Stop 3: The Carp Fish Barrier
Stop 3: The Carp Fish Barrier
If you look towards the north edge of the lake you should see the fish barrier by the Benton Lake inlet. It is easier to see walking along the path. This fish barrier helps to keep carp from entering Carver Creek. In December 2013, it was constructed through a partnership between the Carver County Water Management Organization, the city of Cologne, and the Benton Lake Watershed Conservancy. It consists of gravel and concrete blocks, which prevent carp from burrowing around the barrier.
The Carp population within Benton Lake can negatively impact aquatic life. Carver County Water Management Organization, Cologne, and the Benton Lake Watershed Conservancy have done a lot of work to mitigate the damage caused by carp. This barrier is part of a larger project to restore the lake and reestablish a native population of plants and animals within it. The Benton Lake Watershed Conservancy and Carver County Water Management Organization continue to work on this project and have made great strides toward improving conditions within the lake.
Many types of fish live in Benton Lake, such as the Sunfish, Northern Pike, Crappie, and Largemouth Bass. There are also a few varieties of minnows like the Fathead and Shiner minnows. If you are fishing today, please follow all Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations regarding fishing in state waters. Keep a record if you are catching any fish as the number of fish you can keep depends on what point during the season you catch them. This year's fishing booklet, containing all of this relevant information, can be found on the MN DNR website. If the water clarity is fair, you may even be able to see some of these fish from your watercraft, so keep an eye out for them!
