Know Your Lake | Chanhassen, MN

Lake Ann

Overview

Lake Ann is 119 acres with a maximum depth of 40 feet. The water clarity is excellent, and phosphorous is low. Invasive species in this lake include Curlyleaf Pondweed, Eurasian Watermilfoil, and zebra muscles. Blue Gill, White Sucker, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch are the most abundant common fish species in Lake Ann. Lake Ann Park is a community park with a boat ramp, swimming beach, trails, picnic areas, and fishing dock amenities.

The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District initiated an update of the Use Attainability Analysis for Lake Lucy and Lake Ann. Lake Ann is directly connected to Lake Lucy by a small channel along the northern edge. The UAA was conducted in order to assess the water quality in both lakes.

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Christmas Lake

Overview

Christmas Lake is 276 acres with a maximum depth of 87 feet. The water clarity is excellent, and phosphorus is low. According to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Christmas Lake has some of the best water quality in the district and the metro area. They also state that the sport fishery in Christmas Lake is excellent, and it's one of the few lakes in the metro area managed as a two-story fishery (warm and cold water) because of its depth and excellent water quality. Common aquatic plants include flat-stem pondweed, curly-leaf pondweed, large-leaf pondweed, Eurasian watermill foil, and northern watermill foil. Rainbow trout are stocked in this lake, with a boat ramp.

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Lotus Lake

Overview

Lotus Lake is 240 acres with a maximum depth of 29 feet. The water clarity is fair, and phosphorus is high, creating a water quality impairment. The trophic status is eutrophic (rich in nutrients). This is primarily due to 316 acres of direct land draining into the lake. Invasive species in this lake are Eurasian Watermilfoil and Common Carp. Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Walleye are this lake's most abundant common fish species. Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District completed a shoreline restoration project in 2013.

Carver Beach is located along Lotus Lake, where you can find a swimming beach, picnic area, playground, park, trail, and a dock and canoe rack. South Lotus Lake Park is a community park with a boat launch and a playground, trails, and shore fishing access. North Lotus Lake Park is a neighborhood park and has trails.

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Lake Lucy

Overview

Lake Lucy is 88 acres with a maximum depth of 20 feet. Water clarity is fair, and phosphorus is high. Invasive species in this lake are Eurasian Watermilfoil, Curlyleaf Pondweed, and Common Carp. Bluegill, Northern Pike, Yellow Bullhead, and Black Crappie are the most abundant common fish species. There is no public boat access, but the public can carry in small watercraft via the small channel connecting the two lakes.

The Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District worked with the city to update the Use Attainability Analysis for Lake Lucy and Lake Ann. The UAA found that Lake Lucy is not meeting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) shallow lake water quality standards.

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Lake Minnewashta

Overview

Lake Minnewashta is 680 acres with a maximum depth of 70 feet. Water clarity is good, and phosphorus is low. In a 2013 water quality report provided by Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Lake Minnewashta received a B water quality grade, meaning that it has good water quality. Still, algae may limit swimming in the late part of summer. Lake Minnewashta is part of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District in the Lake Virginia Subwatershed.

Lake Minnewashta Regional Park is located along Highway 41. The park is 340 acres and includes a swimming beach, fishing access, a boat ramp, a creative playground, trails, and picnic benches. All vehicles entering the park must purchase a daily or annual parking permit, which can be purchased at the park entrance, online, or by telephone at (952) 466-5250.

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Rice Marsh Lake

Overview

Rice Marsh Lake is part of the Riley Creek chain. It is 81 acres and has a maximum depth of 10 feet. Invasive species include Curlyleaf Pondweed and Purple Loosestrife. It is the only lake part of the Riley Creek train that does not have Eurasian Watermilfoil in it. Bluegill, Northern Pike, and White Sucker are the most abundant common fish species. The lake has an informal boat launch accessible from a walking path that circles the lake.

In 2010, Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District installed an aeration system on Rice Marsh Lake to prevent winter fishkill by sustaining good oxygen levels in the water.

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Lake Riley

Overview

Lake Riley is 300 acres with a maximum depth of 49 feet. Water clarity is fair, and phosphorus is high. Invasive species include Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf Pondweed. Lake Riley is located partially in Carver and Hennepin Counties. It is part of the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District. A park is located in Eden Prairie.

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Lake Susan

Overview

Lake Susan is 88 acres and has a maximum depth of 17 feet. Water clarity is fair, and phosphorus is moderate. Invasive species include Common Carp, Curlyleaf Pondweed, and Eurasian Watermilfoil. Black Crappie, Bluegill, Northern Pike, and Black Bullhead are the most abundant common fish species. Lake Susan Park includes a swimming beach, boat ramp, fishing access, playground, trails, and picnic areas. Lake Susan Preserve is 59 acres of natural wooded and wetland areas with walking trails.

Staff