Watab

Watab-Rossier Lakes are located in Stearns County, two miles north of the City of St. Joseph. The lakes are relatively deep, and the Watab River flows through them on its way to the Mississippi. Watab (Long) is a recreational development lake while Rossier (Rose) is a natural environment lake. There is a private access on the north side of Watab Lake that belongs to the St. Joseph Rod and Gun Club and use of the access is limited to members only. This was the first full survey since 1989. Net catches were light overall. This may be due to abrupt drop-offs in depth along the shoreline. Few walleye were captured in gill nets. However, the walleye catch was within the range of expected values for lakes similar to Watab-Rossier. In a combined sample of all gear types, walleye ranged in length from 12 - 20 inches. Walleye populations may be greater than the nets indicate. Anglers reported catching multiple walleyes at the time of the survey. These reports are of interest because the Rod and Gun Club has stocked the lakes with walleye fingerlings nearly every year since 2000. Gill net catch rates of northern pike were within the expected range for Watab (4.0/net), but below the expected range for Rossier (2.0/net). Average size was lower on Watab (1.7 pounds) than Rossier (3.3 pounds). All northern pike taken with gill nets were less than 24 inches in Watab Lake. Three of four northern pike taken in Rossier Lake were 24 inches or larger. Northern Pike grew at an average rate and reached 23.5 inches in four years. A total of six channel catfish were sampled in gill nets. Catfish ranged in length from 23 - 25 inches with an average weight of 4.7 pounds. This marks the first time channel catfish have been sampled in Watab and Rossier Lakes. The origin of these fish is likely the Mississippi River. Largemouth bass were sampled by electrofishing during the day on May 23, 2008. A total of 97 largemouth were taken in 1.12 hours of effort for a catch per unit of effort of 86.6/hour, higher than the Stearns County (nighttime) average of 67/hr. Largemouth ranged in size from 7 to 20.5 inches. Largemouth bass grew at rate similar to statewide averages, and reached nearly 15 inches by age five. Six smallmouth bass were captured in addition to the largemouth and ranged in length from 10 - 17.5 inches. Anglers can expect good bass fishing in Watab-Rossier Lakes. Bluegill were uncommon and small. The trap net catches were below the range of expected values for both Watab and Rossier. Only three bluegill larger than seven inches were sampled. Trap net catch rates of black crappie were slightly above average (2.7/net) in Rossier but below the expected range for Watab (0.3/net). Black crappie were small and only two fish larger than eight inches were captured.

Only one Northern Pike and two Walleye were caught in the gill nets. In 1983 two Walleye and 18 Northern Pike were caught. Important species caught in the trap nets were Bluegill, Black Crappie and all three species of bullheads. Bluegill numbers were down significantly from 1983 and fish ranged in length from 3.6-7.8 inches with the modal length group of 5.0-5.5 inches. Growth was good for all ages. The catch of Black Crappie was similar to the 1983 catch. Fish ranged from 4.0-10.2 inches in length with a mode of 4.5-4.9 inches. Growth was good for all ages.

Compared to the local median, Northern Pike abundance (4.5/gill net) is about average and has risen from 2.5/gill net in 1976. Growth is good with ages 3 and 4 being the most numerous. Walleye abundance (0.5/gill net) is low and has decreased from 1.5/ gill net in 1976. Growth appears average for the age 4 and 5 fish sampled. One Smallmouth Bass (age 6 slow growth) was sampled by gill net and young of the year fish were sampled by shoreline seine. Largemouth Bass abundance (0.8/trap net) is about average, and ages 0, 1 and 3 were sampled. Growth appears average. Bluegill numbers have risen from 9.7/trap net in 1976 to 26.5/trap net. Most fish were at least six inches long. White Crappie abundance (1.8/trap net) is about average and similar to 1976. Black Crappie numbers have dropped to 7.5/trap net from 16.0/trap net in 1976.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, and Channel Catfish in Watab. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Watab. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Watab has a maximum depth of 54 feet and a mean depth of 19.4 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Watab is from 2008. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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