Before us lies Lake Ann. This mesotrophic lake in Carver County Minnesota holds stories as deep as its waters. It is a place where history whispers on the wind.
Lake Ann spans 119 acres. Its average depth reaches almost 17 feet. The deepest point plunges to 40 feet. The shoreline stretches for almost two miles. It is a beautiful place.
Native American tribes were here long before European settlers arrived. French-Canadian trappers came seeking fur. The American Fur Company soon followed. Lumbering became a major industry around Lake Ann. Towns and camps sprung up.
Lake Ann got its name from the wife of William S. Judd. He was one of the early settlers. Local legends arose about celebrity trappers and lumberjacks. Newspaper clippings and handwritten accounts tell their tales.
The city of Chanhassen built its first park on Lake Ann’s south shore in the 1970s. It was a time of rapid population growth. The park was part of a plan to attract more companies and residents. Lake Ann Park remains a popular destination today.
Lake Ann is home to diverse fish species. You can find black crappie and bluegill here. Largemouth bass and northern pike swim in its depths. Walleye and yellow perch also thrive. Common carp can also be found.
Special fishing regulations exist to protect the fish population. Largemouth bass are catch-and-release only. Northern Pike between 24 and 36 inches must be released immediately. Only one Northern Pike over 36 inches can be kept.
Sadly, Lake Ann faces challenges from invasive species. Eurasian watermilfoil and brittle naiad threaten the lake’s ecosystem. Zebra mussels are also a concern. Purple loosestrife can be found along the shores. The lake is also impaired for mercury in fish tissue.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency classifies Lake Ann as a “Deep Lake”. The District staff monitors water quality every two weeks from June through September. They collect water samples and measure water clarity. A Secchi disk helps them assess the lake’s health.
Lake Ann has consistently met clean water standards for 40 years. The lake must have very low phosphorus and chlorophyll-a levels. Also, the water clarity should be 1.4 meters or greater.
Lake Ann stands as a reminder of the past. It offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of Minnesota. Its waters reflect both the history and the challenges of our time.