Rossier Lake
Stearns County, Minnesota
Share Your Catch & Win!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rossier Lake, MN
- How big is Rossier Lake?
- How deep is Rossier Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Rossier Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Rossier Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Rossier Lake area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Rossier Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Rossier Lake?
How big is Rossier Lake?
How deep is Rossier Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Rossier Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Blacknose Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Johnny Darter, Logperch and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Rossier Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Rossier Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there places to eat and drink near Rossier Lake?
Explore the Rossier Lake area in a RV
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What aquatic invasive species are found in Rossier Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
Watab-Rossier Lakes are located in Stearns County, two miles north of the City of St. Joseph. The lakes are relatively deep, and the Watab River flows through them on its way to the Mississippi. Watab (Long) is a recreational development lake while Rossier (Rose) is a natural environment lake. There is a private access on the north side of Watab Lake that belongs to the St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club and use of the access is limited to members only. This was the first full survey since 1989.
Net catches were light overall. This may be due to abrupt drop-offs in depth along the shoreline.
Few walleye were captured in gill nets. However, the walleye catch was within the range of expected values for lakes similar to Watab-Rossier. In a combined sample of all gear types, walleye ranged in length from 12 - 20 inches. Walleye populations may be greater than the nets indicate. Anglers reported catching multiple walleyes at the time of the survey. These reports are of interest because the Rod and Gun Club has stocked the lakes with walleye fingerlings nearly every year since 2000.
Gill net catch rates of northern pike were within the expected range for Watab (4.0/net), but below the expected range for Rossier (2.0/net). Average size was lower on Watab (1.7 pounds) than Rossier (3.3 pounds). All northern pike taken with gill nets were less than 24 inches in Watab Lake. Three of four northern pike taken in Rossier Lake were 24 inches or larger. Northern Pike grew at an average rate and reached 23.5 inches in four years.
A total of six channel catfish were sampled in gill nets. Catfish ranged in length from 23 - 25 inches with an average weight of 4.7 pounds. This marks the first time channel catfish have been sampled in Watab and Rossier Lakes. The origin of these fish is likely the Mississippi River.
Largemouth bass were sampled by electrofishing during the day on May 23, 2008. A total of 97 largemouth were taken in 1.12 hours of effort for a catch per unit of effort of 86.6/hour, higher than the Stearns County (nighttime) average of 67/hr. Largemouth ranged in size from 7 to 20.5 inches. Largemouth bass grew at rate similar to statewide averages, and reached nearly 15 inches by age five. Six smallmouth bass were captured in addition to the largemouth and ranged in length from 10 - 17.5 inches. Anglers can expect good bass fishing in Watab-Rossier Lakes.
Bluegill were uncommon and small. The trap net catches were below the range of expected values for both Watab and Rossier. Only three bluegill larger than seven inches were sampled.
Trap net catch rates of black crappie were slightly above average (2.7/net) in Rossier but below the expected range for Watab (0.3/net). Black crappie were small and only two fish larger than eight inches were captured.
What is the average air temp for Rossier Lake?
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Rossier Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Watab Lake | 0.5 mi | 97 | 54 ft |
| Lower Watab Lake | 0.7 mi | 15 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 3.0 mi | 10 | |
| Swamp Lake | 3.5 mi | 30 | |
| Unnamed Lake | 3.5 mi | 22 | |
| Kraemer Lake | 4.3 mi | 195 | 30 ft |
| Sagatagan Lake | 4.6 mi | 227 | 42 ft |
| Bakers Lake | 4.7 mi | 44 | |
| Stump Lake | 4.9 mi | 72 | 36 ft |
| Achman Lake | 5.0 mi | 47 | 30 ft |
