FISHERIES LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN

LAKE NAME (DOW): REGION: AREA: COUNTY: ACRES (surface | littoral): CLASS:
Prairie (31038400) NE (R2) Grand Rapids Itasca 1064 | 853 35

Information Tier: Established Mgt. (C) Lake Priority Rank: 3 Next Plan Revision: 2033
Revisions: ☐ Initial Plan | ☐ Species | ☒ Goals/Objectives | ☒ Stocking | ☒ Survey | ☐ Other:
Primary Species (2 maximum; *active management): Secondary Species (4 maximum; *active management):
Black Crappie Bass
Bluegill
Northern Pike
Walleye*

Management Goals:

 Maintain opportunities for high angler catches of Black Crappie.

 Maintain angler opportunities for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.
 Maintain catch and harvest opportunities for moderately sized Bluegill.
 Maintain harvest opportunities for Northern Pike under 22 inches.
 Maintain modest angler catch and harvest opportunities for Walleye.

Management Objectives:
 Maintain a Black Crappie catch rate exceeding 4.5 per gill net or 2 per trap net (above lake class median).
 Maintain a Bluegill catch rate near 7 per trap net (lake average) with 8 inch or larger fish present.
 Maintain a Northern Pike catch rate near 4 per net (average for lake).
 Improve the Walleye catch rate to 2 per net (lake average) with fish over 15 inches present.
Operational Plan Summary:
 Surplus Stocking- Surplus Mississippi River strain Walleye fry may be stocked at the Area Fisheries Supervisor’s
discretion because the lake is near the hatchery and Walleye are popular with anglers. Stocking density should
not exceed 1,000 per littoral acre (853,000).
 Regulations- Statewide seasons and limits apply. The lake is in the North-central pike zone.
 Surveys- Conduct a targeted spring panfish trap net survey in 2025. Conduct night electrofishing for bass if time
allows. Conduct a gill net only survey for Walleye in June using 12 gill nets. Collect aging structures from
Walleye, Bass, Bluegill, and Crappie. Conduct a standard survey in July of 2032 using 15 gill nets and 15 trap
nets. Consider the lake for IBI sampling in 2032.
 Outreach- Work with the Prairie Lake Association on outreach efforts. Encourage anglers to focus pike harvest
on fish under 22 inches, bass under 15 inches, and limit harvest of large sunfish (>8 inches) to improve size
quality.

Additional Jurisdictions and Tribal Partners:

Prairie Lake Association

Area Fisheries Supervisor (e-signature):

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 LAKE NAME (DOW): REGION: AREA: COUNTY: ACRES (surface | littoral): CLASS:
Prairie (31038400) NE (R2) Grand Rapids Itasca 1064 | 853 35

Regional Fisheries Manager (e-signature):

This plan was revised by Dave Weitzel to replace the 2013 LMP.

PRAIRIE LAKE (31038400) |ITASCA COUNTY | GRAND RAPIDS | REGION 2 (NE)

Description of lake

Prairie Lake is located five miles north of Grand Rapids in the Mississippi River watershed and is part of the Prairie River
system. The Prairie River flows through the lake from the northeast to the south. There is another inlet stream from
Shoal Lake on the west side. A power-generating dam is located at the outlet of Lower Prairie Lake. This dam regulates
water levels during periods of normal flow and is a barrier to upstream fish movement. A narrow area known as ‘The
Gorge’ restricts water flow downstream and maintains high water levels in Prairie Lake during high flow periods. The
ordinary high-water elevation is 1290.3 and has fluctuated from a high of 1291.33 in July 1999 to a low of 1287.54 in
October 1986.

Prairie Lake has a total surface area of 1,064 acres, littoral area of 853 acres (80%), and a maximum depth of 31 feet, and
is in ecological class 35 (Schupp 1992). Class 35 lakes average 410 surface acres, 33.2 ft maximum depth, 85 percent
littoral area, total alkalinity of 100.0 ppm, and Secchi disk reading of 8.3 ft.

Secchi disk transparency from summer assessments on Prairie Lake has varied from 3.2 to 7.0 ft. The most recent Secchi
disk reading was 3.5 feet in 2022. W1ater chemistry in the 1990 lake survey indicated the lake has moderately soft (total
alkalinity=62 ppm) and fertile water (total phosphorus=0.032 ppm). Relatively high phosphorus fertility (0.032 ppm) was
observed in 1990. This was expected due to the relatively heavy developed shoreline and large watershed of the lake.

Description of fish community

Prairie Lake is best suited for cool and warm-water fish communities. Cool-water species include Northern Pike,
Walleye, and Yellow Perch. Warm-water habitats are suitable for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black
Crappie. Other species sampled include Black Bullhead, Blacknose Shiner, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Common Shiner,
Creek Chub, Golden Redhorse, Golden Shiner, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Log Perch, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass,
Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Redhorse, Tadpole Madtom, Tullibee, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead.

Management history

Fisheries management on Prairie has consisted of fish stocking and frequent surveys. The Fisheries Lake Management
Plan was last revised in 2013. Northern Pike were the primary management species and Black Crappie, Bluegill, and
Walleye were secondary. Plan goals were to attain a Walleye gill net catch rate of 3.0/net through natural reproduction,
maintain a Northern Pike gill net catch rate of 4.0/net and maintain the Black Crappie gill net catch rate of 5.5/net.

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Stocking

Stocking records indicate that Northern Pike, “walleye pike”, Largemouth Bass, and sunfish have been stocked at
different times and rates from 1942 to 1976. Walleye have been exclusively stocked since 1982 at different sizes and
rates (Appendix A). Walleye fingerlings were stocked two consecutive years out of four from 2003 to 2009, but
subsequent surveys did not find a benefit to the fishery and planned (base) stocking was discontinued. Surplus Walleye
fry from the Grand Rapids fish hatchery have been stocked in recent years.

Special and Experimental Regulations

Prairie Lake fisheries are managed with statewide seasons and limits. The lake has been managed with the North-
central pike zone regulation since 2018.

Surveys and Evaluations Completed

Prairie Lake has been surveyed multiple times since 1955 (Appendix B). The 2013 LMP included plans for a standard
survey in 2018 but this was postponed due to workload issues. Most recently, a targeted survey using 15 gill nets was
conducted in 2022 to determine the status of select gamefish and provide updated information to anglers.

Table 1. Summary of catch rates for select species. GN = gill net, TN = Trap Net.

No. of Northern Black Black Bluegill Yellow Walleye

Date Nets Pike Crappie Crappie (TN) Perch (GN)
(GN/TN) (GN) (GN) (TN) (GN)
8/1/1955 12/12 4.8 2.8 4.8 4.2 21.0 3.6
8/4/1975 9/16 2.2 25 3.6 4.6 18.6 3.2
8/4/1980 12/8 1.5 3.0 1.3 13.3 3.6 2.3
7/29/1985 12/8 4.3 13.1 1.9 5.9 9.1 1.5
7/9/1990 12/12 4.8 9.4 3.8 4.5 5.1 2.3
7/24/1995 15/14 3.6 5.5 1.9 10.2 12.0 2.4
7/24/2000 15/15 4.5 4.7 1.9 4.8 5.9 1.8
7/24/2006 15/15 5.1 8.5 1.1 7.9 5.7 1.9
7/23/2012 15/15 4.5 9.1 2.7 8.0 2.4 0.6
7/25/2022 15/0 5.1 13.9 - - 2.8 0.4
Lake Mean 4.0 9.5 2.6 7.0 8.6 2.0
Lake Median 4.5 8.8 1.9 5.9 5.8 2.1
Ecological Lake Class 35
1st quartile 3.6 1.0 0.7 4.0 3.8 1.0
Median 6.8 4.2 1.7 9.3 10.0 2.1
3rd quartile   11.0 10.5 4.3 28.1 22.8 3.2

Managed Fish Species – Status and Trends

Black Crappie: Prairie Lake has a history of producing relatively high numbers of small crappie. Black Crappie were the
most numerous species observed in gill nets in 2022 and the catch was higher than typical for lakes with similar habitats.
The catch rate of 13.9/gill net exceeded the LMP goal. Lengths resembled past surveys and ranged from 4.1 to 10.7
inches with an average of 7.0 inches. Only 2% of the sample exceeded 10 inches. Nine year-classes from ages 1 through

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10 were estimated from scales. Recruitment appeared inconsistent with ages 2 and 5 the most frequently sampled.
Growth resembled past surveys and appeared slow. Crappie averaged 8.4 inches after 6 years.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Angler reports suggest bass have increased in recent years. Bass are often difficult
to sample with standardized test netting and electrofishing has not occurred on Prairie Lake, so the status of the bass
populations is largely unknown. Although they were listed as a species to manage in 1955 and 1975, gill net and trap net
catch rates have been low in Prairie Lake. Largemouth Bass were sampled twice at a rate of 0.2/gill net in 1990 and
0.3/gill net in 2006. Largemouth have also been sampled three times in trap nets. Only one was captured in 2022.
Smallmouth Bass were not sampled in any assessment gear prior to the 1995 assessment. One Smallmouth Bass was
sampled in the 1995 assessment and three were sampled in 2000. The 2006 assessment had the highest catch rate
(0.9/gill net), sampling 14 fish. Interestingly, only one was sampled in the 2012 and 2022 surveys. The catches have
been too small to draw any meaningful conclusions about the population.

Bluegill: Bluegill have typically been sampled in low numbers with trap net catch rates below the lake class median in all
assessments except two. Trap net catch rates in 1980 and 1995 were only slightly above the median. Bluegill were
sampled at a rate of 8.0/trap net in the 2012 assessment resembling previous assessments. Records indicate ‘Sunfish’
were stocked in 1943 and 1954 and it is unclear what effect this had. Ten-inch fish were present in 1955 and 1975 but
the presence of fish longer than 8 inches decreased in recent surveys (Table 2). The reason for this change is not clear
but may be a result of increased densities and reduced growth rates. Similar changes have been documented in
Minnesota and are believed to be influenced by angler harvest of large fish. Angler pressure and harvest data are not
available for Prairie Lake and no conclusions can be made. Size structure remained poor in the 2012 survey, the last
time trap nets were used. Lengths from the trap net sample ranged from 3.2-8.0 inches with a mean length of 5.2
inches, while the gill net lengths ranged from 3.6-8.5 inches with a mean length of 5.6 inches. Scale analysis identified
ages 2-8 present in the sample, indicating relatively consistent recruitment, although year class strength was variable.
Ages 2, 5, and 6 comprised 71% of the sample. Back-calculated length-at-age determined growth resembled the lake
class average. Bluegill typically exceeded six inches by age 7.

Table 2. Prairie Lake Proportional Stock Density (PSD), Relative Stock Density (RSD) indices for preferred- and
memorable- length Bluegill. Standardized lengths were used to calculate structural indices (Stock length = 3 in., Quality
length = 6 in., Preferred length = 8 in., Memorable length = 10 in.).

Year Stock sample size PSD-Q RSD-P RSD-M

1990 36 47 8 0
1995 143 56 1 0
2000 72 39 7 0
2006 118 35 0 0
2012 117 23 0 0
Median 117 39 1 0

Northern Pike: Gill net catch rates for Northern Pike have been below the lake class median in all assessments and were
below the first quartile in 1975 and 1988. Northern Pike were sampled at a rate of 5.1/gill net in 2022, which was tied
for the highest observed and within the expected range for similar lakes. Catches have been traditionally near the low
end of the expected range. Lower pike numbers are desirable because they often contribute to faster growth and better
size quality but has not been the case in Prairie. Size quality has been poor in most surveys with few fish exceeding 28

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inches (Table 3). Lengths resembled previous surveys and ranged from 14.2 to 30.7 inches with an average of 20.4
inches. Size structure was relatively poor with only 3% of the sample exceeding 28 inches. Pike were not aged in this
survey but previous surveys noted frequent recruitment and average growth rates.

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Table 3. Prairie Lake Proportional Stock Density (PSD), Relative Stock Density (RSD) indices for preferred-length and
memorable-length Northern Pike. Standardized lengths were used to calculate structural indices (Stock length = 14 in.,
Quality length = 21 in., Preferred length = 28 in., Memorable length = 34 in.).

Year Stock sample size PSD-Q RSD-P RSD-M

1990 58 38 0 0
1995 52 32 0 0
2000 66 35 3 2
2006 76 55 4 0
2012 65 62 8 0
2022 76 32 3 0
Median 66 37 3 0

Walleye: Lakes with similar habitats are poorly suited for Walleye and Prairie Lake has a long history of producing a
modest fishery. Walleye gill net catch rates have ranged from 0.4-3.6/net and have been typical compared to similar
lakes in most surveys. Walleye were sampled at a historically low rate of 0.4/gill net despite stocking in 2020 and 2021.
The LMP goal was not met. Lengths from the six sampled fish ranged from 11.6 to 20.4 inches with an average of 15.0
inches. No meaningful conclusions of size structure can be drawn from such a small sample size. Back-calculated
length-at-age from most surveys indicated growth resembled the statewide average. Walleye averaged 18.3 inches by
age 5 in the 2012 assessment.

Other Species
Yellow Perch: Yellow Perch gill net catch rates have varied from 2.4-21.0/net. Like many Minnesota lakes, perch catches
have declined. Catch rates from 1980, 2012, and 2022 were low compared to similar lakes. Most perch sampled in
assessments were less than nine inches long and have been too small to interest anglers.

Research Projects and Relevant Findings

Various Walleye stocking strategies were evaluated using WAESTOCK (MN DNR 2021). Natural reproduction was
evident in most surveys and there was no evidence of a contribution from stocking as non-stocked years produced
similar catches to stocked years (Figures 1 and 2). Year-classes averaged 0.3 fish per gill net for stocked and non-stocked
years. Recruitment from stocked and natural reproduction was never strong and has declined since 2000 suggesting
that the lake has become less suited for Walleye.

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Figure 1. Year-Class specific catch rates for Walleye from Prairie Lake.

Figure 2. Box plots comparing stocked and non-stocked year-class catches for age 1-6 Walleye.

Other Projects

As part of IBI (Index of Biotic Integrity) near-shore sampling, Iowa Darter, Blackchin Shiner, Bluegill, Hybrid Sunfish,
Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, and Yellow Perch were sampled in seven 50’ seine hauls. Backpack
electrofishing sampled Black Crappie, Bluegill, Burbot, Central Mudminnow, Largemouth Bass, Mottled Sculpin,
Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, Tadpole Madtom, and Yellow Perch in 11 stations. Additional experimental daytime
electrofishing was conducted as a comparison/compliment for near shore IBI sampling. The special sampling was

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conducted with a Smith-Root GPP 5.0 electrofishing boat equipped with a spider array anode using pulsed DC current
operating at 4 amps and 200 volts. Sampling occurred on 8/14/2012 with a water conductivity of 150 S/cm and surface
temperature of 75 degrees F. Visibility was variable between stations. All ages and species of fish were targeted, and
sampled species included Iowa Darter, Blackchin Shiner, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Golden Redhorse, Largemouth Bass,
Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch.

Social Aspects

General Information

A public access owned by Arbo Township is located on the northwest side of the lake. Parking is available for about
seven vehicles. A second access is located on the south shore on Lower Prairie Lake, with access to the main lake
through an area known as ‘The Gorge’.

There is considerable lakeshore development on Prairie Lake and an active lake association. The Itasca County Land
Parcel Information System (parcelinfo.com) listed 211 parcels with a building value in 2023 and two parcels were
categorized as homesteaded resorts (RV campgrounds). Approximately 34% of the riparian area was used for residential
purposes and another 41% was in State, County, or Municipal ownership (Appendix C).

Contaminant analysis has been performed, and fish consumption advisories have been announced for Walleye and
Northern Pike. Recommended consumption for adults is, no more than one meal per month for Walleye longer than 15
inches. Recommended consumption is no more than one meal per week for all sizes of pike.

Fishing Pressure and Other Recreational Use

Prairie Lake was one of 90 lakes included in an aerial creel survey during the summer of 2001 and winter of 2001-02.
Angling pressure counts were made randomly on 28 separate days for the summer and 17 days for the winter. Prairie
Lake had an estimated total of 9,504 hours of angling pressure in summer 2001. On a per acre basis, it received an
estimated 8.9 angler-hours per acre, which was relatively light. Estimated fishing pressure was lower in the winter
season, at 4.7 angler-hours per acre, but within the lake class expected range.

Public Input

This plan was developed in cooperation with the Prairie Lake Association. The association supports surplus fry stocking
and outreach efforts to educate anglers on smart harvest practices. Representatives meet with DNR staff and indicated
that crappie are the most targeted species on the lake and that anglers valued high catch rates. They indicated that
habitat degradation and bulrush loss had occurred, and excessive plant growth was a problem in recent years. Several
people felt Walleye fishing had improved last year.

Other anglers noted catching small panfish and pike, although large sunfish (>8 inches) and pike (>30 inches) are
occasionally caught. One person observed good fishing for Smallmouth Bass and noted the lake has low numbers but
high-quality Largemouth Bass. Another person felt that planned (base) stocking was warranted.

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Limiting Factors

Habitat

Prairie Lake provides good habitat for a variety of species, but fish migration and genetic exchange is likely truncated by
the Prairie River dam and occasionally by beaver dams on inlet streams. Connectivity with upstream waters benefits the
lake but also allows fish such as Walleye to migrate out and may result in reduced in-lake concentrations during periods
of sub-optimal conditions. Dissolved oxygen appears to be a limiting factor in Prairie Lake. Dissolved oxygen reports
from the winters of 1965 and 1986 documented oxygen levels below 5 ppm at depths between 13 and 15 feet.
Conversely, a mid-July targeted survey in 2023 found that oxygen levels fell below 2 ppm at 15 feet during summer
stratification. The lack of deep, cold water refuge areas may particularly impact Northern Pike growth rates and size
quality.

Water Quality

Prairie Lake has moderately fertile water, but low mineral content may impact fish growth. Many lakes in the Prairie
River watershed (Long, Hartley, Crooked, and Lawrence) have a commonality of bog-stained water and slow growing
panfish.

Fish Community

Preferred prey for Walleye and large Northern Pike is limited. Yellow Perch have occurred in low numbers and cold-
water prey such as Cisco are not present. Walleyes are most abundant in lakes with perch catches of at least eight per
gill net. Catches from Prairie have been less than eight per net since 1995.

Invasive Species

Prairie Lake supports exotic mystery snails, but their impact on fish is unknown. The lake does not support other
invasive species but could in the future. Invasive species are species that are not native to Minnesota and cause
economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. They are illegal to introduce into or move between state
waters and can impact energy flow, food chains, and fish species assemblages. Changing environmental conditions
resulting from these introductions causes changes in gamefish habitat and habits, which likely impact fish sampling and
anglers.

Climate Change

Northern Minnesota lakes had longer ice-free periods in recent decades, which may favor warm-water species. A
warming climate is expected to impact predatory composition and may further limit the Walleye fishery while
benefiting bass. Hansen et al. (2016) found that Walleye recruitment success was negatively related and
Largemouth Bass abundance was positively related to water temperature degree days in Wisconsin lakes. Bass
already have a competitive advantage because of favorable habitats and prey base.

Fishing Mortality

Creel studies have not been conducted but length and age data suggest that the Bluegill and Northern Pike fisheries may
be impacted by angling. Both species occur at low to moderate densities and support adequate growth rates to produce
better size quality, but preferred size fish have been rarely sampled.

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Other

Crappie occur in good numbers, but poor growth and small average size may limit the popularity of the fishery.

Rationale for Management Species Selection, Goals, and Objectives

Information Tier and Lake Priority Rank Comments

Fisheries management on Prairie Lake is well established and sufficient to meet management goals (Established
Management Tier C). The lake is moderately developed, supports rental and resort properties, and has an active lake
association, so it is of a moderate management priority (3).

Primary and Secondary Management Species

Black Crappie are the primary management species because they are well suited for the lake, relatively abundant, and
are frequently targeted by anglers. Secondary species include Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Northern
Pike because they are well suited for the lake but may be less targeted. Walleye are also a secondary species because
they are less suited for the lake but are popular with anglers.

Goals and Objectives

Prairie Lake has a history of high crappie catches and lake association representatives indicated that high angler catch
rates are an important angler value, therefore, a goal of the management plan is to maintain opportunities for high
angler catches of Black Crappie. Size structure is expected to vary based on year-class production. Additional goals are
to maintain angler opportunities for catching Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, maintain catch and harvest
opportunities for moderately sized Bluegill, and maintain harvest opportunities for Northern Pike under 22 inches. The
Walleye fishery is limited by biotic and abiotic factors, so the goal is to maintain modest angler catches with occasional
harvest opportunities.

Measurable objectives may be used as indicators of management success. Objectives of this plan are to maintain a Black
Crappie catch rate exceeding 4 per gill net or 2 per trap net (above the lake class median), maintain a Bluegill catch rate
near 7 per trap net (near the lake average) with 8 inch or larger fish present, maintain a Northern Pike catch rate near 4
per gill net (near the lake average) and improve the Walleye catch rate to 2 per gill net (near the lake average) with fish
over 15 inches present.

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Operational Plan Detail

Stocking

Base stocking is not prescribed because the management species either reproduce naturally or migrate into the lakes
from adjacent waters. Past Walleye stockings did not appear to increase the population. Surplus Mississippi River strain
Walleye fry may be stocked at the Area Fisheries Managers discretion because the lake is near the hatchery and Walleye
are popular with anglers. Stocking density should not exceed 1,000 per littoral acre (853,000). The lake association may
apply for a stocking and transportation permit to stock additional fish.

Regulations

Statewide seasons and limits will continue to apply. The lake is in the North-central pike regulation zone which features
a 10 fish limit with a 22–26-inch protected slot for anglers and only 2 fish over 26 inches allowed in possession. Spearers
are allowed an exception of one fish in the slot so long as no more than one fish is possessed over 26 inches.

Habitat Development and Protection

Nearly a third of the riparian zone has been developed and cumulative impacts from shoreline development can
negatively impact fish communities. Excess nutrients and sedimentation can reduce critical fish spawning and nursery
habitat, and result in excessive plant growth and algae blooms, which have been reported on Prairie Lake. Lakeshore
owners are encouraged to help maintain or improve water quality and fish habitat by making a few alterations to their
everyday practices. Some of these changes include leaving a 30-to-50-foot buffer of native vegetation along the
lakeshore, reducing the use of fertilizers (or use phosphorus free fertilizer), leave or restore aquatic vegetation, and
maintain or upgrade septic systems. Remaining tracts of undisturbed shoreline provide key fish and wildlife habitat. As
future development is planned, best management practices should be followed to limit disturbance to the shoreland
impact zone. Lakeshore owners are encouraged to work with the DNR on aquatic plant control so that fish habitats may
be protected or enhanced. Additionally, the road access to the small island on the north side of the lake should be
examined to determine if it has altered water and sediment flow around the island.

Acquisition

Over a third of the lake shore is public owned. Additional parcels would be considered a lower priority from a statewide
prospective.

Fish Removal (commercial, state, or bait harvest)

No commercial fishing opportunities exist on Prairie Lake.

Outreach

Outreach efforts will be conducted in partnership with the Prairie Lake Association. Anglers are encouraged to focus
pike harvest on fish under 22 inches, bass under 15 inches, and limit harvest of large sunfish (>8 inches) to improve size
quality and help reach management goals.

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Surveys and Evaluation
The primary data needs are to better understand crappie and sunfish population dynamics, assess the bass populations,
and determine if earlier sampling would provide a better index for Walleye. To meet these needs, a targeted spring
panfish trap net survey will be conducted in 2025. Night electrofishing should be accomplished for bass if time allows. A
gill net only survey for Walleye will be conducted in June using 12 gill nets at prime locations. Aging structures will be
collected from Walleye, Bass, Bluegill, and Crappie. A standard survey will be conducted in July of 2032 using 15 gill nets
and 15 trap nets to align with IBI sampling for the watershed.

References

Hansen, G.A., J.S. Read, J.F. Hanson, and Luke Winslow. 2016. Projected shifts in fish species dominance in Wisconsin
lakes under climate change. Global Change Biology. 23, 1463-1476.

MN DNR. 2021. Walleye stocking operational Plan 2021-2025. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Division of
Fish and Wildlife.

Schupp, D. 1992. An ecological classification of Minnesota lakes with associated fish communities. Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources, Section of Fisheries, Investigational report 417, St. Paul.

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Supporting Tables, Figures, and Appendices

Appendix A. Stocking Records for Prairie Lake (1918-2022). PIKE- likely Walleye, BLC- Black Crappie, SUN-Sunfish, NOP-
Northern Pike, LMB- Largemouth Bass, WAE- Walleye, WTS- White Sucker, FGL- Fingerling, YRL-Yearling, ADL-Adult,
MISS- Mississippi.

Specie
Year s Size Number Pounds Year Species Strain Size Number Pounds
1918- 8,940,00
45 PIKE FRY 0 1975 NOP YRL 1,434 399
1918-
45 BLC FGL ,2000 1976 NOP ADL 107 107
1918-
45 BLC YRL 1,040 1982 WAE FRY 1,000,000
1918-
45 BASS FGL 2,740 1983 WAE FRY 1,300,000
1918-
45 SUN FGL 60,420 1984 WAE FRY 1,300,000
1942 NOP FRY 340,000 1985 WAE FRY 2,600,000
1942 NOP 1440 10 1986 WAE FGL 5170 212
1943 WAE FRY 360,000 18 cans 1986 WAE YRL 7460 1595
1943 NOP FRY 360,000 1987 WAE YRL 290 29
1943 SUN 9780 3 1988 WAE FGL 44,850 842.5
1944 LMB 540 3 1988 WAE YRL 44 10
1945 WAE FRY 360,000 1989 WAE FRY 2,000,000 20
1946 WAE FRY 360,000 18 cans 1990 WAE FGL 11,044 854
1953 WAE FGL 44,280 1991 WAE FRY 2,000,000 20
1954 NOP ADL 50 130 1992 WAE FGL 3479 66
1954 SUN YRL 100 50 1992 WAE FGL 4,303 191
1954 LMB ADL 6 6 1992 WAE FGL 2,784 87
1954 NOP 28 56 1992 WAE YRL 2 0.7
1954 WTS ADL 56 1992 WAE YRL 81 27
1958 WAE FGL 24192 16 1992 WAE ADL 78 78
1958 WAE FGL 2,748 2 1997 WAE MIS FRY 83,5000 8.4
1958 WAE 338 2 1999 WAE MIS FRY 885,000 8.9
1958 WAE 16,488 12 2000 WAE MIS FRY 860,000 8.6
1962 NOP YRL 1,000 1,000 2003 WAE MIS FGL 700 100
1962 WAE FGL 37,789 65 2003 WAE MIS YRL 2,077 510
1964 NOP YRL 30 15 2003 WAE MIS ADL 19 27
1965 NOP YRL 22 22 2004 WAE MIS FGL 8,920 250
1965 NOP FGL 1,998 333 2004 WAE MIS ADL 87 174
1965 WAE FGL 33,909 27 2007 WAE MIS FGL 2,139 246
1968 NOP FGL 1,922 337 2007 WAE MIS YRL 332 78
1968 WAE FGL 35,004 22 2007 WAE MIS ADL 117 107
1970 NOP YRL 1,900 380 2008 WAE MIS FGL 2,256 188
1970 NOP YRL 1,458 438 2011 WAE MIS FGL 6,599 435
1972 NOP FGL 156 13 2012 WAE MIS FGL 5,145 435
1972 NOP YRL 3,784 1,219 2020 WAE MIS FRY 750,000 7.5
1972 NOP ADL 47 47 2020 WAE MIS FGL 2,500 230
1973 NOP YRL 80 10 2021 WAE MIS FRY 900,000 9

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 1973 WAE FRY 300,0000 30 quarts 2022 WAE MIS FRY 850,000 8.5

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Appendix B. Survey and Management Plan History Record for Prairie Lake.

Initial Survey- August 1955

Lake Investigation – 1948
Lake Management Plan – 1998, 2002, 2013, 2023
Lake Map – 1955
Natural Reproduction Check – 1948, 1953, 1958, 1961–63, 1966, 1975, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985
Population Assessment – August 1980, July-August 1985, July 1995, July 2000, July 2006, July 2012
Re-survey – August 1975, July 1990
Targeted Gill Net Survey- July 2023
Walleye Assessment, Shoreline Seining – 1988, 1989
Water Chemistry – 1992
Winter Dissolved Oxygen Testing – 1965, 1986

Appendix C. Riparian land use determined from the Itasca County Land Parcel Information System.

Type Acres Percent

Residential 513.1 34.1%
State Lands 359.8 23.9%
Municipal 248.4 16.5%
County Administered 162.8 10.8%
Rural Vacant Land 130.8 8.7%
Homesteaded Resort 27.9 1.9%
Unimproved Residential Land 24.4 1.6%
Managed Forest Lands 18.7 1.2%
Utility/Pipeline 16.1 1.1%
Commercial Preferred 1.9 0.1%
Short Term Rental 0.9 0.1%

Prairie 2023
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