Spruce
A 42-acre lake near Rothman in St. Louis County — best known for panfish and walleye. Last surveyed 1990.
Fish Species (4)
Yellow Perch
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 44.0 per gill net · typical 2–16 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 11, 1990 | 44.00 | - | 0.06 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1987 | 13.00 | - | 0.17 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1987 | 65.00 | - | 0.14 lbs |
Walleye
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 7.7 per gill net · typical 1.3–5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 11, 1990 | 7.67 | - | 0.62 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1987 | 2.33 | - | 0.97 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1987 | 0.20 | - | 1.10 lbs |
Other species in this lake (2)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
White Sucker
Typical numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 12.7 per gill net · typical 4–14.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 11, 1990 | 12.67 | - | 1.06 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1987 | 0.20 | - | 0.90 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1987 | 5.00 | - | 0.85 lbs |
Golden Shiner
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1987
Last surveyed 1987 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.67 per gill net · typical 0.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 1987 | 0.67 | - | 0.10 lbs |
| Jun 17, 1987 | 0.20 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Biologist Notes
July 11, 1990Yellow perch are most abundant, followed by white sucker and walleye. By weight, sucker are dominant, followed by walleye and perch. Walleye and yello…
Yellow perch are most abundant, followed by white sucker and walleye. By weight, sucker are dominant, followed by walleye and perch. Walleye and yellow perch growth is faster than average for the area. The sucker length frequency is bimodal, suggesting fast growth and/or partial winterkill. No natural reproduction of walleye is evident.
June 17, 1987Winter oxygen tests in 1983 and 1986 showed 0.0 ppm of oxygen while the oxygen test in the winter of 1987 showed 0.3 ppm. Spruce Lake probably has a p…
Winter oxygen tests in 1983 and 1986 showed 0.0 ppm of oxygen while the oxygen test in the winter of 1987 showed 0.3 ppm. Spruce Lake probably has a partial winter kill periodically though the kills are not complete. Yellow perch are present in above average numbers; white sucker are present in average numbers; and walleye are present in below average numbers. Golden shiner and burbot are also present in low numbers. White sucker present are small. Walleye growth is above average.
June 12, 1985Yellow perch are present in above average numbers white sucker are present in average numbers; wall- eye are present in below-average numbers. All wal…
Yellow perch are present in above average numbers white sucker are present in average numbers; wall- eye are present in below-average numbers. All walleye captured were from the 1984 fry stocking. The 1983 year class may have been eliminated by high a perch populations and/or winterkill. Growth of the 1984 year class (to annulus I) was average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Spruce?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch and Walleye in Spruce. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Spruce?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Spruce. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Spruce?
Spruce has a maximum depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Spruce last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Spruce is from 1990. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Spruce have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Spruce 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
- 41.63 acres
- Max Depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.07 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed