The Lakes in Blaine

[engfish]

My mom just moved into a townhome in The Lakes and I've noticed some guys out ice fishing. Were these stocked by the developer? Just curious if anyone knows anything about the ponds in this development.

[Seeker of Clayface]

I believe they're managed by the DNR under the Fishing in the Neighborhood (FIN) program. It's listed on their website as Club West Lake or something.

[polarsusd81]

I would be very careful if you plan to venture out on any of these little lakes in Blaine. From what I could see this year during freeze up and even in the middle of the season, the areators in there are working overtime and the ice is going to be very inconsistant. Bring a spud with you and ice picks, and it wouldn't hurt to use cleats on your boots just incase. I saw open water on a few of them in January in spots.

[CrappieFshr651]

I worked up there a few years back when the place was still developing. I heard they were going to stock them with channel cats and a few other game fish, that's probably what they're after. But like polarsusd81 said, be careful out there

[CrappieFshr651]

Here's a posting from the DNR website on the lakes:

Club West was a new pond to the FiN Program in 2003. It is located in the Club West development and is made up of several connected bodies of water. There is a city park on the north end of the lake and most of the shoreline is suitable for angling. A fish survey conducted in June 2007 found bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, bullhead, and carp. Bluegill and black crappie are moderately abundant and average size. Northern pike and walleye were sampled in low numbers. The walleye are from a 2004 stocking and are now nice size at up to 18 inches. Adult northern pike were stocked in 2006, with one 22 inch fish sampled in the 2007 survey.

[jpaulson]

Club West lakes and The lakes are different. I did some shore fishing at The lakes during open water and caught small panfish. I know it has sunfish, crappies, and some other stuff in it too. Drop me an email if you want more info.

[CrappieFshr651]

Oh, where are the club west lakes?

[jpaulson]

In the club west development off of 109th ave.

[crappie todd]

I've fished the lakes. Somthing to do to get a fishing fix on a nice June evening.

I have caught crappies and gills and a few bass. No size. stunted size. But still small fish aside, I can catch a few close by home.

The creek going under Hi way 65 is loaded with em as well.

[engfish]

Thanks for all the information. I went to the DNR website and looked under the FIN program for some information. If I would have one of those lakes in my backyard when I was a kid, I would have played hooky all the time. Thanks for making the clarification between Club West and The Lakes. The ponds I drove by are all east of Radisson road, but I know where the other lakes are located, too.

[Black_Bay]

I get a kick out of "The Lakes". What a sales job by developers. The Lakes are ponds created by diverting irrigation ditches from former sod farms. Actually Club West is the same deal.

[Moses2531]

Figured this topic would come up eventually... My grandparents live in CLub West since it was made so naturally I've spent some time out on those ponds in there... First off they made them nice and deep so fish are going to survive.. Got some spots for pannies, mostly small, but I cant wait until someone catches some of those stocked walleyes and the place is packed! There isnt too much parking, but people always find a way!!

[jpaulson]

Moses,

We have probably crossed paths on the ponds. I have logged many hours fishing these and have yet to catch the mysterious walter. If you want to exchange some info let me know. Otherwise see you out there sometime.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Are these the ones across from the blaine soccer fields? how deep do they get? Does the dnr stock them yearly or was it more of a one time deal?

[Moses2531]

Yeah sounds good jpaulson, I think my ice season is done out there but if I ever run into anything fun this summer I'll let ya know and we can further our knowledge and try and take advantage of the fishery before the word gets out to too many others!!

[jpaulson]

I have not ice fished it yet. I was out walking the dogs and saw a bunch of holes punched but never saw anyone out there fishing. Which ponds did you fish? I saw holes out by the bridges. I always want to try it but get worried about the ice conditions because of the moving water. I also saw a nice open area out there as well.