O'Dowd Lake

How big is O'Dowd Lake?

How deep is O'Dowd Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in O'Dowd Lake?

What are the closest cities to O'Dowd Lake?

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

O'Dowd Lake

Are there boat launches on O'Dowd Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near O'Dowd Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in O'Dowd Lake?

O'Dowd is a 300-acre (235 littoral acres) lake with a maximum depth of 22 feet. O'Dowd is located in the City of Shakopee, in northern Scott County. O'Dowd is actively managed for Walleye and Northern Pike, with secondary emphasis on Largemouth Bass. O'Dowd also supports catchable populations of Bluegill and Black Crappie. Walleye numbers are maintained through annual fall fingerling stocking of 1 pound per littoral acre (235 pounds). Public water access is provided by DNR Parks and Trails on the northwest side of the lake off county road 79 (up to 13 vehicle/trailer parking spaces).

A standard survey (9 trap nets/6 gill nets) was completed on O'Dowd Lake during the week of 8/1/2022 to monitor water characteristics and fish populations. Water color was brown/green, with low water clarity, measured at 3.0 feet during the time of this survey. Dissolved oxygen fell to zero parts per million (ppm) below 16 feet. Eurasian Watermilfoil has also been found in O'Dowd, and remains present. One interesting note, O'Dowd is one of a few lakes in the metro where Common Carp have never been sampled.

High numbers of Walleye were sampled with gill nets (8/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes in the metro. Average length of Walleye sampled in gill nets was 16.5 inches with the largest measured at 25.4 inches. Annual stocking has maintained a balanced Walleye population (an intermediate between high numbers of small fish and few numbers of large fish). Walleye growth in Lake O'Dowd was fast compared to similar lakes across the metro, indicated by an average length of 15.2 inches by age 3. Results from the 2022 O'Dowd Lake survey show Walleye meeting or exceeding the long-range management goals for both numbers and sizes providing excellent angling opportunity.

High numbers of Northern Pike were sampled with gill nets (8/net), above the expected catch rate of similar lakes. There were 48 Northern Pike sampled in gill nets during the 2022 survey, the highest catch in the previous 25 years. Average size of Northern Pike in the 2022 survey was 22.9 inches with the largest measured at 36.8 inches. Northern Pike size indices describes a balanced population with consistent recruitment. Growth was average compared to similar lakes across the metro, with an average length of 18.0 inches by age 3. Results from the 2022 O'Dowd Lake survey show Northern Pike meeting or exceeding the long-range management goals for both numbers and sizes providing excellent angling opportunity.

Largemouth Bass were sampled during spring 2022 with nighttime boat electrofishing, the second time such a survey was completed here. Catch rates were high, with 54.5 fish/hour. A total of 109 bass were sampled, with an average length of 10.7 inches and the largest measured at 17.5 inches. The majority of bass sampled were small, with 33% greater than 12 inches and 3% greater than 15 inches. High numbers of bass may be causing increased competition among individuals, decreasing growth and size potential. Despite high numbers, the presence of fish greater than 15 inches shows the potential for these fish to reach desirable sizes.

Moderate numbers of Bluegill were sampled with trap nets (22.4/net). Bluegill catch rates in O'Dowd have been on a decline over the previous 25 years, reaching their lowest point - 22.4/net - during this (2022) survey. There were 202 Bluegill sampled in trap nets during the 2022 survey, with an average length of 5.9 inches, and the largest measured at 8.2 inches. Following the reduction of Bluegill numbers, we would expect to see an increase in growth and overall size in future surveys.

Moderate numbers of Black Crappie were sampled with gill nets (10.0/net) and trap nets (7.0/net). The Black Crappie population remains stable, with little variation in historic catch rates over the previous 25 years. There were 123 Black Crappie sampled during the 2022 survey, with an average length of 6.8 inches, and the largest measured at 10.7 inches. Despite a small average size, the presence of fish greater than 10 inches is an encouraging sign for the fishery.

Other fish species sampled in low abundance were Black Bullhead, Golden Shiner, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch.

What is the average air temp for O'Dowd Lake?