Round

This Targeted Survey was completed in early June 2021 to collect size structure data of the sunfish (mainly Bluegill) population prior to effects of a five-fish sunfish bag regulation which began in March 2021. The regulation is intended to increase the numbers of large sunfish in Round Lake NE. It usually takes 5-10 years for a Bluegill population to show any changes resulting from a special regulation. The statewide bag limit for sunfish is 20; when fishing is good and anglers are allowed to keep 20, they usually keep as many large sunfish as allowed (often this equates to 20 fish). By reducing the allowable harvest, anglers end up keeping fewer fish which includes large fish by default. For Round Lake NE, we want to collect "before and after" data to see if the regulation improves the average size of sunfish caught by anglers. For this survey, we caught 151 Bluegills ranging in size from 3.0-9.7 inches; average length was 7.3 inches. One way to describe the quality of a Bluegill fishery is the proportion of Bluegill measuring over 8 inches. For this survey, 23% of Bluegills measured over 8 inches. Fisheries staff will be monitoring Round Lake NE in the future using trap nets during the spring to track size-structure changes in the sunfish population.

Round Lake NE is a small, 130-acre lake located in northeastern Morrison County, about 20 miles west-northwest of Onamia. The lake is moderately developed with cabins, but mostly on the north side. Otherwise, the lake has a natural feel with a wooded shoreline. Emergent vegetation is common, especially on the west side of the lake where the public access is located directly off county road 149. This is the outlet to the Platte River and anglers must navigate upstream 1,500 feet through a slow-flowing channel of wild rice to access the lake. Round's water quality is good with clarity ranging from 5 to 12 feet depending on rainfall amounts. Water color is stained like root beer. The lake supports several gamefish species including Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Black Crappie naturally - the lake has never been stocked. While a fishery for pike and Walleye exists, the Bluegill fishery is most noteworthy. Bluegills caught during the spring with trap nets indicate the population is not overly-abundant and is comprised of good average-sized fish. Over a third of Bluegills sampled measured eight inches or more. A proposal for a special regulation that would reduce the sunfish bag limit to 5 will be floated to the public in 2020. The regulation, if approved, would take effect sometime in 2021. As a small lake with a potentially fragile Bluegill population, precautions should be taken to ensure that this quality fishery lasts into the future. In general, fisheries managers recommend keeping more abundant bluegills in the 6 and 7 inch range, limiting harvest of 8 inch fish, and releasing trophy bluegills exceeding 9 inches. Standard summer netting surveys show no increasing or decreasing trends with regard to Northern Pike and Walleye abundance. Numbers have remained stable for 20 years. Both populations can be described as low-density, with adult sizes ranging from 15-30 and 15-22 inches for pike and Walleye, respectively. Largemouth Bass, like pike and Walleye are low-density, but fish up to 18 inches are present. Yellow Perch, a preferred prey species, have fluctuated in abundance since 2001. At this time, they appear to be very low in abundance but historically have shown the ability to bounce back. A healthy perch population is essential in any lake if pike and Walleye are to thrive.

Round Lake is a riverine lake on the Platte River downstream from Sullivan Lake. The lake shore has experienced increased development but still remains primarily wooded. Access to the lake is gained off the township road south of the bridge over the outlet (Platte River). Water level and dense vegetation beds in the river channel can influence lake accessibility. The lake supports a diverse fish community that can provide good angling opportunities with panfish and Northern Pike the most sought after species. Northern Pike abundance was higher than desired but within the normal range when compared to similar type lakes. Average size in the survey was about 21 inches or 1.9 pounds although larger pike are present. The Walleye population is maintained by natural reproduction and while numbers appear to be below the desired management goal, they were within the normal range when compared to similar type lakes. The fish averaged around 20 inches or 3.2 pounds in the survey and trophy size fish have been documented in previous surveys. Spring electrofishing showed that most Largemouth Bass were in the 10 - 14 inch range , which is the size that most anglers could expect to catch, although fish up to 19 inches were netted. Black Crappie and Bluegill provide good fishing year-round with "keeper" size fish in both populations. Yellow Perch were one species which showed an increase in abundance since the last survey which should benefit the fish community. Perch can be an important prey species for predator fish such as Northern Pike, Walleye, and Largemouth Bass. Other fish species in Round Lake include Black Bullhead, Bowfin (Dogfish), Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, White Sucker, and Yellow Bullhead. Common Carp are present but in numbers not considered detrimental to the lake's habitat. Protection of the diverse aquatic plant communities in the lake should be a high priority of lakeshore owners and public officials. Natural shorelines provide fish and wildlife habitat, absorb nutrients, and stablize the shoreline against erosion. Anglers and spearers are encouraged to harvest small Northern Pike (under 24 inches) and release larger pike. Limiting the harvest of Bluegill over 7 inches and Black Crappie over 10 inches is also encouraged to reduce the potential of overharvest.

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

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

Round has a maximum depth of 29 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Round is from 2019.

No invasive species are on record for Round in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.