Ruth

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Ruth Lake was conducted on July 6-7, 2022, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at fourteen sampling stations. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample twelve stations and a 15-foot seine was used at two stations. Nearshore sampling captured sixteen species of fish including five species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Rock Bass, and Smallmouth Bass) and none that are tolerant of disturbance. The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a June 2021 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Fathead Minnow and Green Sunfish). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Results from this survey will be considered when the biological health of Ruth Lake is assessed during the Pine River Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

While Ruth is currently stocked every other year with Walleye fingerlings, numbers have always been quite low. The best opportunity for fishing appears to be for Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie and Bluegill. This lake now contains Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. Please clean your boats well and drain all water when leaving the lake. Northern pike numbers were high for this type of lake at 17.8/gill net. Average length was 20.5", with 19% of the fish within the 22-26" protected slot and 21% above 26". Fish up to 34.4" were sampled. Panfish species showed some good opportunity. Bluegill were caught at the rate of 65.6/trap net, with an average size of 6.5" and 43% measuring 7" or longer. Black Crappies were caught in average numbers (0.9/trap net) and 75% of the fish were 8" or larger, with fish up 12.1" sampled. Largemouth Bass were sampled by night electrofishing at the rate of 71.5/hour. Average length was 14.5" and 80% measured 12" or larger. The largest fish measured 18.7".

While Ruth is currently stocked every other year with walleye fingerlings, numbers have always been quite low. The best opportunity for fishing appears to be for largemouth bass, northern pike, black crappie and bluegill. This lake now contains Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. Please clean your boats well and drain all water when leaving the lake. Largemouth bass numbers were excellent at 122.1/hr electrofishing. Average length was 12.5" and 56% measured 12" or larger. The largest fish measured 20.9". Northern pike numbers were high for this type of lake (13.2/net), but size wasn't that impressive. Average length was 20.5" and 24% were 24" or larger. The largest fish was 35.5". Panfish species were present in average numbers and size was decent. Bluegill were caught at the rate of 28.2/net, with an average size of 6.9" and 47% measuring 7" or longer. Black crappies were primarily from the 2011 year class and had an average size of 9.3". The crappie catch of 1.1/net was average for this type of lake.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Bluegill in Ruth. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Ruth has a maximum depth of 39 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Ruth is from 2022.

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