Little Trout Lake

How big is Little Trout Lake?

How deep is Little Trout Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Little Trout Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Little Trout Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Little Trout Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Little Trout 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?

Little Trout Lake is a 272 acre lake located in Voyageurs National Park. Little Trout Lake has a maximum depth of 95 feet, and good water clarity. The Lake is accessed via a short but fairly steep portage between Grassy Bay of Sand Point Lake and the south end of Little Trout Lake. This diverse fishery supports populations of several species of gamefish that may be of interest to anglers. The deep, cold water supports Lake Trout and Cisco, while the warmer waters hold quality populations of Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and exotic viruses, anglers are only allowed to use artificial baits. In addition, no privately-owned watercraft (boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.) or float planes are allowed on interior lakes such as Little Trout. A standard survey was completed in Little Trout Lake in Late August of 2023.

Special regulations protecting Lake Trout were enacted in 2015. The regulation prohibits harvest of Lake Trout, while still allowing catch and release angling during the inland summer and winter seasons. All other species follow statewide regulations for inland waters. Previous management plans have identified several long-range goals, including providing a healthy, self-sustaining fish community with an emphasis on Lake Trout as the top predator and other native species. Lake Trout abundance should be at least 1.0 fish per deep gill net set.

Lake Trout gill net catch rate was 0.6 fish per net, which was above average for recent surveys. Total length ranged from 18.3 to 21.1 inches and the mean length was 19.7 inches. Average weight was 2.9 pounds which was below average compared to previous surveys. A total of three year-classes were present and ranged from 3-5 years. All Lake Trout sampled during the survey had a clipped adipose fin identifying them as stocked fish. Annual yearling Lake Trout stocking was resumed in 2020 after previous surveys failed to sample Lake Trout after stocking was ceased in 2006. Although present in low numbers, Lake Trout in Little Trout Lake provide a unique fishing opportunity.

Walleye gill net catch rates were 2.5 fish per net in shallow gill nets and 1.5 fish per net in deep gill nets. Catch rate in shallow gill nets were below average and catch rate in deep gill nets were slightly above average compared to previous surveys. Total length in shallow gill nets ranged from 13.2 to 24.0 inches, with a mean of 19.5 inches. Total length in deep gill nets ranged from 20.8 to 28.3 inches, with a mean of 24.7 inches. Average weight in shallow gill nets was 2.6 pounds, which was slightly below average. Average weight in deep gill net was 5.0 pounds, which was above average. A total of eight year-classes were present and ranged from 2-22 years. Walleye growth was above average, and there are good numbers of large Walleye providing anglers with a shot at a trophy.

Smallmouth Bass gill net catch rates were 5.8 fish per net in shallow gill nets and 1.5 fish per net in deep gill nets. Catch rate in shallow gill nets was average compared to previous surveys. Catch rate in deep gill nets was above average compared to previous surveys. Total length in shallow gill nets ranged from 5.7 to 18.1 inches, with a mean of 12.5 inches. Total length in deep gill nets ranged from 12.8 to 18.0 inches, with a mean of 16.0 inches. Average weight in shallow gill nets was 1.1 pounds which was similar to previous surveys. Mean weight in deep gill nets was 2.0 pounds which was similar to previous surveys. A total of 14 year-classes were present and ranged 1-22 years. Smallmouth Bass growth was average, but there are good numbers of larger fish present to provide a good fishing opportunity.

Northern Pike abundance is low in Little Trout Lake but the Northern Pike present are large. One Northern Pike was sampled during the survey and had a total length of 39.3 inches and weighed 15.2 pounds. Northern Pike numbers have been declining in recent surveys, but the Northern Pike present provide anglers with the opportunity to catch a trophy.

Cisco, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass are also present and provide quality forage for top predators in Little Trout Lake.

What is the average air temp for Little Trout Lake?