Bello Lake

How big is Bello Lake?

How deep is Bello Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Bello Lake?

What are the closest cities to Bello Lake?

Are there boat launches on Bello Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Bello Lake?

Bello Lake is located about 5 miles north of Marcell, MN, and within the Chippewa National Forest. The 493 acre lake has 251 littoral acres, a maximum depth of 58 feet with no connectivity. There is an earthen DNR administered access on the east shore between the north and south basin. The lake management plan was last updated in 2008. Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie are primary management species while Bluegill are considered secondary management species. The 2016 survey is one of seven conducted since 1973, assessing the fish community.

Electrofishing sampled Largemouth Bass at a rate nearly double the previous assessment. The 2016 catch rate surpassed the antiquated 2008 management goal which was likely based on the initial electrofishing survey. Size structure was quality with lengths ranging from 5.1 to 19.4 inches with an average length of 13.2 inches, similar to the previous survey. Scale analysis identified ages 2-10 present. Growth was slow early, but similar to the statewide average by age 3. Largemouth Bass averaged 15.1 inches by age 7.

Black Crappie were sampled at a rate above what was expected for lakes similar to Bello and the previous assessment. The trap net catch rate was within the expected range and similar to the 2007 assessment. The 2016 trap net catch rate was similar to the lake management goals. Size structure was favorable. Lengths ranged from 4.7 to 11.0 inches and an average length of 8.7 inches, similar to the previous assessment. Scale analysis identified ages 1, 3-7. The sample size was too small to evaluate recruitment, but age 5 represented 44% of the sample. Similar to the previous assessment, growth was slow and below the statewide averages. Black Crappie averaged eight inches by age 5.

Bluegill were sampled at a rate within the typical range and above the previous assessment. A modest size structure was observed with lengths from 3.4 to 8.4 inches and an average length of 5.8 inches. Scale analysis identified ages 2-10 present with most ages represented indicating relatively consistent recruitment. Growth was similar to the lake class averages for all ages. Bluegill averaged almost seven inches by age 8.

Northern Pike were the second most numerous species sampled in gill nets at a predictable rate but lower than the previous survey. Size structure was favorable with some quality individuals present. Lengths ranged from 15.0 to 36.7 inches and an average length of 22.2 inches. Scale and bone analysis identified eight age classes, with individuals up to age 9 present. Growth was similar to the statewide average for all ages. Northern Pike averaged 24.9 inches by age 5.

Yellow Perch were sampled at a rate of 0.5/gill net below the typical range for this lake type, and similar to the last survey. The four fish sampled had a mean length of 6.1 inches.

Tullibee were sampled at a rate of 3.5/gill net, near the lake class average. Lengths ranged from 8.5 to 18.7 inches with a mean length of 10.7 inches. Triaenophorus was not observed in 24 inspected Tullibee.

Other species sampled included Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Tullibee, Rock Bass, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch.

What is the average air temp for Bello Lake?

Are there any state parks near Bello Lake?