Originally posted in 2017. Currently (June 2024), the river is flowing too fast for snorkeling.
Text and photos by the Old Naturalist.
Minnehaha Creek flows out of Lake Minnetonka and lot of fish go over the dam during the spring runoff. I love to snorkel here until the creek gets too polluted by all the human activity on the lake. Winter is blessing for Lake Minnetonka because it is able to heal from the summer boating season.
Bullhead
Brown bullheads are bottom dwellers and they usually skitter away when danger approaches. True, most people do not like bullheads. But when you are swimming in their element, it is easy to appreciate their uniqueness.
largemouth bass
Eye to eye with a largemouth bass.
One of the little surprises that continually occur while snorkeling in the creek.
Crappie
Crappies are like angels with fins instead of wings.
They are so gentle and have a quiet beauty.
Northern Pike
This young northern pike allowed me to get within a few feet of it. The beautiful camouflage pattern made it difficult to see.
Walleye
Walleye are so mysterious. They lurk in the shadows.
Bluegill
Male bluegill in breeding colors. I have not seen bluegill nests in the creek. Probably because the river’s current would wash them out.
Bowfin or dogfish
Primitive, creepy and beautiful. Bottom feeder.
I only saw one bowfin this year. This photo is from 2016 when there were dozens of them.
Smallmouth Bass
The creativity of nature continually amazes me.
The subtle pattern of a smallmouth bass is food for the soul.
Bluegill
In this photo you get a hint of how the light dances off the fish and the plants.
Northern Pike
Nothing like seeing a large pike to make your heart stop.
Larry – I have been thinking of snorkeling in the creek this year. There is enough water! Your photos and words are transporting!
Wonderful compositions Larry! It is beautiful to see all of these species living freely in their environment and so comfortable in the presence of an eminent naturalist. You’re so chill we wouldn’t be surprised to see a merman or mermaid appear in your next outing 😉 Seriously though, what do you use for an underwater camera setup? Please keep up the amazing artful nature education!
Also wondering what kind of camera you used for these photos. They turned out wonderful!
Olympus Tough
Wow, a lot of different species in the creek! How fun. Beautiful shots too!
Wow. Lovely photos !
Kind of “other worldly”.
Thank you Larry for taking us all along on your nature adventures. I had no idea there was such a variety of fish in Minnehaha Creek. I like the crappies, “like angels with fins instead of wings”!
This is such a cool post! My 5 year old is so interested in fish and water creatures. Thanks, he also loved it!
This is such a cool post!! I love your underwater photography of the local waters’ inhabitants, and I love the descriptions – especially the one you wrote for bowfin/dogfish – “Primitive, creepy and beautiful. Bottom feeder.” I’m inspired by this critter!
Loved the Minnihaha underwater shots. Snorkeling is one of my favorite things to do there but I’ve been gone all summer and missed it this year. Thanks for keeping me updated on what was lurking in there this summer! Well, next spring I should get a shot.