Nest Lake Water Level ????????????

[mallardkiller]

I am a long time (34 year) non resident land owner, Summer resident on nest lake. I have heard many stories but I am looking for some real answers! Why is the water level so low on Nest ? What is the cause? I have heard many stories, ie. The Old Mill controls the water rights, DNR in New London,etc. Grean is low also but not nearly as low as Nest. When is the last time Nest was this low? WHAT IS GOING ON ?

Thanks for your comments

[BLACKJACK]

Do you suppose the fact that we've had very little rainfall (until recently) and we're in the middle of a drought has anything to do with it???! I have several ponds at my place that have dried up for the first time in the 10 years that I've lived there.

[LocalGuide]

Yup the NO rainfall does account for the most of it.

Its the lowest I have ever seen Nest Lake. Its really far down this year. Kind of makes me wonder how early ice will be out there? And if towards the middle or the end of winter will the channel corner going out into the main lake be open or froze to the bottom? Since the lake is so low.

[walleyeking#8]

Nest isn't the only lake that is at almost an all time low.

My sister-in-law has a cabin on lake florida and it too is way down in water level. Definately due to the lack of moisture both this summer and the past winters. We need lots of rain to bring up not only the lakes, but also the wetlands and potholes. Not that I would like to see a bad winter, but we definately need lots of snow this winter.

Or plenty of rain this fall.

[Double D]

I hadn't been on Nest since week after walleye opener. Wasn't really paying attention when I put the boat in at the public landing, headed east like normal and was promptly stuck in the mud. Back around the reeds, through the weeds and we were fishing.

Left there and went to Diamond on the way home, it is low too. Look at the corn fields and you can see why the lakes are down.

DD

[sparcebag]

Don't you remember 2001?? the water in diamond was lower than now.Check out the DNR water levels.It shows Nest also.Ya know without rain water levels go down.Think about getting sewer?? All the ground water flushed down to the crow,Mississippi,ocean.Whats that going to do to lake levels.The county needs sewer hook ups to support the monster treatment facility they built so green lake money could build huge houses.Comissioners say water quality bull the DNR EPA both say sewer will only marginal ly improve water quality.

[jigginjim]

Have been in New london the water levels there are also low, so with the lask of water from the dam there, nest will drop. I fished on green lake several times. No water over the dam by the ye old mille inn makes the fishing poor. What little water that would flow the mille it self is not that much at this time. The crow river in Rockford Mn. is also very low and that gets water from a large area of minnesota.

[primetime49]

The level of Nest Lake is so low that my neighbors are hoping for a lot of rain to get their boats and pontoons off lifts and over to boat landing.West end landing is nearly useless ,you wont get in and out with bunk trailers.East end the new landing is nearly as bad.Resort owners on south side told us that they moved the docks and lifts 5 times already this year.New London FFa helps as a fundraiser and several other non commercial groups of students have also been helping.Its been a steady jub for them.The inlet end of lake has other problems and was recently in the West Central Tribune Saturday outdoors section with reasons for trouble.Some say it will shut and stay that way.Got very stuck in there few days ago.Also with low water we will see lots of new weed growth.Just think if we have another year of drought.What do you oldtimers know about water levels here?When was the last time railroad Point in front of Kochs mess grew out of the water?One guy that used to own it told me he lost 17 acres into lake with only enough room to walk on before water levels rose years ago.Maybe its just back to where it was meant to be.Another local says its the oppurtoon time to build a new dam up at New London,and they are.

[mallardkiller]

What is your opinion on how this low water level will effect ice fishing? Will it result in more fish being cuaght through the ice or less? Also,Green doesnt apear to be suffering from lack of rain nearly as much as nest why is that ?.

[LocalGuide]

There is a 10' vertical drop from Nest to Green. Plus a vertical foot of water lost on Nest seems like a 2 foot lost on green.

IMO, the only thing it will affect this winter is Ice Heaves and their location/size.

[primetime49]

MALLARDKILLER,we can only hope for early ice which we havent seen in several seasons.Some spots on west end of lake are probaly not going to have sufficent depths if no rain.Maybe you can get weed machine out to plow some paths thru favorite spots you want to be in for winter.During summer league one team used the drive thru fast path and than go back thru and fish same areas for a couple of fish.Noticed one boat spent several hours two days this week on favorite spot in front of Girl Scout Camp.You might want to go out with depth finder ,locator and see whats up before moving in for winter.I just hope for early ice and a cold winter.As far as if fishing will be good on ice I couldnt predict but am hoping,its been to many winters in a row with poor early ice,dont ya just hate that when it happens.