Twin Lake

How big is Twin Lake?

How deep is Twin Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Twin Lake?

What are the closest cities to Twin Lake?

Are there boat launches on Twin Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Twin Lake?

Twin Lake is a small lake within the Mississippi River watershed near Goodland, Minnesota. The DNR administered access is located just off Highway 65 on the north basin of the lake. The lake consists of three distinct, small basins that are interconnected via narrow channels. Navigation between the channels is difficult due to shallow water. Productivity is limited by low phosphorous and moderately soft, clear water. The Secchi depth in 2015 was 13 feet. The lake appears best suited for bass, pike, and panfish, although past management has included Walleye and Muskellunge stocking.

The fisheries lake management plan (LMP) was last revised in 2002. Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Black Crappie were the primary management species. Largemouth Bass was the secondary management species. LMP goals included maintaining Bluegill at 34.0/trap net, Black Crappie at 2.0/trap net and Northern Pike at 6.0/gill net.

A standard assessment was conducted in June of 2015 to determine the status of the fish community. This assessment consisted of 4 gill net and 6 trap net sets.

Northern Pike were the most common fish in the gill net. The 2015 catch was high compared to similar lakes and was the highest observed for Twin Lake. High pike densities are generally undesirable, as pike typically exhibit density dependent growth. Average size and growth are typically poor when Northern Pike occur at high densities. Sampled pike from Twin Lake were generally small, as most pike were less than 21 inches. Some large pike were present, however, as one individual exceeded 35 inches. Length ranged from 17.0 to 35.4 inches and averaged 22.2 inches in 2015. Growth was near the statewide average, as Northern Pike generally exceeded 20 inches by age 4. Recruitment appeared inconsistent as 47% of the catch belonged to the 2012 year class. Anglers are encouraged to help improve the Northern Pike size structure by releasing pike over 22 inches.

Lakes with similar habitats often produces moderate to high Bluegill populations characterized by slow growth and small average sizes. Bluegills were the most common fish in the trap net and second most common in the gill net. The 2015 trap net catch from Twin Lake was typical compared to similar lakes, but was the lowest observed from Twin Lake. Bluegill length ranged from 3.2 to 8.4 inches and averaged 6.1 inches. Recruitment appeared consistent and growth was near the lake class average with bluegill exceeding 6 inches by age 7. Good angling opportunities appear to exist for high catches of small Bluegill, although size structure likely limits the popularity of the fishery.

Yellow Perch are an important prey species for predatory fish, especially for Northern Pike and Walleye. The perch catch was typical compared to similar lakes and within the historical range from Twin Lake. Size structure was generally poor, and few perch exceeded 8 inches.

Similar lakes generally produce few Walleye and Twin Lake has maintained a small population of Walleye, apparently via natural reproduction. Walleye stocking was attempted in the 1980s, but failed to improve catch rates and was discontinued. The Twin Lake Walleye fishery is unlikely to benefit from stocking or other management activities, given limitations of habitat and prey base. In 2015, two walleye were captured. This catch was similar to past samples. The captured Walleye were of quality size, measuring 21.8 and 24.5 inches.

Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie were present in both the gill nets and trap nets, but sample sizes were too low to characterize population dynamics. Bass are often difficult to sample in test nets and electrofishing has not been conducted on Twin Lake. Crappie catches have historically been low.

Twin Lake is not known to support invasive species. Anglers and boaters are reminded to help stop the spread of invasive species by removing all aquatic plants from boats, trailers, and equipment. All drain plugs must be removed and live and bait wells must be drained before leaving the access. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to power wash and thoroughly dry all equipment prior to use in another water body.

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Are there any state parks near Twin Lake?