Rockpile Pond

Stearns County

Near Waite Park

DOW: 73076800

Green SunfishPoor · 0

A 9-acre lake near Waite Park in Stearns County — best known for panfish. Last surveyed 2016.

Fish Species (4)

Green Sunfish

Poor · 0

Small fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Avg Size

4.1"

Avg Weight

0.08 lbs

Catch rate: 42.5 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable green sunfish0% keeper-size (7"+)

3–6" · 100%Largest sampled 5"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	42.53	4.1"	0.08 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Other species in this lake (3)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Avg Size

10.2"

Avg Weight

0.29 lbs

Catch rate: 91.1 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	91.14	10.2"	0.29 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Golden Shiner

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Avg Size

5.0"

Avg Weight

0.01 lbs

Catch rate: 33.4 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	33.42	5.0"	0.01 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Fathead Minnow

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jun 2016

Last surveyed 2016 — treat with caution

Catch rate: 69.9 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 7, 2016	69.87	-	-	Standard electrofishing

Biologist Notes

June 7, 2016Rock Island Pond is 8.4 acres in size with a maximum depth of approximately six feet and is located within the city limits of Waite Park. The pond was…

Rock Island Pond is 8.4 acres in size with a maximum depth of approximately six feet and is located within the city limits of Waite Park. The pond was built for stormwater retention and is entirely on city-owned land. Access and parking are available off of 10th Avenue South. A paved path encircles the pond and the entire pond perimeter is suitable for shore fishing. Daytime electrofishing was conducted on June 7, 2016 to assess the fishery and to consider options to improve fishing. Dense submerged vegetation and green algae made visibility poor. The perimeter of the pond was circled along with part of the island. Many Golden Shiners, Green Sunfish, and White Suckers were seen and a subsample were captured for measurement. Golder Shiner lengths were very uniform and ranged from 5.7 to 5.8 inches. Green Sunfish lengths ranged from 3.0 to 5.8 inches, and White Sucker were 5.9 to 18.9 inches. One Channel Catfish was seen but not captured. Winterkill is likely a limiting factor for the fishery, but the frequency and severity are unknown. Electrofishing should be repeated annually to assess fish survival. Largemouth Bass will be stocked to control Green Sunfish and Bluegill could be stocked when available. A total of 171 Channel Catfish were stocked in 2015 and 147 in 2016 after electrofishing. Channel Catfish will continue to be stocked as availability permits. Two youth fishing events are hosted annually by Muskies Inc. The pond has excellent shore access and the fishery should be promoted further.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Rockpile Pond?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Green Sunfish in Rockpile Pond. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Rockpile Pond?

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

When were the main sport fish in Rockpile Pond last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Rockpile Pond is from 2016. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.