Round

A population assessment was conducted to analyze the fish community of Round Lake. Six gill nets and eight trap nets were utilized to obtain a standardized fish sample. The initial survey of Round Lake was conducted in 1974. Six lake surveys have been conducted since 1974. Round Lake is on a five-year lake survey rotation schedule and is included in lake class 34 of the MN DNR lake classification scheme. Northern pike gill net catch per unit effort (CPUE) was 8.8 per net, which approximates the third quartile of the normal range for lake class 34 (interquartile range = 2.3 - 9.2). Northern pike ranged in length from 15.5 to 27.4 inches with a mean length and weight of 20.1 inches and 1.7 pounds. Age data from recent surveys indicate that northern pike recruitment is consistent. Northern pike attain a mean length of 19.2 inches at age-IV. Growth rate estimates are slower than mean northern pike growth rates for class 34 lakes in the Fergus Falls Management Area. All three bullhead species were sampled. Black bullhead gill net CPUE was 5.0 per net, which approximates the first quartile of the normal range (interquartile range = 3.1 - 47.6). Brown bullhead gill net CPUE was 1.7 per net, which is within the normal range (interquartile range = 0.5 - 5.5). Yellow bullhead gill net CPUE was 11.7 per net, which exceeds the third quartile (interquartile range = 1.0 - 8.0). Bluegill trap net CPUE was 19.5 per net, which approximates the median level of the normal range (interquartile range = 5.9 - 43.3). Bluegill trap net CPUE ranged from 8.0 to 76.7 per net in previous surveys. Bluegills sampled during the 2011 assessment ranged in length from 4.3 to 8.6 inches with a mean length at capture of 7.3 inches. Sixty-seven percent of the bluegills from the trap net sample were at least 7.0 inches in length compared to 30% in the 2006 survey. Although six consecutive year classes were present, recruitment appears to be variable as the 2006 year class represented 50% of the sample. Bluegills attain a mean length of 6.9 inches (176 mm) at age-V compared to mean growth rate for class 34 lakes in the Fergus Falls Management Area of 6.6 inches (168 mm). Only four black crappies were sampled via trap nets during the 2011 assessment, which equates to a CPUE of 0.5 per net. This catch rate is below the normal range (interquartile range = 0.9 - 8.0). Black crappie trap net CPUE from previous surveys ranged from 0.3 to 36.0 per net. These variable catch rates are indicative of a population that has inconsistent recruitment. Black crappies ranged in length from 9.9 to 10.9 inches with a mean length of 10.5 inches. Black crappies attain a mean length of 8.8 inches at age-IV. Growth rate estimates are equivalent to mean black crappie growth rates for class 34 lakes in the Fergus Falls Management Area. Yellow perch gill net CPUE was 4.7 per net, which is within the normal range (interquartile range = 3.7 - 28.4). This is the fourth consecutive survey in which yellow perch gill net CPUE has been within the normal range. Walleye gill net CPUE was 0.8 per net, which is below the normal range (interquartile range = 1.2 - 5.3). Past walleye gill net CPUE's have ranged from 0.5 to 2.3 per net. Walleyes ranged in length from 20.1 to 26.5 inches with a mean length and weight of 22.4 inches and 3.7 pounds. Data from recent surveys indicate that walleye reproduction is limited. Walleyes are not currently being stocked in Round Lake and it is speculated that the walleyes that are present immigrated from Star Lake.

Round Lake is a 166-acre eutrophic (fertile) lake located in north-central Otter Tail County approximately three miles west of Dent, MN. Round Lake is connected to Star Lake via a non-navigable outlet along the south shoreline. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land interspersed with hardwood woodlots. The maximum depth is 18 feet; however, 46% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. The secchi disk reading during the 2006 lake survey was 6.8 feet. Previous secchi disk readings have ranged from 3.0 to 9.1 feet. The MN DNR has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different lake classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Round Lake is included in lake class 34; other area lakes in this same classification include Block, Deer, Ellingson, and Tonseth. A majority of the shoreline is undeveloped. A state owned public water access is located along the north shoreline of the lake. Shoal water substrates consist primarily of sand and gravel. Several areas of hardstem bulrush are located along the north shoreline. Round Lake can be ecologically classified as a bass-panfish type of lake and this is reflected in the assemblage of the fish community. Northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill are the dominant gamefish species in the fish community. The northern pike test-net catch rate increased substantially and is the highest recorded in any lake survey on Round Lake. Age and catch data indicate that northern pike reproduction has increased in recent years. This increase in reproduction corresponds with an increase in the water level of Round Lake. The increase in reproduction may be attributed to the recent high water level which has improved the accessability of northern pike to suitable spawning habitat. Northern pike ranged in length from 14.8 to 33.5 inches with an average length and weigth of 19.6 inches and 1.7 pounds. The panfish populations appear to being doing well in Round Lake. Both the size structure and abundace of bluegill and black crappies increased from the past survey. Bluegills ranged in length from 2.9 to 9.1 inches with an average length and weight of 6.0 inches and 0.2 pounds. Thirty percent of the bluegill from the trap net sample were at least 7 inches in length. Black crappies ranged in length from 3.8 to 11.4 inches with an average length and weight of 6.0 inches and 0.2 pounds. Twenty seven percent of the black crappie from the trap net sample were at least 10 inches in length. All three species of bullhead were sampled in relatively high numbers during the 2006 survey. The size structure for the three species was also good and would provide an excellent lake to commercially harvest. Although walleye are not a primary species managed in Round Lake, the abundance reached a historical high of 2.3 per net. Walleye ranged in length from 14.0 to 25.6 inches with an average length and weight of 19.5 inches and 3.1 pounds. It is speculated that high water levels make it easier for walleyes to immigrate from Star Lake to Round Lake. Anglers can maintain the quality of fishing in Round Lake by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the meduim to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with more opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

Round Lake is included in class 34 of the MN DNR lake classification system. Other area lakes in this class are: Deer, Ellingson, Graham, Hancock and Prairie. Northern pike abundance decreased from 6.0 per gill net lift in the 1985 survey to 1.0 per net, which is below the normal range for this lake class. Average individual weight of northern pike decreased from 3.5 pounds in 1985 to 2.0 pounds. Recruitment appears to be inconsistent as only one year class was represented in the sample. Black bullhead abundance increased substantially from 32.0 per gill net lift in 1985 to 147.0 per net, which greatly exceeds the normal range. Bluegill abundance decreased from 76.7 per trap net lift in 1985 to 10.3 per net, but remains within the normal range. Eighteen percent of the bluegills measured were greater than seven inches in length. Bluegill recruitment appears consistent as seven consecutive year classes were represented in the sample. Growth is slow compared to statewide means. Black crappie abundance decreased from 36.0 per trap net lift in 1985 to 1.2 per net, which is below the normal range. All crappies sampled were greater than 11.0 inches in length. Age data indicate that the sample was composed of two years classes, which suggests that recruitment is inconsistent. Yellow perch abundance decreased from 56.0 per gill net lift in 1985 to 11.5 per net, but remains within the normal range. Only one walleye was sampled.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Bluegill, Black Crappie, Hybrid Sunfish, Walleye, and Largemouth Bass 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 18 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Round is from 2011. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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