Little Rock

Little Rock Lake (DOW# 05-0013-00; Lake Class 41) is a 1,450-acre reservoir located near Rice, Minnesota. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) owned concrete boat ramp is located rear State Highway 10 near the south end of the lake. Little Rock Lake has 10.55 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 17 feet. The lake is primarily managed for Walleye and Black Crappie and secondarily for Northern Pike. A standard survey using 11 gill nets was completed in 2025. Fall electrofishing for young of the year Walleye (EW) was also conducted. The 2025 gillnet assessment is the 6th completed since 1996. EW has been conducted annually since 2017. Seasonal trap netting and targeted electrofishing are also employed to monitor Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. A total of 16 Walleye were captured in gillnets for a catch rate (CPE) of 1.45/gillnet. The CPE of Walleye in Little Rock fluctuates widely in surveys, likely due to a combination of factors including open connection to the Mississippi River. Since 1996, it has ranged from 0.64/gillnet (2014) to 17.09/gillnet (2020). Gillnets provide information on the length distribution, age, growth, and abundance of Walleye. Catch rates can vary widely between surveys which is why it is important to monitor long-term trends. This was illustrated in 2025, as despite a relatively low gillnet catch rate, anecdotal reports following the survey suggested that the Walleye fishery is still of high quality. Fifty-six percent of fish exceeded 14 inches in length. This has historically ranged from 53% (1996) to 100% (2009). Walleye in Little Rock grow quickly, typically attaining 15 inches by age 3. EW was conducted on September 10, 2025, to assess the success of natural Walleye reproduction. The assessment consisted of 4 stations and a total of 1 hour of run-time. A total of 60 young of the year Walleye and 13 yearling or adult Walleye were captured. This catch rate of 60/hour was above the historical median of 38/hour (12 surveys). EW catch rate in Little Rock has historically been a good predictor of year class catch rate in gillnets, so the 2025-year class should provide a significant year class for anglers. Gillnets captured a total of 50 Northern Pike for a CPE of 4.55/gillnet (goal 1.2 -7.8/gillnet). This is the highest CPE since 2002 (6.45/gillnet). Lengths ranged from 17.32 to 30.51 inches and averaged 23.8 inches. Of the 47 fish measured, 43% exceeded 24 inches (goal > 30%) and 2 fish exceeded 30 inches. Fish over 30 inches are sampled regularly in Little Rock. Channel Catfish were first sampled in Little Rock in 1985 and catch rates remained low until 2002. In 2025, a total of 74 Channel Catfish were captured for a CPE of 6.73/gillnet. Lengths sampled ranged from 14 to 27 inches and averaged 23.29 inches. Ages observed ranged from 3 to 15, with the most prominent at this time being age 10 and 11. Longevity was normal and growth was above average when compared to other Minnesota Lakes, with fish attaining 24 inches by age 10. A total of 3 Yellow Perch were captured in 2025 (0.27/gillnet). Catch rates of this species have been low in surveys post-2002, but anglers have reported finding a few perch large enough to eat. A total of 17 Black Crappie were captured in 2025 with lengths ranging from 5.4 to 6.9 inches. No ages were taken in 2025, but it appears that the 2023-year class dominates the Black Crappie community at this time. Anecdotal reports from 2025 also support this. Black Crappie exhibit excellent growth in Little Rock (10.6 inches at age 4), and the 2023-year class should be of interest to anglers by 2027. A total of 3 Bluegill were captured in gill nets in 2025 with lengths ranging between 8.1 and 8.8 inches. All were age 4, suggesting exceptional growth which is typical in Little Rock. Catch rates of Bluegill in all gears have historically been low, suggesting lower abundance than Black Crappie. Recent ice-out assessments have captured Bluegills in excess of 10 inches. Due mostly to Little Rock's lack of dense and expansive vegetation beds at this time, Black Crappie provide a more consistent and significant fishery than Bluegills. Anglers that report catching Bluegill typically encounter them as bycatch, but some have reported successful efforts targeting the species. No Largemouth Bass or Smallmouth Bass were captured in 2025. The lake is not currently managed for bass and does not appear to provide a significant fishery for either species. Previous surveys have documented the presence of large fish (> 18 inches) belonging to both species which have provided bonus catches for anglers targeting other species. White Sucker have been consistently abundant in Little Rock. A total of 31 (2.91/gillnet) were captured in 2025. CPE has fluctuated widely around a median of 7.36/gillnet since 2002. The relatively low catch in 2025 is not concerning considering historical variability and the significant presence of young White Sucker in the 2024 seining and electrofishing sample. Bigmouth Buffalo were present in numbers that have not been previously observed in gillnets. A total of 57 were captured in 2025, ranging in length from 10.0 to 14.2 inches. Most of the fish were 3-years old and the average length of this year class was 11.8 inches. These fish also dominated ice-out trap net catches in 2024 (2870 were captured). Spawning success appears to be intermittent in Little Rock. The only previous survey to document a large year class was in 2008, when 49 Bigmouth Buffalo measuring between 18 and 21 inches were captured in trap nets. Though Bigmouth Buffalo appear similar to Common Carp, they are more closely related to suckers. They are a native fish to Minnesota's waters and do not have harmful effects on the fish community like Common Carp. These fish can reach impressive sizes (Minnesota record is over 41 pounds) and have lifespans of decades. Though notoriously a difficult species to catch with a rod and reel, Bigmouth Buffalo in Little Rock provide a unique opportunity for the area. Common Carp are known to be abundant in Little Rock, but do not often reflect their abundance in gillnets. The 2025 gillnets captured 22 juvenile fish measuring between 12.6 to 17.3 inches, evidence of a recent strong year class. Adult fish were absent in the sample despite being present in every gillnetting survey since 1996.

Fish population evaluations on Little Rock Lake in 2024 consisted of three efforts. A targeted survey for Walleye and Black Crappie was conducted following ice out in 2024 using trap nets. Fall electrofishing was performed targeting juvenile Walleye and nearshore sampling with seines and electrofishing gear took place during the summer. Nearshore sampling was done to assess possible changes in the overall fish community since a drawdown undertaken in 2019. Spring trap nets sampled a large number of Black Crappie in 2024 totaling 1,258 fish. Spring ice out trap net catch rates have been highly variable and similarly high numbers have been seen in the past. When large numbers have shown up it is usually due to an abundance of smaller fish from a very strong year class. The 2024 catch rate was on the high end chiefly due to the large number of yearlings observed. The elevated numbers of yearling crappie netted in 2024 also heavily influenced the size structure. Mean length in 2024 was just 5.99 inches with 9.1% of the catch exceeding 10 inches. A similar ice-out trap net survey in 2022 produced a mean length of 9.19 inches and 19% of the catch exceeded 10 inches. Large crappie were actually better represented in the 2024 catch as Black Crappie exceeding 12.0 inches comprised 3.8% of the sample compared to 1.4% in 2022. Maximum length in 2024 was 14.4 inches in 2024 and 12.6 inches in 2022. In general, size structure characteristics have continued to vary considerably throughout the lake's history. The Walleye population in Little Rock Lake is natural and self-sustaining. No stocking has occurred on the lake since 1990. A total of 16 Walleye were captured during the 2024 ice-out netting which was quite similar to the 18 fish observed in 2022. Walleye ranged from 6.9 to 19.8 inches and mean length was 11.9 inches. Spring trap net catches of Walleye are typically low on Little Rock Lake and have not proven to be a good indicator of population abundance Ice-out trap netting has proven to be the most effective method currently being used to evaluate the Bluegill population and size structure. The 2024 ice-out catch of 420 fish was remarkably close to the 2022 take of 441 Bluegill. The 2022 total was the highest catch observed to date. Bluegill catches in recent years suggest the population may be increasing. The 2024 sample was comprised of 38.6% of the fish over 7 inches, 11.1% over 8 inches and 4% exceeding 9 inches. Maximum length in 2024 was 10.1 inches. The presence of 9 and 10 inch fish further characterizes the size quality in the population. The 2024 sample was comprised of 38.6% of the fish over 7 inches, 11.1% over 8 inches and 4% exceeding 9 inches. Maximum length in 2024 was 10.1 inches. The presence of 9 and 10 inch fish further characterizes the size quality in the population. Bluegill typically thrive in lakes in a clear water state. Little Rock Lake is a hyper-eutrophic reservoir that typically has extreme algae blooms in summer. A drawdown of Little Rock Lake was initiated in 2019 in an attempt to stimulate emergent and submerged plant growth, and improve water quality. Water levels were maintained low for a six week period. Since the drawdown, algae blooms have been of a different type, were delayed in spring, and have been less intense. Less turbid conditions and increased vegetation growth may have been factors leading to improved Bluegill recruitment in recent years. Increased plant growth may have provided more habitat for juvenile Bluegill. These changes may account for the higher catch of Bluegill in recent assessments. The 2024 ice-out trap nets sampled 34 Northern Pike as compared to the total of 173 Northern Pike captured during the 2022 ice-out survey. The 2022 result was the highest catch and catch rate recorded for pike in ice-out trap nets on Little Rock Lake. As with Walleye ice-out trap net catches, Northern Pike total catches and catch rates are not good barometers of actual shifts in abundance. Pike size structure represented in spring trap net surveys has been typified by fairly high proportions of fish exceeding 24.0 inches and several fish over 30.0 inches present. This was not the case in 2024 as the ice-out sample showed no fish over 30 inches and only 21% were longer than 24 inches. Mean length in 2024 was just 18.3 inches. It is likely that the small sample size of pike in 2024 failed to accurately reflect the true representation of larger pike in the population. Largemouth Bass were found in relatively low numbers in the 2024 ice-out trap nets as 13 fish were collected. Little Rock Lake is believed to support modest numbers of bass consisting mostly of quality size fish in the 15-19 inch range. Though not sampled in the trap nets Smallmouth Bass are also present especially in the southern reaches of the lake. Channel Catfish are known to be present in considerable numbers but were not observed in the trap nets in 2024. Yellow Perch were numerous in the 2024 ice-out sampling with 1,137 captured. Perch ranged from 4.7 to 11.2 inches in length. Over 14% of the perch were longer than 9 inches indicating the presence of fish large enough to be of interest anglers. Fall electrofishing (EF) has been utilized annually to assess natural reproduction of Walleye on Little Rock Lake. The 2024 young-of-year Walleye sample consisted of a single fish measuring 4.7 inches long. This was the lowest catch rate on record and suggests the 2024 year class will likely be poorly represented in future gill net surveys and angler catches. A fair number of yearling Walleye were observed so the 2023 year class should contribute to angler catches. The 2024 nearshore effort captured 17 species of fish with Yellow Perch the most numerous species in the catch followed by Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass. Only two minnow species were observed, Common Shiner and Spottail Shiner. Similar sampling in 2014 before the drawdown produced 26 species with Yellow Perch again the most numerous species present followed by Johnny Darter and White Sucker. The 2014 sample showed a higher diversity of minnow species with 9 species represented. Several of these minnow species (Bigmouth Shiner, Spotfin Shiner, Blacknose Dace, Creek Chub, Central Stoneroller) are often found in more riverine environments suggesting a heavier influence from some of the lake's tributaries compared to 2024. These results do not indicate an increase in overall diversity or prevalence of intolerant or desirable nearshore species following drawdown management

Little Rock Lake (DOW# 05-0013-00; Lake Class 41) is a 1,310-acre lake located near Rice, Minnesota. A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) owned concrete boat ramp is located on the south Shore west of Highway 10. Little Rock Lake has 10.58 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 17 feet. Little Rock Lake is in Lake Class 41. Lakes in this class are generally very large, shallow, have a very high amount of water less than 15 feet deep, have very hard water, high turbidity, and are an irregular shape. Primary management species on Little Rock Lake include Walleye and Black Crappie, Secondary management species includes Northern Pike. Although Walleye stockings may have occurred prior to accurate record keeping, historical records show Walleye stocking beginning on Little Rock Lake in 1945 and ending in 1990. Stocking consisted primarily of fingerling and yearling Walleye. Due to the documentation of natural reproduction in 1991, stocking was discontinued to observe whether population management goals could be met through natural reproduction. No stocking has been needed since stocking was terminated. Fall electrofishing has been utilized annually to assess natural reproduction of Walleye on Little Rock Lake. Sampling in 2023 was conducted on September 6, and effort totaled 1.0 hour of electrofishing on-time. A total of 40 young of the year Walleye were captured during the assessment for a catch rate of 40.0/hour which was above the median (30.0/hour). Catch rates from previous fall electrofishing surveys have ranged from 3.6/hour in 2008 to 147.1/hour in 2013. Young of the year Walleye sampled in 2023 ranged from 4.5 to 8.9 inches and averaged 7.1 inches, which was larger than the average (6.0 inches) calculated since 1997. Sampling conditions in 2023 were challenging with heavy algae blooms present which made it difficult to see fish, a condition not uncommon during fall assessments. Catch rates were probably negatively impacted due to poor visibility and would probably have been higher with clearer water conditions. Moderate fall young of the year Walleye catch rates have produced good future year classes in the past on Little Rock Lake. The catch rate (40.0/hour) of juvenile Walleye observed in 2023 suggests a good year class was produced and should contribute to good angling opportunities in a few years. Other species commonly observed during the assessment included: Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spottail Shiner, Trout-perch, White Sucker, and Yellow Perch. Additional information can be found on the DNR website (www.dnr.state.mn.us) or by contacting the Little Falls Area Fisheries office.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Largemouth Bass in Little Rock. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Little Rock. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Little Rock has a maximum depth of 17 feet and a mean depth of 8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Rock is from 2025.

Yes — Little Rock has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.