Silver Lake

How big is Silver Lake?

How deep is Silver Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Silver Lake?

What are the closest cities to Silver Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Silver Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Silver Lake?

Silver Lake is located in northern Wright County, about four miles north of Maple Lake. It has a surface area of 78 acres and a maximum depth of 42 feet. A local sporting club owns and maintains an access on the south east side of the lake. The access is open to the public for a small fee. Silver Creek flows through the lake and plays a large role in determining the water quality and fish community of the lake. The creek also allows for movement of fish to and from other lakes in the watershed, particularly when water levels are high.

A survey was conducted in 2012 to assess fish populations and included spring electrofishing and summer netting (trap nets, gill nets, and seines). Catch rates were compared to lakes with similar characteristics as a way to evaluate the fish populations of Silver Lake. Catch rates were also compared to past surveys on Silver Lake (most recently in 2002), to examine changes over time. The survey also included water chemistry analysis, watershed mapping, and an aquatic plant survey.

The catch rate of northern pike was much lower than the previous survey, but the average size was large (4.6 pounds) and 57 percent of northern pike sampled were 24 inches or larger. The lower northern pike numbers currently found in Silver Lake represent favorable conditions for obtaining quality size. The catch rate of yellow perch was also lower than in the previous survey, but is still high when compared to the expected range found in similar lakes. Yellow perch are an important source of forage for northern pike.

Walleye have not been stocked at Silver Lake since 1986, and although the catch decreased from the previous survey in 2002, the population appears stable. Spawning may occur in Silver Creek and the creek may also provide for migration of walleye between lakes in the watershed. Most of the walleye were 12-16 inches long and from the 2009 or 2010 year classes.

Largemouth bass were sampled by daytime electrofishing in the spring and the catch rate was typical of other area lakes. Most largemouth bass were between 8 and 16 inches in length with the largest measuring nearly 18 inches.

Bluegill and black crappie numbers were lower than the previous survey, but still within the range expected for Silver Lake. Average weight however, for both bluegill and crappie, has increased and growth rates were fast. Thirty-two percent of bluegill sampled were larger than seven inches and seventy-three percent of the black crappie were larger than eight inches.

Several other species were sampled in typical abundance during the 2012 survey, including: common carp, bigmouth buffalo, black, brown, and yellow bullheads, white sucker, hybrid and pumpkinseed sunfish, and bowfin.

Eurasian water milfoil was recently discovered in Silver Lake and has become a major component of the submerged plant community. 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 Silver Lake?