Fox Lake

How big is Fox Lake?

How deep is Fox Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Fox Lake?

What are the closest cities to Fox Lake?

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

Fox Lake

Are there boat launches on Fox Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Fox Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Fox Lake?

Fox Lake is a small (311.7 acres), eutrophic lake in Rice County located near the Town of Millersburg. A population assessment was conducted on Fox Lake in July of 2011 to assess the status of the fish community. Residential development around the perimeter of Fox Lake is present primarily on the west/southwest shore. The remainder of the shoreline is in good condition as approximately 1.5 miles of the shoreline is undeveloped and contains a thin riparian buffer zone separating the lake and adjacent agricultural fields. A DNR owned ramp located on the south shore provides access for the public. The sport fish community consists of bluegills, black crappies, northern pike, and walleyes. The walleye and northern pike populations are maintained through stocking. The current management plan calls for walleye fry stocking to occur in even years beginning in 2010, and for northern pike fry stocking to occur in 2 out of 3 years beginning in 2007.

Past surveys have indicated low northern pike abundance in this system. Gill net catch rates in 2011 were the highest recorded in the last two decades at 8.4/gill net, which is high for lakes similar to Fox Lake. Although abundance was high, size of northern pike was small ranging from 13.8 to 27.2 inches in total length and averaging 19.2 inches. Ninety-eight percent of northern pike sampled were less than 23.0 inches in length.

Fox Lake supports a good population of walleyes when compared to other similar lakes. Likely a result of fry stocking, walleyes were captured at a rate of 8.6/gill net in 2011, up from 3.6/gill net in 2006. The size of the walleyes ranged from 8.1 to 19.1 inches in length and averaged 14.9 inches. Sixty-seven percent of gill netted walleyes were between 15.0 and 19.0 inches in length.

Panfish abundance is relatively low when compared to similar lakes. Bluegills were the most abundant panfish with a catch rate of 12.9/trap net, which is below average for similar lakes. Black crappies were also present and had catch rates (2.1/trap net) that were below average for this lake class. Size was small for bluegills and black crappies as 84% of bluegills were less than 6.0 inches in length and 82% of black crappies were less than 10.0 inches. Consistent with past surveys, the 2011 survey indicated a low abundance, small panfish population.

Historically, yellow perch have been moderately abundant in Fox Lake with catch rates being above average compared to similar lakes in most years. Catch rates in 2011 (7.2/gill net) were consistent with 2006 catch rates (6.6/gill net), but were below average when compared to similar lakes. Yellow perch sampled in 2011 averaged 7.3 inches in length and did not exceed 8.5 inches.

Black bullhead populations have declined substantially since surveys done in the early 1990s. Catch rates in 1991 were extremely high, as black bullheads were captured at a rate of 184.0/gill net and 305.5/trap net. Catch rates have steadily declined in each subsequent survey and were captured at a rate of 0.8/gill net and 0.1/trap net in 2011.

Bigmouth buffalo, bowfin, common carp, freshwater drum, golden shiner, largemouth bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and hybrid sunfish were observed but occurred in low numbers.

Anglers can help maintain or improve the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest allows for the harvest of smaller fish for table fare, but encourages release of medium- to large-sized fish. Releasing these fish can help maintain balance in the fish community in Fox Lake and provide anglers the opportunity to catch more and larger fish in the future.

Shoreline areas on the land and into the shallow water provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife that live in or near Minnesota's lakes. Overdeveloped shorelines cannot support the fish, wildlife, and clean water that are associated with natural undeveloped lakes. Shoreline habitat consists of aquatic plants, woody plants, and natural lake bottom soils.

Plants in the water and at the water's edge provide habitat, prevent erosion, and absorb excess nutrients. Shrubs, trees, and woody debris such as fallen trees or limbs provide good habitat both above and below the water and should be left in place. By leaving a buffer strip of natural vegetation along the shoreline, property owners can reduce erosion, help maintain water quality, and provide habitat and travel corridors for wildlife.

What is the average air temp for Fox Lake?

Are there any state parks near Fox Lake?