Rogers

Rogers is a 240-acre lake located 30 miles northeast of Brainerd in Crow Wing County. It has a maximum depth of 64 feet, 83 acres of littoral area, and 2.54 miles of shoreline. A near-shore survey was conducted to assess the populations of both game and non-game fish species. A total of 10 sampling stations were evenly spaced around the lake. Each station was sampled by backpack electrofishing, and if conditions allowed with a 15 foot or 50 foot 1/8th inch seine. A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Rogers Lake, was conducted on August 14th, 2025, by Brainerd Area Fisheries staff. Backpack electrofishing was completed at 10 sampling stations. A 50 foot seine was used to sample four stations, and a 15 foot seine was used at three stations. Three stations were not seined due to soft bottom and heavy vegetation present at sites. Nearshore sampling captured 13 species of fish including three species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Iowa Darter, Blackchin Shiner, and Blacknose Shiner). There were no tolerant species sampled. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health by the types of fish species present and comparing it to what is expected for this type of lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.

Rogers is a 240-acre lake near the town of Emily in Crow Wing County. A DNR administered access is on the west side of the lake. Bluegill and Black Crappie are the primary management species. Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike are secondary management species. Rogers has a special fishing regulation for Crappies (daily limit of 5) and Sunfish (daily limit of 5). A standard survey using gill nets and trap nets was conducted in 2025 to assess fish populations and provide angler information. Bluegill numbers (25.2 per trap net) were up from the previous survey with 43 percent of Bluegills being 7 inches or larger and 8 percent at least 8 inches in length. Growth was above average for this lake type, with Bluegills averaging 5.0 inches at age 4. Black Crappie numbers were down from previous surveys in trap nets, but up in gill nets. Some nicer fish were sampled with 91 percent measuring 8 inches or larger and 55 percent measuring 10 inches or larger. Growth was average for this lake type, with fish averaging 8.7 inches at age 4. Anglers should expect both a harvest opportunity and a potential trophy, with Bluegill over 9 inches and Black Crappie over 13 inches sampled. The Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch in 2025 (78.5 per hour) was similar to the previous survey, with past catches ranging from 25.4 to 80.0 per hour. Electrofishing fish ranged in length from 7.3 to 17.7 inches with an average length of 12.5 inches. Northern Pike numbers (4.2 per gill net) are down from previous surveys with fish up to 35 inches captured. Anglers should have good opportunities to harvest fish with 80 percent of the fish below the 22 to 26 inch protected slot, as well as a shot at a trophy with 16 percent of the fish above the slot. Releasing larger pike is encouraged to help maintain the quality size. Other species sampled in the latest survey include Bowfin (Dogfish), Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, and Yellow Bullhead.

Rogers Lake had special regulations put in place in 2005 to protect the Sunfish and Black Crappie populations that call for a daily limit of 5 on both. Trap netting is done every third spring to monitor the effects of the regulations. Black Crappies were also collected during spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass to supplement the sample. Black Crappies ranged in length from 6.9 to 14.7 inches. With 62 percent of the fish over 10 inches and 10 percent over 12 inches, there are some nice Crappie to be found in Rogers. Bluegill size ranged from 4.3 to 9.5 inches. While there may not be as many large fish, the average size of Bluegills (7.5 inches) makes for good table fare, with 38 percent over 8 inches and 6 percent over 9 inches. The five crappie and five sunfish daily limits have been successful in maintaining the quality size structure of panfish in Rogers Lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Hybrid Sunfish, and Yellow Perch in Rogers. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Rogers has a maximum depth of 64 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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