Bruin

Lake County

Near Silver Rapids

DOW: 38070200

Northern PikeExcellent · 76Rock BassAverage · 40Yellow PerchAverage · 26

A 35-acre lake near Silver Rapids in Lake County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 2015.

Fish Species (3)

Northern Pike

Excellent · 76

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

22.4"

Avg Weight

2.86 lbs

Catch rate: 1.7 per gill net · typical 1.3–5.3 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike60% keeper-size (24"+)

14–23" · 40%Largest sampled 28"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 29, 2015	1.67	22.4"	2.86 lbs	Standard gill nets
Aug 7, 1975	2.67	-	2.38 lbs	Standard gill nets

Rock Bass

Average · 40

Average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1975

Last surveyed 1975 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.20 lbs

Catch rate: 0.67 per gill net · typical 0.3–2.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 7, 1975	0.67	-	0.20 lbs	Standard gill nets

Yellow Perch

Average · 26

Below-normal numbers

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1975

Last surveyed 1975 — treat with caution

Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 0.5–7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 7, 1975	0.33	-	-	Standard gill nets

Biologist Notes

June 29, 2015Bruin Lake is located approximately 7 miles SE of Ely in the BWCAW. This 35 acre lake has dark, bog stained water and the shorelines are rocky with mo…

Bruin Lake is located approximately 7 miles SE of Ely in the BWCAW. This 35 acre lake has dark, bog stained water and the shorelines are rocky with moss covered ledgerock areas present. The surrounding forest is dominated by conifers growing on shallow soils. A short 10 rod portage from the South Kawishiwi River is the most common access to Bruin Lake. A longer (285 rod) portage from Little Gabbro Lake is another option for access. The survey crew could not locate the USFS campsite near the long portage. Northern pike were the only fish species sampled in the gill nets in 2015. Pike numbers (1.7/gill net) were below average compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average pike sampled was 22.6 inches and the largest pike sampled was 28 inches long. Young-of-the-year largemouth bass were observed near shore in 2015. Black crappie were reported by ice anglers in the past. The last survey in 1975 indicated low numbers of northern pike, rock bass and yellow perch.

August 7, 1975Population is composed of small northern pike of about average abundance and low populations of small rock bass and yellow perch.

Population is composed of small northern pike of about average abundance and low populations of small rock bass and yellow perch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Bruin?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Rock Bass, and Yellow Perch in Bruin. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Bruin?

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

How deep is Bruin?

Bruin has a maximum depth of 30 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Bruin last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Bruin is from 2015. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.