Larue Pit

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Larue Pit is a series of four abandoned mines, near the town of Nashwauk, that have been primarily managed for rainbow trout since 1997. Typical to most pit lakes, the water is relatively infertile and clear. Iron Range Resources has stocked yearling rainbow trout biannually (spring and fall) since 1997. Walleye (1998) and adult brown trout (2001) were each stocked once. This is the first assessment monitoring rainbow trout since stocking had begun.

Rainbow trout were sampled in gill nets at a rate of 1.8 fish/net. Lengths ranged from 11.6-23.8 inches with an average length of 16.1 inches. There were no rainbows sampled in trap nets. Despite the difficulty in determining age and growth, length frequencies suggest there were fish from many different stockings (ages) captured in the assessment. Having different year classes represented in the sample indicates over-winter survival and that angler harvest is not excessive. These factors are conducive to growing relatively large rainbow trout.

Brook trout were sampled in gill nets and trap nets. Gill net captured fish ranged from 10.6- 12.3 inches, averaged 11.4inches, and had a mean weight close 0.6 lbs/fish. The origins of the brook trout are unclear, however growth (mean weight and length) was relatively consistent with yearling brook trout. There is no record of brook trout ever being stocked in the pit on file with MNDNR.

Bluegill were sampled at a rate exceeding the expected range. Lengths ranged from 3.0-8.3 inches with an average length of 6.5 inches. Bluegill were sampled in the 1996 assessment, however the seasons and number of nets were inconsistent between assessments. No accurate comparisons between catch rates can be made. Growth was consistent with relatively infertile environments, with fish up to age-8 present.

Largemouth bass were sampled within the expected range. The average length was about ten inches, and the longest was 13.2 inches. One largemouth bass was sampled in the previous assessment. Growth was consistent with relatively infertile environments, with fish up to age-5 present.

Northern pike were sampled at a rate below the expected range. The two northern sampled had an average length of 20.3 inches. More northerns were sampled in the previous assessment. Growth was average, with fish up to age-4 present.

A few walleye were sampled, averaging about eighteen inches. Growth was good with fish up to age-11 present. Other species sampled included black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch.

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