Shirt

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Shirt Lake was conducted on July 28, 2022, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at ten sampling stations, but two stations were sampled from the boat due to site conditions. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample six stations, a 15-foot seine was used at two stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured fourteen species of fish including four species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, and Iowa Darter) and none that are tolerant of disturbance. The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a June 2022 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Results from this survey indicate that the fish community in Shirt Lake is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score that exceeds the exceptional use threshold determined for similar lakes. These results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Mississippi River-Brainerd Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Shirt Lake is a 224 acre lake located six miles southeast of Deerwood. A township access does exist off the side of the road, but the road has no parking signs along it for quite a distance, making using the access difficult. Walleyes have not been stocked since 1998, however one measuring 17.2" was captured in this survey. The other large predator fish (northern pike and largemouth bass) were caught in good numbers in Shirt Lake. Northern Pike were caught at the rate of 11.0/gill net and averaged 23.4", with 43% above the 22-26" protected slot. Fish up to 33.3" were caught. Largemouth Bas were sampled by night electrofishing at a rate of 60.0/hour. Average size was 12.7", with fish ranging from 6.5" to 18.7". Largemouth bass over 15" accounted for 20% of the catch. Panfish numbers were average, with both Bluegill and Black Crappie offering some decent fishing opportunities. Bluegill were caught at the rate of 36.9/trap net, with an average length of 6.3" and 18% measuring 7" or longer. Black Crappie numbers while lower (1.0/trap net) were still average for this type of lake and 78% were 8" or larger.

Shirt lake is a 224-acre lake located six miles southeast of Deerwood. Maximum depth is 38 feet with 73% less than 15 feet deep. Water clarity is excellent with a secchi disc reading of 14 feet. Shoal water (less than 4 feet) soil is mainly sand or gravel in the main basin and sand and muck in the bay areas. Aquatic plants were very diverse with over 35 species found. A few of these native species have never been identified in the Brainerd lakes area or have been found in very few locations. Many of these plants you would find in lakes characteristic of northeastern Minnesota. The shoreline is fairly well developed with 69 homes or cabins present. The northern pike population remains high at 11.7/gill net. In past surveys it has ranged from 4.5(1973) to 15.7/gill net (1994). The size distribution is also very good and fish from 10.2 to 34.1 inches were observed, and 31% were 24.0 inches or larger. The average size was 20.2 inches. A total of five walleye were observed. Size ranged from 19.1 to 26.8 inches. Walleye stocking was done prior to 1999, but survival rate was low from these stockings. This is probably due to predation by the high population of northern pike, and a very low population of yellow perch for a forage food base. Black crappies were present in modest numbers and fish up to 12.2 inches were captured. The average size was 8.8 inches. Bluegill abundance was moderate with the majority small and only 16 % were 7.0 inches or greater. The largemouth population as in past surveys is very good, and size ranged from 7.7 to 18.0 inches. A township public access does exist, but parking is not allowed close to the access due to no parking signs along the township road, individuals have to park at least 0.1 miles away along the side of the road.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Smallmouth Bass, and Hybrid Sunfish in Shirt. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Shirt. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Shirt has a maximum depth of 38 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Shirt is from 2022.

No invasive species are on record for Shirt in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

No — Shirt has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.