North Rothwell
A 297-acre lake near Clinton in Big Stone County — best known for walleye and panfish. Last surveyed 2000.
Fish Species (4)
Walleye
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2000
Last surveyed 2000 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 6.0 per gill net · typical 1–7.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 6, 2000 | 6.00 | 18.6" | 3.18 lbs |
| Jul 6, 2000 | 0.10 | 18.6" | 3.31 lbs |
Yellow Perch
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2000
Last surveyed 2000 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 71.3 per gill net · typical 3–26.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 6, 2000 | 25.00 | 5.0" | - |
| Jul 6, 2000 | 4.40 | 5.0" | 0.15 lbs |
| Jul 6, 2000 | 71.25 | 5.0" | 0.18 lbs |
Other species in this lake (2)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Black Bullhead
Typical numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2000
Last surveyed 2000 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 40.2 per trap net · typical 2.2–60.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 6, 2000 | 74.25 | 7.4" | 0.24 lbs |
| Jul 6, 2000 | 328.43 | 7.4" | - |
| Jul 6, 2000 | 40.20 | 7.4" | 0.29 lbs |
Fathead Minnow
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2000
Last surveyed 2000 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 678.6 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 6, 2000 | 678.57 | - | - |
Biologist Notes
July 6, 2000North Rothwell is a medium sized lake located between the cities of Clinton and Graceville in Big Stone County. Above normal precipitation during the…
North Rothwell is a medium sized lake located between the cities of Clinton and Graceville in Big Stone County. Above normal precipitation during the 1990's has increased the size of the lake considerably, because this is a landlocked basin. This was an initial survey to assess the present fishery and evaluate the fishery potential. Walleye were moderately abundant in 2000. The gill net catch rate was within the expected range. The majority of walleye caught ranged between 17.0 and 22.5 inches. Two year classes of walleye were caught, suggesting natural reproduction has occurred. Yellow perch were abundant. The gill net catch rate was three times the expected range. The vast majority of fish were small (less than 8.0 inches), although a number of 10.0-13.0 inch perch were also present. Growth rates were good. A quality perch fishery should develop over the next few years. Yellow perch were also likely introduced by an unauthorized stocking, but natural reproduction has created the bulk of the fishery. Black bullhead, fathead minnow and orangespotted sunfish were documented in high abundance. Bullhead up to 12.8 inches were caught and could provide a quality fishing opportunity. A project to reduce the current water levels of North Rothwell Lake by up to 6 feet has been proposed. Any potential fisheries management plan will be delayed until the outcome of the proposal is known.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in North Rothwell?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye and Yellow Perch in North Rothwell. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at North Rothwell?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for North Rothwell. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is North Rothwell?
North Rothwell has a maximum depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in North Rothwell last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in North Rothwell is from 2000. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does North Rothwell have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for North Rothwell in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
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Walleye
Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 297.1 acres
- Max Depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.78 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed