult to evaluate with test nets and boat electrofishing was not attempted due to the limited access and remote nature of Battle Lake. Test netting suggests that Largemouth Bass are relatively abundant, as the trap net catch rate was higher than expected compared to similar lakes. Bass ranged from 4.6 to 17.2 inches.

Other species sampled in test nets included Brown Bullhead, White Sucker, Pumpkinseed Sunfish and Hybrid Sunfish.

What is the average air temp for Battle Lake?

Are there any state parks near Battle Lake?