Rat Lake

How big is Rat Lake?

How deep is Rat Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Rat Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Rat Lake?

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 Rat Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Rat Lake

Are there places to eat and drink near Rat Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Rat Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Rat Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Rat Lake is located in east central Aitkin County and is part of the Big Sandy Lake watershed. There is a state owned public access with a concrete ramp on the south side of the lake. Like many of the lakes in the Big Sandy watershed the water is bog stained. Rat Lake has a history of occasionally winterkill with the last known occurring 30 years ago. Rat Lake is primarily managed as a panfish lake.

The biggest concern for Rat Lake has been the steady decline of the yellow perch population starting in 1987, and the subsequent decline in growth rates for bluegill and crappie. Low yellow perch populations can negatively affect the growth rates of other species in the lake. The most noticeable change in growth rates were for bluegill, which have slowed dramatically. Predation from walleye on the young of year perch, coupled with predation from northern pike on adults may have been enough to reduce perch abundance. Rebuilding the perch population will be key to maintaining a healthy fish community in Rat Lake. As a means to correct this trend, walleye fry stocking was suspended in 2008 and 2010, in order to decrease predation on perch. In 2011, perch catches nearly doubled from 2007, which was a step in the right direction.

The trend of higher bluegill abundance continued in 2011, as bluegill catch rates increased to the highest level ever observed. Growth rates remained slower with fewer fish over eight inches. It is apparent from the length frequency distributions that angling harvest may also play a role in the decrease in abundance of large bluegill and black crappie in the system. In addition, the decrease in frequency of winterkill events likely also plays a role in bluegill density and growth. Without the occasional winterkill to thin out the smaller panfish, density continues to increase and growth slows.

Rat Lake is well known in the McGregor area for its winter black crappie fishery. However, like bluegill, the growth rates have slowed for black crappie resulting in fewer fish reaching preferred size. Also like bluegill, it is likely that angler harvest is also affecting the size distribution of black crappie.

Northern pike abundance appears to have stabilized at a level similar to the long term average of around 6/gill net lift. Quality size pike were nearly absent in 2011 when approximately 3% were longer than 24 inches compared to almost 30 percent in the previous assessment. Walleye abundance was down by design due to a couple of years without stocking. Historically most of the walleye have been from year classes that have been stocked as there is very little suitable walleye spawning habitat in the lake.

What is the average air temp for Rat Lake?

Are there any state parks near Rat Lake?