Rat Root Lake
Koochiching County, Minnesota
Today's Fishing Forecast
Fishing looks to be not very active with peak fishing times around 3-4 PM. SEE MORE
Explore Kabetogama Lake
The name Kabetogama has many translations. One of our favorites is “the lake that lies alongside another” (Rainy Lake). In the Ojibwe language, Kabe means “all” and Ogema means “chief.” At the Kabetogama Lake Resorts, we think perhaps it simply means God’s Country.
Don’t worry if you can’t pronounce it (cab-uh-toe-ga-muh) or spell it. Just call it “Kab,” and you’ll sound like a local.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Rat Root Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Rat Root Lake, MN
- How big is Rat Root Lake?
- How deep is Rat Root Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Rat Root Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Rat Root Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Rat Root Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Rat Root Lake area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Rat Root Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Rat Root Lake?
How big is Rat Root Lake?
How deep is Rat Root Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Rat Root Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Shorthead Redhorse and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Rat Root Lake?
What are the closest cities to Rat Root Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Rat Root Lake area?
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Are there places to eat and drink near Rat Root Lake?
History & Status of the Fishery
Rat Root Lake is a 734 acre lake located approximately 9 miles southeast of International Falls, Minnesota. The lake is formed at the confluence of the Rat Root River and the East Branch Rat Root River. Rat Root Lake is accessible from Rainy Lake, as it is approximately 5 miles upstream of Black Bay. Rat Root Lake can also be accessed from boat ramps on the Rat Root River and the East Branch upstream of the lake. Rat Root Lake and Rat Root River are seasonally popular fishing destinations. There are a few seasonal cabins nearby, and Koochiching County maintains several campsites in the area, but the lake is otherwise undeveloped. A standard survey was completed in 2019 as part of a regular rotation of fisheries surveys in the International Falls Management Area.
Black Crappie are a popular species to target for Rat Root Lake anglers. Abundance is average in comparison to similar lakes, and the size structure tends to be impressive. Crappies measuring over 14 inches in length were sampled in 2019, and the average size was over 11 inches. Growth of these fish is slightly faster than most other International Falls area lakes. Ages ranged from 2 to 11 years. The 2015 and 2014 year classes (age 4 and 5 at the time of this survey) made up over half of the Black Crappie sampled.
Northern Pike abundance is average for this type of lake. Pike tend to be fairly small here. An average Northern Pike sampled in 2019 was about 19 inches. Growth is also slower than most other International Falls area lakes. The close proximity to Rainy Lake means that there could occasionally be a trophy fish roaming Rat Root Lake.
Walleye in Rat Root Lake are low in abundance and large in size. The average Walleye in 2019 was over 20 inches, and the largest sampled were about 25 inches in length. The Rat Root River below Rat Root Lake was once the site of Walleye egg collection for hatchery production, which ceased in the 1970's. The river upstream and downstream of Rat Root Lake has been the site of many habitat improvement efforts in recent years.
Yellow Perch are mostly small and in average abundance in Rat Root Lake. However, some do grow to sizes that anglers would target. Average size in 2019 was about 7 inches and the largest were about 11 inches. Strong 2015 and 2017 year classes made up the majority of the catch.
Other species sampled in low abundance in 2019 included Golden Shiner, Redhorse, Sauger, and White Sucker.
What is the average air temp for Rat Root Lake?
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Rat Root Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Unnamed Lake | 10.0 mi | 20 | |
| Moose Lake | 10.1 mi | 54 | 7 ft |
| Locator Lake | 13.1 mi | 133 | 52 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 13.3 mi | 12 | |
| Rainy Lake | 14.1 mi | 210,200 | 161 ft |
| Unnamed Lake | 14.3 mi | 17 | |
| War Club Lake | 14.3 mi | 80 | 40 ft |
| Little Lake | 14.8 mi | 17 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 15.3 mi | 15 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 15.3 mi | 27 |
