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Frequently Asked Questions About Dutch Lake, MN
- How big is Dutch Lake?
- How deep is Dutch Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Dutch Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Dutch Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Dutch Lake area?
- Are there boat launches on Dutch Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Dutch Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Dutch Lake?
How big is Dutch Lake?
How deep is Dutch Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Dutch Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blacknose Shiner, Golden Shiner, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Smallmouth Buffalo and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Dutch Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Dutch Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there boat launches on Dutch Lake?
Are there places to eat and drink near Dutch Lake?
What aquatic invasive species are found in Dutch Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Dutch Lake is a 150 acre lake located on the south side of the City of Howard Lake in southern Wright County. The lake has a maximum depth of 21 feet and has a history of winterkill, most recently in 1997. The watershed is modest and the primary land uses are row crops, open water, and pasture. A public access with limited parking is located on the south end of the lake. Dutch Lake is primarily managed for Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass and the last survey was in 2006. Anglers can expect good fishing for Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill.
Water clarity is poor and MPCA data shows a 10 year average Secchi depth of 3.0 feet. Dissolved oxygen was adequate to support fish down to 10 feet. No vegetation surveys were conducted on Dutch Lake in 2016. In 2006, emergent vegetation covered 10% of the lake area (primarily cattail) and coontail was the dominant submerged species.
Northern Pike numbers were higher than 2006 and above the expected range for lakes similar to Dutch. Lengths ranged from 16.0 to 33.3 inches with an average length of 22.1 inches. In 2016, 25% of Northern Pike were 24 inches or longer compared to 81% in 2006 when fewer pike were captured.
Largemouth Bass were captured by daytime electrofishing on May 23 in low numbers and average size. The catch rate was lower than the Sauk Rapids area average and lengths ranged from 3.1 to 16.9 inches with an average length of 10.7 inches. Of catchable size fish (>8 inches), 45% were 15 inches or longer.
Black Crappie numbers were higher than expected for lakes like Dutch, but lower than 2006 results. Lengths in 2016 ranged from 4.3 to 13.0 inches with an average length of 7.4 inches. Bluegill numbers were much higher in 2016 than 2006, but within the expected range of values for lakes similar to Dutch. Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.3 to 8.6 inches with a mean length of 5.0 inches. Surveys in late summer likely under represent panfish numbers and size; netting near shore around spawning time would be more effective for both Bluegill and Black Crappie.
Yellow Perch numbers were higher in 2016 than in 2006 and higher than the expected range of values for similar lakes. Lengths ranged from 2.8 to 9.2 inches with a mean length of 7.0 inches.
Other species captured during the survey included: Bigmouth Buffalo, Black and Yellow Bullhead, Bowfin (Dogfish), Common Carp, Golden Shiner, Green and Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, and White Sucker.
An Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) survey was also conducted on Dutch Lake; results for this survey can be found in a separate report.
What is the average air temp for Dutch Lake?
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Dutch Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Howard Lake | 1.5 mi | 745 | 39 ft |
| Lake Ann | 1.8 mi | 375 | 18.5 ft |
| Yager Lake | 2.1 mi | 212 | 27 ft |
| Yaeger Lake | 2.1 mi | 111 | 28 ft |
| Lake Emma | 2.5 mi | 189 | 16 ft |
| Little Waverly Lake | 3.0 mi | 338 | 12 ft |
| Round Lake | 3.5 mi | 45 | 28 ft |
| Smith Lake | 3.9 mi | 244 | 5 ft |
| Waverly Lake | 4.2 mi | 492 | 70.5 ft |
| Lake Mary | 4.2 mi | 190 | 46 ft |
