Forest Lake

How big is Forest Lake?

How deep is Forest Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Forest Lake?

What are the closest cities to Forest Lake?

Are there boat launches on Forest Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Forest Lake?

Forest Lake is a small lake in the City of Grand Rapids. The lake covers 38 acres, of which 15 are littoral, and has a maximum depth of 31 feet. There are no inlets, and a small outlet on the southwest end flows into the Mississippi River. Forest Lake is a popular urban fishery with a public swimming beach on the east shore and a public fishing pier on the south shore. Forest Lake is one of six lakes located within the city limits of Grand Rapids and therefore provides special opportunities for fisheries management. The installation of the fishing pier has provided fishing opportunities for those without a boat.

Bluegill were the most common fish captured in the gill net and the trap net samples. The 2009 catch was by far the highest recorded for the lake. The trap net catch was high compared to similar lakes and well above average for Forest Lake. Bluegills were generally small as few individuals exceeded 8 inches. Given the apparently high density, good angling opportunities may exist for high catches of small individuals but a lack of larger individuals may limit the popularity of the bluegill fishery.

Yellow perch were the second most common fish in the gill net sample. The catch rate was average compared to similar lakes but relatively low compared to past assessments of Forest Lake. Forest Lake has historically produced high yellow perch catches and the 2009 catch was the lowest on record. Yellow perch were generally too small to be of interest to anglers and no individuals over 8 inches were captured. Yellow perch are an important prey species in Forest Lake and low yellow perch numbers may limit northern pike and walleye production.

Northern pike were captured at an average rate compared to similar lakes. Forest Lake typically produces moderate pike catches characterized by a favorable size structure. The 2009 catch was average for Forest Lake and the size structure remained favorable for anglers as pike averaged 27.3 inches and the largest individual exceeded 32 inches. Growth was average as individuals typically exceeded 25 inches by age-5. Five year classes were present (age 3 to age 7) and 73% of the captured individuals were age-5 or older. Anglers should be encouraged to release pike over 24 inches to help maintain the quality pike fishery of Forest Lake.

Walleye were present in the sample and caught in average numbers compared to similar lakes. Size structure was favorable for anglers pursuing large fish as walleye averaged 19.2 inches. Growth was somewhat slow as individuals typically exceeded 15 inches by age-5. Forest Lake does not typically produce large walleye catches. Walleye are stocked in Forest Lake to provide additional angling opportunities.

Black crappie were sampled at an average rate for the lake type. The size structure was dominated by relatively small individuals and only a few individuals exceeded 8 inches. Growth was generally slow with individuals exceeding 8 inches by age-5. Only 17% of the captured individuals exceeded age five, as the 2006 year class made up 71% of the sample. Recruitment appeared inconsistent. Inconsistent recruitment of black crappie is a common life history trait for many populations, often resulting in "boom and bust" angling cycles. Given the current age and size structure, the popularity of the crappie fishery is likely limited due to the small average size, but may improve as the 2006 year class matures.

Largemouth bass were sampled using boat electrofishing in June. Bass were captured at a rate of 79 per hour, suggesting a fairly high population. Size structure was balanced as largemouth bass averaged 13 inches and the largest individual exceeded 17 inches. Growth was average with individuals typically exceeding 12 inches by age-5. The population was dominated by older individuals, as 78% were five years old or older. Given the apparent abundance and good size distribution, excellent angling opportunities should exist for this species.

The protection of water quality and habitat is critical in maintaining or improving fish and wildlife populations. Unfortunately, human activities often negatively impact lakes. Fertilized turf-grass lawns and failing septic systems along with the removal of shoreline and aquatic vegetation, mowing to the shore, and installing sand blanket beaches results in destabilized shorelines, uncontrolled erosion, and increased run-off, contributing excess nutrients and sediment to the lake and degrading water quality and habitat. By understanding the cumulative impacts of our actions and taking steps to avoid or minimize them, we can help insure our quality water resources can be enjoyed well into the future. A complete description of shoreline best management practices can be found in online at www.mndnr.gov.

What is the average air temp for Forest Lake?

Are there any state parks near Forest Lake?