Roberds Lake

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What kind of fish can you catch in Roberds Lake?

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We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Roberds Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Roberds Lake

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Roberds Lake is a 625 acre lake with a maximum depth of 43 feet. It is located northwest of Faribault in Rice County. A DNR owned public access is located on the west side of the lake next to Winjum's Resort and Campgrounds, just off Rice County Road 69. Roberds Lake is managed to provide a bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass fishery with secondary opportunities for northern pike and walleye.

Roberds Lake was surveyed the week of July 8th, 2013 to monitor the fish community. Black crappie were well represented in the catch, and were the most abundant fish sampled in the survey. Black crappie were sampled at a rate of 10.0 fish/trap net and 24.0 fish/gill net. The abundance of black crappie in both trap and gill nets during 2013 were above average compared to similar lakes in Minnesota. Average weights for black crappie were normal for this lake type. Lengths ranged from 5.0 to 14.0 inches among gear types with most black crappie falling within the 7.0 to 8.0 inch range, which is typically acceptable to most anglers. Two white crappies were also captured during this assessment which was similar to the catch of white crappie during the most recent survey in 2008.

Bluegill and yellow perch abundance remained similar to the most recent survey in 2008 or declined slightly. Bluegill catch rates decreased slightly since the 2008 survey; however, lengths were similar and ranged from 3.0 to 8.5 inches. The overall mean length for bluegills caught in both trap and gill nets was 6.6 inches. Although abundance of bluegill was below average for this lake type, the average weights were higher than what is considered normal in similar Minnesota lakes. Yellow perch abundance remained stable since last survey and was within the normal range at 12.8 fish/gill net. Lengths ranged from 6.0 to 10.0 inches, with the majority of yellow perch falling into the 7.0 to 9.0 inch category; which is generally acceptable to most anglers. This survey illustrated an overall panfish population capable of producing quality angling.

The primary predators in Roberds Lake included northern pike, largemouth bass, and walleye. Northern pike were sampled at a rate of 7.4 fish/gill net, which was above average compared to similar lakes in Minnesota. In fact, the 2013 catch of northern pike was the highest ever observed in Roberds Lake. Northern pike lengths ranged from 18.4 to 36.4 inches in gill nets with an overall average of nearly 24.0 inches. Average weights were also above what is considered normal for this lake type. Largemouth bass were sampled during late May with a Smith-Root electrofishing boat. This species was not sampled effectively with nets; therefore electrofishing was the most reliable way to estimate abundance. A total of 24 largemouth bass were captured per hour of on time (a modest decrease since 2008) with lengths from 7.6 to 20.7 inches. The sampled population consisted of individuals with ages ranging from 2 to 8 years. The walleye gill net catch rate increased to above average levels for this lake type, and in 2013 was the highest observed since 1988. Age estimation revealed a fairly young population with individuals of 1 to 5 years of age; lengths ranged from 10.4 to 23.6 inches.

Black bullheads were sampled at record low gill net rates for this lake. Other fish caught during the survey include bowfin (dogfish), channel catfish, common carp, freshwater drum, white bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead, bigmouth buffalo, and golden shiner. Roberds Lake looks to provide ample opportunities for anglers targeting panfish, bass, walleye, and northern pike.

Anglers can help maintain or improve the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest allows for the harvest of smaller fish for table fare, but encourages release of medium to large-sized fish. Releasing these fish can help maintain balance in the fish community in Roberds Lake and provide anglers the opportunity to catch more and larger fish in the future.

Shoreline areas on the land and into the shallow water provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife that live in or near Minnesota's lakes. Overdeveloped shorelines cannot support the fish, wildlife, and clean water that are associated with natural, undeveloped lakes. Shoreline habitat consists of aquatic plants, woody plants, and natural lake bottom soils. Plants in the water and at the water's edge provide habitat, prevent erosion, and absorb excess nutrients. Shrubs, trees, and woody debris such as fallen trees or limbs provide good habitat both above and below the water and should be left in place. By leaving a buffer strip of natural vegetation along the shoreline, property owners can reduce erosion, help maintain water quality, and provide habitat and travel corridors for wildlife.

-Prepared by: Matt Mork, Fisheries Specialist.

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