Pickerel Lake Dam

Pickerel Lake Dam is owned by Freeborn County, but it located on land owned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This dam had failing concrete, exposed rebar, and was in dire need of repair. The Shell Rock River Watershed District replaced the structure with a new variable crest dam, allowing the ability of lake draw down to implement lake restoration plans. Additionally, the District also included a fish passage ladder.

Dams interrupt the natural movement of fish and other aquatic organisms by creating barriers that separate upstream and downstream habitats. A fish passage ladder restores connectivity by allowing fish to safely navigate around the dam, enabling access to critical spawning, feeding, and overwintering habitats.

Fish passage allows species to complete natural life cycles that may have been restricted for decades. Benefits include:

• Increased access to spawning habitat
• Greater genetic diversity through movement between populations
• Improved resilience to droughts, floods, and localized habitat disturbances
• Enhanced recruitment of young fish into the population

Over time, healthier fish populations can improve recreational fishing opportunities and contribute to more balanced aquatic food webs.