Rebecca

Lake Rebecca, a remnant of an abandoned channel of the adjacent Mississippi river, is entirely encompassed by Lake Rebecca Park, owned by the City of Hastings and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Rebecca Lake is aerated in the winter. Water quality of the lake is poor as a result of nutrient loading from storm sewers, street runoff and influxes from the Mississippi River and nearby agricultural activities. Surface water zoning prohibits all but electric motors on the lake. Facilities in the park include a boat landing, fishing pier and wharf, walking trails along with Porta Potties and a picnic area. Extensive shore fishing areas can also be found at Rebecca Lake. The lake is frequently inundated by flood waters of the Mississippi and the fish population reflects the influence that flooding events can have on adjacent waters. Bluegill and Crappie species made up most of the catch in 2018. Bluegill were common and relatively abundant for lakes similar to Rebecca. Average size of Bluegill sampled was good, with an average size measuring more than 6 inches in length. Crappie sampled in 2018 were generally small, with all Crappie sampled being smaller than 10 inches. Northern Pike were sampled in above average numbers in 2018, and were of good size, averaging 27 inches. Common Carp were sampled in low numbers in 2018, and ranged from 23.4 to 28.2 inches. Other fish observed in low abundance were seven Bowfin and six Yellow Bullhead. Bowfin had a mean length of 25.1 inches and were of good size while Yellow Bullhead mean length was 12.5 inches.

Bluegill and crappie made up most of the catch in 2012. Bluegill were common, but not abundant. Average size of bluegill sampled was good, with more than 30 percent of the bluegill sampled measuring more than 7" in length. Crappie sampled in 2012 were generally small, with only one crappie larger than 9" observed. Northern pike were sampled in average numbers in 2012, and were large. The average size northern pike observed was 30" long and weighed 6.5 pounds. Largemouth bass were sampled in average numbers, with some larger fish present in the catch. One bass in 5 sampled exceeded 16" in length. Walleye, sauger and channel catfish were sampled in very low numbers in 2012.

Bluegills are the primary management species for Lake Rebecca. The trap net catch of 20.44 per set is within the normal range for this lake. The average bluegill captured was 5.96 inches and 0.15 pounds. Approximately 15% of all bluegill sampled were 7.0 inches or larger. Black crappies were sampled above median levels for abundance in the trap nets and within the median levels for the gill nets. White crappies up to 14.65 inches were also sampled. Due to the 2001 flood a number of riverine species, bowfin, carp, gizzard shad, silver redhorse, shortnose gar, and white bass are present in the lake. Walleye and sauger were sampled in low numbers. Northern pike, largemouth bass and channel catfish were sampled in good numbers.

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

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

Rebecca has a maximum depth of 15 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Rebecca is from 2018. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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