Star Lake

How big is Star Lake?

How deep is Star Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Star Lake?

What are the closest cities to Star Lake?

Are there boat launches on Star Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Star Lake?

Star is a moderate sized lake (552 acres) located southwest of the City of Litchfield in Meeker County. A state-owned access with paved parking and a single cement boat ramp is present on the southeast shore. Star has approximately ten miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of fifteen feet. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has divided Minnesota's lakes into 44 different classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Star is a class 42 lake and other similar waterbodies in the Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area are Marion and Otter Lakes in McLeod County. Star's 2018 lake management plan listed Walleye as primary management species, while Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill and Largemouth Bass were secondary species. An aeration system is typically operated during ice-covered months to provide a small refuge area for fish during harsh winters. The most recent partial winterkill at Star Lake occurred in 2014. Fish populations can fluctuate widely depending on the severity of the latest winterkill event. Netting was completed in 2023 to monitor the fish population.

Low numbers of Walleye were netted in 2023, but size was large. Walleye averaged 21 inches in length. The maximum length of Walleye sampled was 24 inches. The oldest Walleye was age-9. A new Walleye stocking regime was initiated in 2022 (278,000 Spicer strain Walleye fry in even numbered years) in an attempt to increase their abundance. This change was made after a series of stockings, from 2014 thru 2018, failed to meet lake management plan goals. High numbers of predatory Northern Pike have likely been a limiting factor on small Walleye at Star Lake following the 2014 partial winterkill. Northern Pike were abundant this year with fish averaging 23.6 inches in length. Approximately 27% of pike netted were 26 inches or longer. Large pike were found to be present at Star Lake in 2023, with the longest fish measuring 38 inches. Northern Pike regulations were revised at a statewide level beginning in 2018 to better accommodate regional differences in pike habitats, population abundances and size structures. Three management zones were established for Northern Pike, with their own bag limit and length limit restrictions. In the north-central zone, where Star Lake is found, anglers can keep up to ten Northern Pike, but no more than two fish can be longer than 26 inches; and all pike from 22 to 26 inches must be immediately released. Darkhouse spear fishermen are allowed to have one pike within the protected slot limit in their possession. This zone regulation is meant to reduce small pike abundance by shifting population size structure back to more medium and large sized pike.

High numbers of Black Crappie were netted in 2023, but average size was small (6.3 inches in length). Approximately 6% of the gill net catch was 9 inches or longer. The longest Black Crappie sampled was 11.8 inches in length. Crappie fishing could be good over the next couple of years as additional fish grow to a more acceptable size. Low numbers of Bluegill were gill netted, but sunfish typically do not sample well in that type of gear. The longest Bluegill sampled was 7.5 inches. Bluegill were last stocked in 2015, following the 2014 partial winterkill. Low numbers of Largemouth Bass were netted, but that species typically does not sample well in gill nets. However, the Largemouth Bass that was captured was almost 19 inches long, indicating that quality sized fish were present at Star Lake. Low numbers of Yellow Perch were netted and all were small. Average length for gill netted perch was 6.0 inches. The longest perch sampled was 6.8 inches. However, Yellow Perch likely play an important role as forage at Star Lake.

Additional fishes sampled in the 2023 gill nets included Black Bullhead, Common Carp and Golden Shiner.

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 Star Lake?