Ringo

A standard survey was conducted on Ringo Lake during mid-June of 2025. A spring night electrofishing survey was conducted during mid-May of 2025 for sampling pre-spawn Largemouth Bass. A fall night electrofishing survey was conducted for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye in mid-September of 2025. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e. spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e. standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). Ringo is a moderate sized (735 acres), shallow (10 feet maximum depth), aerated, and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Ringo is part of the Hawk Creek Watershed. Total phosphorus levels were moderately high (0.066 ppm) for Ringo on June 9, 2014. Water clarity was fair (secchi=3.3 feet), and brown stained on June 9, 2025, but typical for Ringo Lake. Blue-green algae blooms are common during the late summer months on Ringo Lake. Sago pondweed has been the most frequently occurring submergent vegetation species in Ringo Lake. Submergent vegetation densities were generally low throughout the lake. Emergent vegetation (hardstem bulrush, cattails) was abundant throughout the lake, especially near the islands, bay areas, and peninsulas. Shoalwater substrates consist primarily of sand, detritus, silt, and gravel. A public shore fishing area is located along the northeast shore of Ringo. A public access boat ramp is located along the north side. The immediate watershed consists primarily of wetlands, hardwoods, agricultural row crops, gravel pits, asphalt plant, and residential housing. There were 27 homes located along the Ringo lakeshore in 2014. Several new homes were constructed in a new development area along the northwest corner of the southwest bay during recent years. There are seven inlets that enter Ringo Lake. The largest inlet drains a large cattail marsh area "Ringo-Nest Wildlife Management Area" into Ringo Lake. This connection is a potential watershed breach to the Middle Fork of Crow River Watershed via Nest Lake. Ringo connects to the Henderson outlet via a marsh during high water. The Ringo outlet drains into Long Lake. Water levels were high during 2025. The DNR Spicer Fisheries Office manages Ringo for Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Yellow Perch and Black Crappie. Invasive species found in Ringo include Zebra Mussels (2024) and Eurasian watermilfoil (2025). Black Crappie numbers were moderate in 2025 (3.89 fish/trapnet). The Black Crappie historical average catch rate (1986-present) is 22.52 fish/trapnet for Ringo Lake. The 2025 Black Crappie average size was large (0.60 pounds and 9.70 inches) from trapnets. The Black Crappie historical average weight is 0.26 pounds from trapnets. Moderate numbers (5.25 fish/gillnet) of small Black Crappie (0.21 pounds and 6.86 inches average) were captured in 2025 gillnets. The 2025 catch rate of Black Crappie 8.00 inches and larger was moderate (3.22 fish/trapnet) in Ringo. The 2025 catch rate of Black Crappie 10.00 inches and larger was fair (0.78 fish/trapnet) in Ringo. The largest Black Crappie captured was 14.53 inches in 2025. Bluegill numbers were moderate in 2025 (4.22 fish/trapnet) for Ringo. The Bluegill historical average catch rate (1986-present) is 2.88 fish/trapnet. The 2025 Bluegill average size was large (0.29 pounds and 6.77 inches) from trapnets. The Bluegill historical average weight is 0.23 pounds from trapnets. The 2025 catch rate of Bluegill 8.00 inches and larger was low (0.78 fish/trapnet) in Ringo. The largest Bluegill captured was 8.98 inches in 2025. Largemouth Bass numbers were moderate (29.25 fish/hour) in the 2025 mid-May (pre-spawn) spring night electrofishing survey. The 2025 Largemouth Bass average size was moderate (1.44 pounds and 13.04 inches) from spring electrofishing. No previous spring electrofishing surveys were conducted for Largemouth Bass in Ringo. The Largemouth Bass catch rate of 15.00 inches and larger was high (10.50 fish/hour) in 2025. The largest Largemouth Bass captured was 20.47 inches in the 2025 survey. Largemouth Bass growth rates were excellent for ages 1-8. Approximately 38.5% and 23.0% of the Largemouth Bass were from the 2023 and 2020 year classes respectively in the 2025 spring electrofishing survey. Northern Pike numbers were high in 2025 (10.50 fish/gillnet). The Northern Pike historical average catch rate (1986-present) is 4.92 fish/gillnet for Ringo. The 2025 Northern Pike average size was moderate (2.47 pounds and 22.04 inches) from gillnets. The Northern Pike historical average weight is 2.74 pounds from gillnets. The 2025 catch rate of Northern Pike 26.00 inches and larger was moderate (1.50 fish/gillnet). The largest Northern Pike captured was 33.66 inches in 2025. Local Northern Pike egg take operations last occurred in 2014. Northern Pike possession limit regulations for Ringo in the North-central Zone are as follows: anglers can keep 10 Northern Pike, but not more than two Northern Pike longer than 26.00 inches; and all from 22.00 to 26.00 inches must be released. Northern Pike taken by spearing follow the same rules except one Northern Pike may be between 22.00 and 26.00 inches or two larger than 26.00 inches. Walleye numbers were fair in 2025 (7.50 fish/gillnet) for Ringo. The Walleye historical average catch rate (1986-present) is 18.52 fish/gillnet for Ringo. The 2025 Walleye average size was moderate (1.91 pounds and 16.78 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.16 pounds from gillnets. The Walleye catch rate of 15.00 inches and larger was fair (4.50 fish/gillnet) for Ringo. Walleye growth rates were generally good for all ages except older fish. The 2017 Walleye year class comprised 24% of the 2025 Walleye catch. Other year classes present included 2022 (20%) and 2023 (18.5%). Walleye natural reproduction in Ringo is frequent, but often variable for successful year classes produced. The largest Walleye captured was 27.83 inches in 2025. Fall electrofishing surveys have been conducted to evaluate spring Walleye fry stockings or natural reproduction. Low numbers of YOY Walleye (7.00 YOY/hour, 7.02 inches) were captured in the 2025 fall night electrofishing survey. Low numbers of YOY Walleye were captured in the 2023 fall daytime electrofishing survey (7.20 YOY/hour, 6.22 inches). Abundant numbers of YOY Walleye (56.00 YOY/hour, 6.92 inches) were captured in a 2022 fall daytime electrofishing surveys. Daytime electrofishing is generally less effective at sampling YOY Walleye than night electrofishing. Low YOY Walleye numbers (4.00 YOY/hour, 7.74 inches) were captured in the 2021 fall night electrofishing survey. There were moderate YOY Walleye numbers captured in the 2019 fall night electrofishing survey (40.00 YOY/hour, 7.02 inches). Abundant YOY Walleye numbers were captured in 2017 (88.00 YOY/hour, 6.01 inches), 2015 (60.00 YOY/hour, 6.00 inches) and 2013 (96.67 YOY/hour, 4.92 inches) and 2011 (210.00 YOY/hour, 4.51 inches) fall night electrofishing surveys. Walleye fry were recently stocked (300,000-540,000 fish) into Ringo Lake during 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022-2025. Ringo was stocked with 255,675 Walleye fry in 2025. The highest fall electrofishing catch rate of YOY Walleye occurred in 1994 (520.00 YOY/hour, 4.47 inches average length) during a fry stocked year. The highest fall electrofishing catch rate for YOY Walleye due solely to natural reproduction occurred in 1995 (129.00 fish/hour, 6.16 inches average length). Yellow Perch numbers were low in 2025 (0.75 fish/gillnet) The Yellow Perch historical average catch rate (1986-present) is 1.65 fish/gillnet for Ringo. The 2025 Yellow Perch average size was moderate (0.18 pounds and 7.18 inches) from gillnets. The Yellow Perch historical average weight is 0.14 pounds from gillnets. The largest Yellow Perch captured was 8.31 inches in 2025. Black Bullhead numbers were low in 2025 (0.25 fish/gillnet). Black Bullhead numbers were also low in the 2025 trapnets (0.78 fish/trapnet). The Black Bullhead historical average catch rates (1986-present) are 26.49 fish/gillnet and 53.15 fish/trapnet for Ringo. The 2025 Black Bullhead average weights were large (1.50 pounds plus) from gillnets and trapnets. The Black Bullhead historical average weights are approximately 0.60 pounds from gillnets and trapnets. The largest Black Bullhead captured was 16.14 inches in 2025. Common Carp abundance was moderate in 2025 (1.11 fish/trapnet). The Common Carp historical average catch rate (1986-present) is 3.11 fish/trapnet for Ringo Lake. The 2025 Common Carp average size was large (7.40 pounds and 24.81 inches) from trapnets. The Common Carp historical average weight is 4.52 pounds from trapnets. The largest Common Carp captured was 33.74 inches in 2025. Current fish management activities on Ringo include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen levels, assisting the county with the operation of the aeration system, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, participating in local watershed initiatives, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Ringo Lake fishery will be sampled in the summer 2030 for all fish species.

A targeted fall daytime electrofishing survey was conducted for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye on Ringo during September 7, 2023. Fall electrofishing was conducted at two stations for a total of 25 minutes. The water temperature was 77 F. during the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. Submergent vegetation densities (sago pondweed, northern milfoil and coontail) were light in 2023. Water clarity was poor (0.5 feet). Blue-green algae bloom was moderate. We observed moderate numbers of adult Walleye, Common Carp, Bigmouth Buffalo, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch in the 2023 fall electrofishing survey. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e., spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e., standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). Ringo is a moderate sized (735 acres), shallow (10 feet maximum depth), aerated, and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Blue-green algae blooms are common during the late summer months on Ringo Lake. Clarity is often poor especially during late summer in Ringo. Emergent vegetation (hardstem bulrush, cattails) was abundant throughout the lake, especially near the islands, bay areas, and peninsulas. Shoalwater substrates consist primarily of sand, detritus, silt, and gravel. Water levels were low during 2021-23. Walleye natural reproduction occurs in Ringo, but is sporadic based on previous surveys. Walleye fry were recently stocked (300,000-540,000 fish) into Ringo Lake during 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023. Approximately 351,600 Spicer Strain Walleye fry were stocked in 2023. Low YOY Walleye numbers (7.20 YOY/hour, 6.22 inches) were caught in the 2023 fall daytime electrofishing survey. Abundant YOY Walleye numbers (56.00 YOY/hour, 6.9 inches) were captured in the 2022 fall daytime electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye are probably more numerous than documented in 2022 and 2023 due to daytime electrofishing being less effective than nighttime electrofishing for catching YOY Walleye. The YOY Walleye numbers were low (4.00 YOY/hour, 7.7 inches) in the 2021 fall night electrofishing survey due to natural reproduction. There were moderate young of year "YOY" Walleye numbers captured in the 2019 fall night electrofishing survey (40.00 YOY/hour, 7.0 inches). Abundant YOY Walleye numbers were captured in 2017 (88.00 YOY/hour, 6.0 inches), 2015 (60.00 YOY/hour, 6.0 inches) and 2013 (96.67 YOY/hour, 4.9 inches) and 2011 (210.00 YOY/hour, 4.5 inches average length) fall night electrofishing surveys. The Ringo Lake fall electrofishing historical average catch rate and length are 88.62 YOY/hour and 6.0 inches respectively. The highest fall electrofishing catch rate of YOY Walleye occurred in 1994 (520.00 YOY/hour, 4.6 inches average length) during a fry stocked year. The highest fall electrofishing catch rate for YOY Walleye due solely to natural reproduction occurred in 1995 (129.00 fish/hour, 6.2 inches average length). Walleye abundance in 2020 summer survey (14.50 fish/gillnet) was below the historical average catch rate (19.90 fish/gillnet) for Ringo. The 2020 Walleye average size was moderate (1.52 pounds and 15.9 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.07 pounds from gillnets. The 2020 Walleye catch rate of quality size (15.0 inches plus) was high (10.00 fish/gillnet). The 2017 Walleye year class comprised 58% of the 2020 Walleye catch. Walleye natural reproduction in Ringo is frequent, but often variable for producing successful year classes. Walleye fry are scheduled for annual. Current fish management activities on Ringo include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen levels, assisting the county with the operation of the aeration system, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, participating in local watershed initiatives, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Ringo Lake fishery will be sampled in the 2025 summer for all fish species and periodically for YOY Walleye by fall electrofishing.

A targeted fall daytime electrofishing survey was conducted for young of year "YOY" (fingerling sized) Walleye on Ringo during September 28, 2022. A targeted survey is generally used for sampling a specific kind of fish or time of year (i.e., spawning season, fall season, etc.) unlike a standard survey which samples a wider range of fish species during the summer months using standard methodology (i.e., standard time of year, set sampling stations, taking water clarity readings and oxygen/temperature profiles, etc.) and gears (i.e. lake survey gillnets, trapnets and possibly spring electrofishing for Largemouth Bass). Fall electrofishing was conducted at one station for a total of 15 minutes. The water temperature was 62 F. during the 2022 fall electrofishing survey. Submergent vegetation densities (sago pondweed, northern milfoil and coontail) were moderate in 2022. Water clarity was good (1.5 feet) compared to previous fall surveys. We observed abundant numbers of Bluegill, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch in the 2022 fall electrofishing survey. Ringo is a moderate sized (735 acres), shallow (10 feet maximum depth), aerated, and productive lake located in Kandiyohi County. Blue-green algae blooms are common during the late summer months on Ringo Lake. Clarity is often poor especially during late summer in Ringo. Emergent vegetation (hardstem bulrush, cattails) was abundant throughout the lake, especially near the islands, bay areas, and peninsulas. Shoalwater substrates consist primarily of sand, detritus, silt, and gravel. Water levels were low during 2021-22. Abundant YOY Walleye numbers (56.00 YOY/hour, 6.9 inches) were captured in the 2022 daytime electrofishing survey. YOY Walleye numbers were low (4.00 YOY/hour, 7.7 inches) in the 2021 fall electrofishing survey due to natural reproduction. There were moderate young of year "YOY" Walleye numbers captured in the 2019 fall electrofishing survey (40.00 YOY/hour, 7.0 inches). Abundant YOY Walleye numbers were captured in 2017 (88.00 YOY/hour, 6.0 inches), 2015 (60.00 YOY/hour, 6.0 inches) and 2013 (96.67 YOY/hour, 4.9 inches) and 2011 (210.00 YOY/hour, 4.5 inches average length) fall electrofishing surveys. The Ringo Lake fall electrofishing historical average catch rate and length are 94.49 YOY/hour and 6.0 inches respectively. Walleye fry were recently stocked (300,000-540,000 fish) into Ringo Lake during 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022. The highest fall electrofishing catch rate of YOY Walleye occurred in 1994 (520.00 YOY/hour, 4.6 inches average length) during a fry stocked year. The highest fall electrofishing catch rate for YOY Walleye due solely to natural reproduction occurred in 1995 (129.00 fish/hour, 6.2 inches average length). Walleye abundance in 2020 summer survey (14.50 fish/gillnet) was below the historical average catch rate (19.90 fish/gillnet) for Ringo. The 2020 Walleye average size was moderate (1.52 pounds and 15.9 inches) from gillnets. The Walleye historical average weight is 1.07 pounds from gillnets. The 2020 Walleye catch rate of quality size (15.0 inches plus) was high (10.00 fish/gillnet). The 2017 Walleye year class comprised 58% of the 2020 Walleye catch. Walleye natural reproduction in Ringo is frequent, but often variable for successful year classes being produced. Walleye fry are scheduled for stocking 2024. Current fish management activities on Ringo include monitoring the fish population on a periodic basis, monitoring winter dissolved oxygen levels, assisting the county with the operation of the aeration system, protecting aquatic vegetation through the permit process, preventing and educating about the spread of invasive species, participating in local watershed initiatives, and stocking various fish species as warranted. The Ringo Lake fishery will be sampled in the 2025 summer for all fish species.

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

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

Ringo has a maximum depth of 10 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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