Hendricks Lake

How big is Hendricks Lake?

How deep is Hendricks Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Hendricks Lake?

What are the closest cities to Hendricks Lake?

Are there boat launches on Hendricks Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Hendricks Lake?

Hendricks Lake is on the Minnesota - South Dakota border. The lake is adjacent to the southwest Minnesota town of Hendricks. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks comanage the fishery and border waters fishing regulations apply. An aeration system is often operated during winter near the City of Hendricks by the Lake Hendricks Improvement Association. The system creates open water that is marked with warning signs.

Hendricks Lake is 1,557 acres and it has a maximum depth of nine feet. Gamefish in the lake include walleyes, yellow perch, white bass, northern pike and black crappies. This 2023 Targeted Survey was conducted to collect routine fish population data. These data can be compared to historical Standard and Targeted Survey data from Hendricks Lake.

Hendricks Lake has often provided good walleye fishing. Walleye natural reproduction has been inconsistent and maintenance of a fishable population has required supplemental stockings. Fry are routinely stocked and advanced life stages have been stocked when necessary. Walleye fry from the Southern Minnesota Strain (Lake Sarah) have been stocked during recent years in an effort to develop a self-sustaining population. This strain has been found to do well in southern Minnesota lakes and recent genetic analysis has found its prevalence to be high in Lake Hendricks.

Adult walleyes were moderately abundant in 2023. The majority were 12-15 inches with larger fish present as well. High numbers of young-of-year walleyes were present and they should contribute to the fishery in a few years. These walleyes were from natural reproduction since no stocking occurred in 2023.

Yellow perch numbers can fluctuate widely in Lake Hendricks. A moderate population was present in 2023 with a decent number of 10-11 inch fish. Black crappie abundance has been low for several years. Crappie populations tend to be highly variable in prairie lakes like Hendricks.

Northern pike were moderately abundant with fish up to 29 inches present. Natural reproduction has maintained the pike population during recent years. Pike grow fast in shallow prairie lakes. However, they often die young because they are easy to catch and are succeptible to martality due to high summer water temperatures.

Young white bass were very abundant and most were 4 to 6 inches. Good numbers of adults were present as well from 14-15 inches. White bass frequently have good reproduction and high numbers of young-of-year have been produced most years. White bass have a firm, white flesh and they are good to eat. Their flavor can be improved by keeping slime off the fillets when cleaning and by trimming away the reddish meat from the outside of the fillets. Anglers are encouraged to harvest and eat them.

The black bullhead catch was high, although it was considerably lower than in 2022. Most of the bullheads were decent sized at 9-10 inches. Anglers that enjoy fishing bullheads are encouraged to give Hendricks Lake a try.

Future DNR Fisheries management activities will include netting surveys, fall night electrofishing, stocking fish when appropriate and winter dissolved oxygen monitoring.

What is the average air temp for Hendricks Lake?

Are there any state parks near Hendricks Lake?