Fond du Lac Reservoir

A standard survey was conducted on Fond du Lac Reservoir during the summer of 2015 to evaluate and update information about fish populations after the historic flood of 2012. Walleye and Smallmouth Bass are the primary management species for Fond du Lac Reservoir. Walleye abundance of 3.5 per gillnet lift was average compared to other Minnesota Lakes. Walleye average length was 12.9 inches, with fish weighing about a pound on average. Smallmouth Bass abundance of 0.8 per gillnet lift was above average compared to other Minnesota lakes. Average length was 11.7 inches. Smallmouth Bass abundance of 2.0 per trapnet lift was above average compared to other Minnesota lakes. Average length was 12.1 inches. Currently, the best fishing opportunity in Fond du Lac Reservoir is for Channel Catfish. Channel Catfish abundance of 21.3 per gillnet lift was well above average compared to previous surveys and was a historic high catch rate for Fond du Lac Reservoir. Average length and weight was 14.0 inches and 1.5 pounds but fish up to 30.7 inches were sampled. Anglers should expect good catches of Channel Catfish for the next several years as strong 2012 and 2013 year-class will be entering the creel. Black Crappie abundance of 3.1 per trapnet lift was above average compared to other Minnesota Lakes. Prior to this survey, Black Crappie had not been sampled in trapnets since 1981. Mean length was 9.7 inches but only 27% of the sample captured exceeded 10 inches. Minnesota State Highway 210 through Jay Cooke State Park provides angler access to Fond du Lac Reservoir. The road has been closed for the past several years after catastrophic damage as a result of the historic flood of June, 2012. Although the road is currently being rebuilt, angler access continues to be restricted until the road is reopened, which is tentatively scheduled for October, 2016.

Fond du Lac reservoir is the first St. Louis River reservoir upstream from the St. Louis Bay. It is impounded by the Fond du Lac Dam, has a surface area of 217 acres, a maximum depth of 59 feet and 112 (52%) acres of littoral area. The reservoir has a carry-down access off State Highway #210. Walleye abundance of 3.8 per gillnet lift was average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Mean length was 14.1 inches. Growth was average, with length at age four of 14.6 inches. Age distribution was even, with 6 year classes represented, however 41% of the walleye aged were from the 2000 year class. Northern pike abundance of 0.7 per gillnet lift was below average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Mean length was 20.1 inches, but too few individuals were sampled to evaluate age or growth parameters. Growth rates from previous investigations were fast compared to other northern pike populations from within the Duluth Area. Smallmouth bass abundance of 5.0 per gillnet lift was above average compared to other Minnesota lakes of similar type. Mean length was 12.0 inches and length at age four was 11.2 inches, which represents average growth. Eighty percent of the smallmouth bass sampled were from the 1997 and 1998 year classes. Channel catfish abundance of 6.7 per gillnet lift was the highest ever. Currently, there are no other similar lakes to compare catch rates to. Historically, catch rates ranged from 0 to 1.1 per gillnet lift. Mean length in 2001 was 18.9 inches, but age and growth parameters were not evaluated. Currently, walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish should provide excellent angling opportunities. Other fish species sampled include rock bass, shorthead redhorse, stonecat, white sucker, and yellow perch.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Channel Catfish, Rock Bass, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Walleye in Fond du Lac Reservoir. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Fond du Lac Reservoir. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Fond du Lac Reservoir has a maximum depth of 59 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Fond du Lac Reservoir is from 2015. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

No invasive species are on record for Fond du Lac Reservoir in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.