Lake Betty

How big is Lake Betty ?

How deep is Lake Betty ?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Betty ?

What are the closest cities to Lake Betty ?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Betty ?

Betty, also known as Betsy, is a small-sized lake (154 acres) located southeast of the City of Kimball in Meeker County. A small state-owned access with a single cement boat ramp is present on the Clearwater River, about half a mile west of the lake. Betty has two miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 29 feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has divided Minnesota's lakes into 44 different classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Betty is a class 24 lake and other similar lakes in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area are Erie and Manuella in Meeker County. Curlyleaf pondweed can be abundant in the shallows in May and June at Betty Lake. Low water levels on the Clearwater River can make it difficult for bigger boats to access the lake. Accessing the lake during winter months can be dangerous due to the thin ice caused by flowing river water.

Walleye were sampled in low to moderate abundance in 2022, with fish averaging 21 inches in length. The longest Walleye sampled was 27 inches. Approximately 95% of the catch was 16 inches and longer. Walleye were age-1 to age-15 with seven year classes being present. Naturally reproduced Walleye contributed substantially to the 2022 catch. Few (3 of 21) of the Walleye aged in the 2022 survey matched up with years when fry were stocked. Because of natural reproduction and the connection to the Clearwater River, walleye fry stocking at Betty Lake will be discontinued.

Moderate to high numbers of Northern Pike were gill netted this year with fish averaging 23 inches in length. Approximately 24% of pike netted were 26 inches or longer, showing fair numbers of nice-sized fish present. Northern pike regulations were revised at a statewide level beginning in 2018 to better accommodate regional differences in pike habitats and population abundance and size structuring. Three zones were established for northern pike with their own bag and length limit restrictions. In the north-central zone where Betty Lake is found, anglers can keep up to 10 northern pike, but no more than two pike larger than 26 inches; and all pike from 22 to 26 inches must be released. This zone regulation is meant to reduce small pike abundance by shifting population size structure back to more medium to large pike.

Moderate to high numbers of Black Crappie were netted in 2022. Approximately 22% of the gill net catch was 9 inches or longer. The longest Black Crappie sampled was just over 13 inches.

Low numbers of Yellow Perch were netted and most were small but they provide important forage for the lake's predator species. Moderate numbers of Channel Catfish were captured with fish averaging 21 inches in length and maxing out at almost 24 inches.

Other fishes that anglers may encounter include Black Bullhead, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead.

People can have significant impacts on lakes and the fish populations they support. Overharvest, lakeshore development, removal of shoreline vegetation, and introductions of invasive species can all adversely affect fish populations. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are typically moved from infested to non-infested waters by anglers, boaters and lakeshore owners, and can adversely impact lakes and fish populations. To avoid spreading AIS, lake users are required to remove all aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and drain all lake water from their boat and bait buckets before leaving the lake. If you suspect an infestation of an invasive species in this lake, save a specimen and report it to a local MNDNR office. Additional information on all of these topics can be found on the MNDNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Hutchinson Area Fisheries office.

What is the average air temp for Lake Betty ?