Little Hustler
A 69-acre lake near Crane Lake in St. Louis County — best known for bass and pike. Last surveyed 2016.
Fish Species (6)
Smallmouth Bass
Average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.5 per gill net · typical 0.4–1.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2016 | 0.50 | 10.0" | 0.47 lbs |
Northern Pike
Below-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.25 per gill net · typical 1–3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2016 | 0.25 | 19.0" | 1.60 lbs |
| Aug 20, 1974 | 3.33 | - | 2.20 lbs |
Bluegill
Small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.3 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2016 | 1.25 | 4.8" | 0.08 lbs |
| Aug 20, 1974 | 2.33 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Rock Bass
Small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 3.8 per gill net · typical 0.5–4.1 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2016 | 3.75 | 4.7" | 0.09 lbs |
| Aug 20, 1974 | 11.67 | - | 0.11 lbs |
Pumpkinseed
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.25 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2016 | 0.25 | 5.0" | 0.14 lbs |
| Aug 20, 1974 | 0.67 | - | 0.10 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 · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2016
Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.75 per gill net · typical 1.5–10.4 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 6, 2016 | 0.75 | 18.0" | 2.75 lbs |
| Aug 20, 1974 | 2.67 | - | 1.31 lbs |
Biologist Notes
September 6, 2016Little Hustler (Ruby) Lake is located approximately 27 miles NW of Ely in the BWCAW. Access can be obtained by portage from either Hustler Lake (10 ro…
Little Hustler (Ruby) Lake is located approximately 27 miles NW of Ely in the BWCAW. Access can be obtained by portage from either Hustler Lake (10 rods) or Lynx Lake (280 rods). There is one designated USFS campsite located near the outlet for overnight use. Six species of fish were sampled during the 2016 survey of Little Hustler Lake. Bluegill, northern pike, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smalllmouth bass and white sucker were sampled. Rock bass was the most common species sampled in 2016. This is the first account of smallmouth bass being sampled in Little Hustler Lake. The only other survey of Little Hustler Lake occurred in 1974. Rock bass numbers in 2016 (3.8/gill net) were above average compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average rock bass sampled was 5.3 inches long. The largest rock bass sampled in 2016 was 6.8 inches long. Two smallmouth bass (0.5/gill net) were sampled in 2016. The average length was 10.1 inches. Several other smallmouth bass were observed near shore in 2016. Abandoned spawning beds were also observed.
August 20, 1974Above average populations of northern pike, bluegill and rock bass (although fairly small). Average population of sucker and below average population…
Above average populations of northern pike, bluegill and rock bass (although fairly small). Average population of sucker and below average population of pumpkinseeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Little Hustler?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Rock Bass in Little Hustler. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Little Hustler?
Minnesota DNR records list public access for Little Hustler. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.
How deep is Little Hustler?
Little Hustler has a maximum depth of 70 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Little Hustler last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Hustler is from 2016. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Little Hustler have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Little Hustler 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
- 69.22 acres
- Max Depth
- 70 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.58 mi
- Public Access
- Yes