Round Lake

How big is Round Lake?

How deep is Round Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Round Lake?

What are the closest cities to Round Lake?

Are there boat launches on Round Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Round Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Round Lake?

Round Lake is located about two miles north of Garrison. There is a public access along the southwest shoreline. The lake supports diverse recreational opportunities due to its clear water, abundant sandy beaches, and moderate size. The fish community is relatively unique for the Aitkin area and provides angling opportunities for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Northern Pike, and Black Crappie. It is managed primarily for Walleye and Smallmouth Bass.

Bass anglers have the possibility of catching quality bass at Round Lake. Historically, Smallmouth Bass had been more abundant and generally reached larger sizes than did Largemouth Bass. In this survey, Largemouth Bass were slightly more abundant in gill net catches and have been increasing in abundance since the 1990s; whereas, the Smallmouth Bass population had decreased from high levels in the 1990s and 2000s, and has now been relatively stable at a lower level. Electrofishing sampling that was conducted in spring 2022 had similar results, suggesting lower numbers of Smallmouth but good quality, along with an increase in Largemouth Bass. In 2023 and from all gears, Largemouth Bass size averaged 11.2 inches and about 0.9 pound, with fish sampled over 17 inches, while Smallmouth Bass averaged 13.5 inches and 1.7 pounds, with fish sampled over 19 inches. Smallmouth Bass continue to maintain themselves, but at much lower abundance level than some earlier surveys.

Walleye were stocked as fingerlings at low densities regularly since 1989, a strategy which had produced exceptional results in the past. A failed stocked year class (2010) with only one other harvestable size year class (2007), resulted in a very low population level. A more frequent fingerling stocking strategy has since been implemented, which has increased the gill net catch rate from the low of 1.7 per gill net in 2013, to 6.3 per gill net in 2023. Size of Walleye was good, with fish averaging 17.1 inches and over 2 pounds, and with fish up to 27 inches present in the sample. Age analysis suggested growth rates were good, with fish reaching 16 inches in 4 years and with 10 year classes present in the sample. These results met our management plan goal of over 6 per net with at least 3 year classes.

Northern Pike provide another large predator for anglers to chase. Pike were captured in high numbers compared to previous surveys of this lake, and when compared to other similar lakes. In 8 surveys from 1968 to 2008, Northern Pike catch rates averaged just 3.7 per gill net, while from 2013 to 2023 they averaged over 9 per gill net. Some concern does exist over this increase in pike, which can be to the detriment of Walleye management. Size of Pike was fair, with fish averaging 18 inches and 1.4 pounds, and with fish up to 33.2 inches observed in the sample. There has been a substantial increase in water clarity starting in the mid-2000s, which could be contributing to this increase. Sight predators like Northern Pike gain an advantage in clear water.

Round Lake also supports a population of Tullibee (Northern Cisco), which are an important forage species for Northern Pike and Walleye, and a species that requires adequate coldwater habitat to survive. Special gill net sets targeting Tullibee were also set in this survey. Historically catches have ranged from 15.5 to 79 per net. The catch rate for Tullibee in 2023 was 18.5 per net. They ranged in size from 7.3 to 17.8 inches, but the bulk of the catch was made up of 7-10 inch fish. Additionally, a temperature/dissolved oxygen (TDO) profile was collected on July 31, 2023 to measure the amount of thermal habitat available for Tullibee. The TDO3 (temperature at 3 miligrams per liter dissolved oxygen) was determined to be 4.6 degrees C and was similar to previous profiles. While water from the surface to about 21 feet was fairly warm, overall oxy-thermal habitat was good for Tullibee from 25 feet to over 90 feet, and was one of the better years that we have sampled for coldwater habitat. Round Lake provides "good" habitat compared to other lakes in Aitkin area that are monitored for Tullibee habitat.

Black Crappie are not typically found in high numbers, but anglers will tend to target Black Crappie on Round Lake when an abundant year class grows into a harvestable size range. Crappie up to 12.8 inches were sampled in the summer of 2023.

Maintaining the substantial bulrush beds is important for both fish and wildlife resources, as well as water quality. In addition, coarse woody habitat such as fallen trees and branches offer additional habitat that should be left in place for the benefit of many fish species in Round Lake. While it can be inconvenient when a tree falls into one's dock or swimming area, consider moving it to an area along your shoreline that is clear of your activity, rather than removing it from the lake. Benefits of good habitat stewardship are often rewarded with good fishing.

What is the average air temp for Round Lake?

Are there any state parks near Round Lake?