Spider Lake

How big is Spider Lake?

How deep is Spider Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Spider Lake?

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

Spider Lake

Are there boat launches on Spider Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Spider Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Spider Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Spider 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 Spider Lake?

Spider Lake is relatively shallow, land-locked lake located eight miles southeast of Marcell, Minnesota. The lake has one public access and shoreline development is almost exclusively on the north basin. Spider Lake is a popular multispecies fishery with a history of producing large Northern Pike. In an attempt to maintain or improve pike sizes a special regulation was implemented in the spring of 2006. The regulation requires all pike from 24 to 36 inches to be released and only one over 36 inches can be in possession. The daily limit remains at three. The 2017 lake management plan (LMP) indicates Northern Pike, Muskellunge, and Walleye are the primary species of management with Black Crappie, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass as secondary species. The LMP goals were established based on what the lake has produced in the past.

A targeted survey was conducted in August of 2021 to assess the fish community, evaluate the pike special regulation, and Walleye stocking. A total of 12 gill nets were used in the survey as well as spring night electrofishing for Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass.

Spider Lake has a history of lower Northern Pike densities with quality size structures. The three surveys from 2005 to 2016 documented substantial increases in pike catches but the 2021 catch declined to 6.9 fish/net, which was much closer to the LMP goal. Pike populations that are lower often have faster growing fish that attain larger sizes, and less negative influences on the rest of the fish community. The 2021 survey sampled fish that ranged from 13.7 to 33.6 inches and averaged 23.3 inches. Despite the size structure being better than many pike populations, the size structure goals have never been reached since the special regulation was implemented. Fish from age 2 to 9 were estimated from bony structures. Growth remained similar to statewide averages, with fish averaging 21.0 inches after four years. Even though the special regulation has been in place for 15 years, it may require more time for proper evaluation, especially since the population went through a period of high recruitment. Anglers could expect good action from mid-sized pike.

Muskellunge populations naturally exist at very low densities whether it be a population maintained by stocking or sustained by natural reproduction. In addition to existing at low densities, Muskellunge are difficult to capture with standard survey gears during the summer (none sampled in 2021). Consequently, spring trap netting surveys targeting adult fish that move into the shallows to spawn are necessary to monitor the population. Information on the spring of 2016 targeted survey is presented in a separate report.

Walleye management began in the 1940s, but the 1949 survey suggests the population was very low or non-existent. There has been some natural reproduction observed but it appears to be sporadic. Walleye management has included various stocking strategies to boost the population, with annual fingerling stocking since 2017 the latest. In the nine surveys since 1976, the catches have fluctuated from 1.3 to 4.5/net. The catch of 1.3 fish/net in 2021 did not meet the LMP goal of 3.0 fish/net but more time is likely necessary to evaluate the change to fingerling stocking. The sampled fish ranged from 10.5 to 26.5 inches and averaged 19.2 inches. Seven age-classes were estimated using scales and otoliths ranging from age 1 to 20. Growth similar to the statewide averages and fish averaged 14.6 inches after four years of growth. The data suggests anglers would struggle to catch fish consistently at this time.

Spider Lake can have good crappie fishing at times but they were not the target of this survey. The 11 crappies sampled by gill nets ranged from 4.4 to 13.0 inches and averaged 9.0 inches. No age and growth information was collected in this survey.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass have been sampled with spring night electrofishing four times since 2005. Since the electrofishing samples occur on only one night, the timing and weather around that night has potential to influence the catches. For example, a strong cold front the day before the sample could move bass out of the shallows and reduce the catches. The Largemouth Bass catches have declined since 2005 but the population remained good in 2021. The sampled fish ranged from 3.5 to 19.8 inches and averaged 11.0 inches. Good natural reproduction has resulted in fish from 1 to 14 years old being sampled. Growth was slower than statewide averages for young fish then similar thereafter.

Smallmouth Bass electrofishing catch rates have been more stable but lower than Largemouth Bass. The catches have modestly declined in each sample. In 2021, fish ranged from 5.6 to 18.6 and averaged 14.7 inches. Age and growth information was not collected in this survey. The combination of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass opportunities in Spider makes the lake a good choice for action and some nice fish.

Yellow Perch catches have ranged from 10.2 to 99.2/net since 1949. Though the catches have been variable they have been good compared to other lakes that have similar habitat. The 2021 catch of 10.2 fish/net was the lowest on record so that will be noted for future management. The sampled perch ranged from 5.2 to 9.4 inches and averaged 7.0 inches. Yellow Perch are probably more important as a prey species within the fish community than a species targeted by anglers due to their small average size.

Other species observed during the survey included Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, and White Sucker.

What is the average air temp for Spider Lake?

Are there any state parks near Spider Lake?