Little Gabbro
A 148-acre lake near Silver Rapids in Lake County — best known for panfish and walleye. Last surveyed 2016.
Fish Species (6)
Yellow Perch
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 4.5 per gill net · typical 0.5–2.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2016 | 4.50 | 6.3" | 0.16 lbs |
| Sep 16, 1988 | 1.50 | - | 0.25 lbs |
| Jul 7, 1977 | 3.00 | - | 0.11 lbs |
Rock Bass
Large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.5 per gill net · typical 0.5–2.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2016 | 1.50 | 7.3" | 0.46 lbs |
| Sep 16, 1988 | 1.50 | - | 0.40 lbs |
| Jul 7, 1977 | 0.50 | - | 0.50 lbs |
Black Crappie
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.25 per gill net · typical 0.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2016 | 0.25 | 10.0" | 0.64 lbs |
| Jul 7, 1977 | 0.25 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Walleye
Typical numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 4.0 per gill net · typical 3–13.2 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2016 | 4.00 | 12.2" | 0.70 lbs |
| Sep 16, 1988 | 2.25 | - | 0.70 lbs |
| Jul 7, 1977 | 4.25 | - | 0.99 lbs |
Northern Pike
Below-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 1.2–3.9 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2016 | 1.00 | 17.0" | 1.12 lbs |
| Sep 16, 1988 | 1.25 | - | 3.24 lbs |
| Jul 7, 1977 | 3.25 | - | 1.73 lbs |
Other species in this lake (1)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
White Sucker
Below-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.8 per gill net · typical 2.6–11.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2016 | 1.75 | 13.7" | 1.64 lbs |
| Sep 16, 1988 | 1.75 | - | 0.94 lbs |
| Jul 7, 1977 | 2.25 | - | 1.72 lbs |
Biologist Notes
September 12, 2016Little Gabbro Lake is located approximately 11 miles SE of Ely within the BWCAW. The primary access is a 200 rod portage from a parking area located o…
Little Gabbro Lake is located approximately 11 miles SE of Ely within the BWCAW. The primary access is a 200 rod portage from a parking area located off the Spruce Road. There are 3 designated campsites located on the lake and another one located in the narrows between Little Gabbro and Gabbro Lakes. Seven species of fish were sampled during the 2016 survey of Little Gabbro Lake. Yellow perch and rock bass were the only species sampled in above average numbers while walleye, northern pike, black crappie, cisco and white sucker were sampled in below average numbers. Walleye numbers in 2016 (4.0/gill net) were below average compared to other similar area lakes. The average walleye sampled was 12.6 inches and about 4 years old. The largest walleye sampled in 2016 was 20.2 inches which was the only walleye over 14 inches sampled. The 2016 survey indicated a walleye population with lower relative abundance and similar sizes compared to the last survey in 1988.
September 16, 1988Rock bass are present in average numbers; cisco, northern pike, white sucker, yellow perch and walleye are present in below average numbers. Cisco siz…
Rock bass are present in average numbers; cisco, northern pike, white sucker, yellow perch and walleye are present in below average numbers. Cisco sizes range from 6.2. Sizes are larger than average; sucker and walleye sizes are smaller than average. Walleye year class strengths are fairly even.
July 7, 1977Composed of and above average population of cisco and average populations of suckers, northern pike, rock bass, and walleye. The crappie and perch pop…
Composed of and above average population of cisco and average populations of suckers, northern pike, rock bass, and walleye. The crappie and perch populations is below average but not uncommon for a lake of this type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Little Gabbro?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Northern Pike in Little Gabbro. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Little Gabbro?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Little Gabbro. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Little Gabbro?
Little Gabbro has a maximum depth of 26 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Little Gabbro last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Gabbro is from 2016. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Little Gabbro have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Little Gabbro in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 147.54 acres
- Max Depth
- 26 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.73 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed