Lake Ida

How big is Lake Ida?

How deep is Lake Ida?

What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Ida?

What are the closest cities to Lake Ida?

Are there boat launches on Lake Ida?

Are there places to eat and drink near Lake Ida?

Ida Lake is located in northern Wright County, about four miles west of Monticello. The lake has a surface area of 231 acres and a maximum depth of 60 feet. Ida Lake is one of the clearer lakes in the area and is popular for angling and other types of recreation. A public access located on the southeast shore has a boat ramp and parking for several vehicles.

A survey was conducted in 2022 to assess fish populations and included spring electrofishing and summer netting (trap nets and gill nets). The survey also included water chemistry analysis, and watershed mapping. For the most part, few changes in the abundance and size of fish species present were observed since the last survey in 2012.

Ida Lake is well suited for bass and panfish, due to its clear water and abundant/diverse aquatic plant community. Bluegill numbers and average size were within the expected range for similar lakes. Most Bluegills were six to seven inches long with a few over eight inches. Pumpkinseed, Green, and Hybrid Sunfish were also sampled, but in lower numbers. Largemouth Bass were sampled in the spring by electrofishing, and the catch rate was higher than average for the area. The average size was 12 inches, with some as large as 19 inches. Only a few Black Crappie were sampled during the survey, but some anglers have reported good success during spring.

Northern Pike thrive in Ida Lake. There is ample area for spawning along the marshy shorelines and the clear water favors species that rely on sight for finding prey. A high number of Northern Pike were sampled in 2022, but average size was low (1.7 pounds). Ida Lake does hold a few larger individuals; a 33-inch Northern Pike was caught during the survey. Yellow Perch numbers appeared very low due to the high Northern Pike population, and this probably limits the growth rate of Northern Pike.

Ida Lake has excellent water quality, due largely to its small watershed (the surrounding land which drains into the lake). Because the lake is highly developed, lakeshore owners play an important role in maintaining the high quality of the lake environment. The DNR website contains information on protecting lakeshores and watersheds. Anglers and other recreational users are encouraged to remain diligent in thoroughly inspecting boat trailers, anchors, and equipment to prevent and reduce the spread of invasive species to area lakes.

What is the average air temp for Lake Ida?