Trout

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Trout Lake was conducted on August 18- 20, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment Program staff. Ten nearshore sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each were sampled by backpack electrofishing, mini-fyke nets, and seining with a 15-foot seine. Nearshore sampling captured 10 species of fish, including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blacknose Shiner, Brook Trout, and Iowa Darter) and none that are tolerant of disturbance. Trout Lake was selected for a within season repeat survey to evaluate variability of survey results, therefore you may note two similar looking surveys in 2025. The nearshore data collected in this survey along with gill net and standard trap net data will be used to develop fish community models for Northeast Minnesota lakes, which will be used to monitor lake health in this region. These models may function similarly to fish IBI models developed for lakes across much of the rest of the state. For additional information, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. You can help protect the fish community in Trout Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Trout Lake was conducted on July 28-July 30, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment Program (LBMA) staff. Nearshore sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing, mini-fyke nets, and seining with a 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing and 1/8" mesh mini-fyke net sampling was completed at 10 sampling stations. Additionally, a 15-foot seine was used at 10 stations. Nearshore sampling captured 11 species of fish, including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Brook Trout, Iowa Darter, and Slimy Sculpin). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by LBMA staff. Twelve trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured six species of fish, including one that is intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Rainbow Trout). Yellow Perch and Golden Shiner comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Yellow Perch comprised a majority by biomass. Trout Lake was selected for a within season repeat survey to evaluate variability of survey results, therefore you may note two similar looking surveys in 2025. The nearshore and trap net data collected in this survey along with gill net data will be used to develop fish community models for Northeast Minnesota lakes, which will be used to monitor lake health in this region. These models may function similarly to fish IBI models developed for lakes across much of the rest of the state. For additional information, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. You can help protect the fish community in Trout Lake by reducing runoff, maintaining natural shorelines, and preventing the spread of invasive species.

Trout Lake a 259-acre lake located 13 miles north of Grand Marais with a carry-in public access on the northwest bay of the lake. Primary and secondary management species in Trout Lake are lake trout and rainbow trout. The 2023 standard lake survey was conducted to monitor the fish community in Trout Lake, record current limnological conditions, and evaluate management goals currently in place on the lake trout and rainbow trout populations. Lake trout catch rates were above average for Trout Lake, and much higher than similar area lakes. Management goals for lake trout were met. Lake trout ranged from 4.1 to 35.8 inches, with many young fish found in the survey. Aging results indicated the presences of 9 naturally reproduced year classes with the oldest individual being 22 years old. Lake trout growth appeared to be slightly slower than similar area lakes with average age 6 annuli formation occurring at 14.4 inches compared to an area average of 15.9 inches. The 2023 survey results suggest that Trout Lake continues to support a healthy, naturally reproducing lake trout population with slower growth but higher density. Naturally reproducing lake trout populations are unique in Minnesota lakes, anglers targeting lake trout should consider catch and release practices with safe handling procedures. It appeared that cold-water habitat available for lake trout reached a minimum during August in 2023. Suitable conditions (water temperature 5.0 ppm) existed from 24 ft to 54 ft. Rainbow trout catch rates were high in 2023 and met the current management goal. Results from recent surveys show the increase in stocking quantity and size of fish (fingerling to yearling) was successful in increasing the rainbow trout population. Aging results found 3 stocked year classes in the survey with the oldest individual being 3 years old. Growth rates appear slightly slower compared to similar stocked rainbow trout populations and likely due to competition with other rainbow trout. The rainbow smelt catch was slightly higher than the previous survey but is still below the normal range for similar area lakes. Although smelt can provide high-value forage for lake trout, analysis of smelt stomach contents from previous surveys have indicated they also competed with young lake trout for invertebrate forage, including Mysis and deepwater amphipods. Yellow perch abundance was the highest since 1987 and much higher than other lakes in the area. Yellow perch ranged from 4.6 to 10.2 inches with a mean length around 6.8 inches. Aging results indicated the presence of 4 naturally reproduced year classes. Growth rates were slightly below average but that would be common when densities are high. Some yellow perch may be large enough for anglers to target them. Three brook trout were found in the 2023 survey but are considered uncommon for the lake. Aging results found them to be 2 and 3 year old fish. Growth rates were comparable to brook trout from area streams, as these fish likely were migrants from Kadunce Creek, a designated trout stream that supported a resident brook trout population in the reach just below Trout Lake. Trout Lake is infested with spiny waterflea, an invasive zooplankton species. Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, and Yellow Perch in Trout. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Trout has a maximum depth of 77 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

Yes — Trout has confirmed spiny waterflea. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.