Little Sauk

Fall Trap netting was performed September 17-18 to provide data on the Bluegill and Black Crappie size structures. "Conservation Regulations" were enacted in June of 2000 upon the development and opening of a public access site. The bag limits for sunfish and Black Crappie were reduced to 5 fish under these "Conservation Regulations". The 2024 Fall trap netting was the first and likely only time Fall trap netting will be used for evaluation purposes. This Fall sampling was conducted to provide a final set of data to help decide whether the 5 fish bag limit for crappie could be dropped or maintained. Secondarily this effort provided additional data on the Bluegill population and the possible responses to an apparent increase in submerged aquatic vegetation. Spring trap netting is the preferred method for evaluating panfish populations and has been conducted on the lake seven previous times since 2003. Future evaluations of the Bluegill and Black Crappie populations will incorporate trap netting to provide proper comparisons. A total of 107 crappie were captured during fall trap netting in 2024. The percentage of fish over 10 inches (45.8%) and 12 inches (2.8%) were higher than any past Spring trap net results. Mean length in 2024 was 9.22 inches and maximum length was 12.4 inches. These metrics were quite similar to Spring trap netting in 2021 when crappie over 10 inches comprised 42% of the catch and 2.4% were over 12 inches. Mean length in 2021 was 9.62 inches and maximum length was 13.3 inches. Sample size in 2021 was 706 fish. The 2021 and 2024 assessments indicated a minor shift to improve d size structures compared to past surveys however fish over 12 inches still remain a relatively small component of the population. Thus, the 5 fish bag limit is unlikely to produce a substantial number of large crappie although total recruitment and abundance remain strong. Otoliths were not collected from Black Crappie in 2024. Otoliths were extracted from angler caught crappie during the winter of 2018-19. Crappies attained 9 inches by Age 4 and 10.2 inches by Age 6. Growth appears to slow down as fish reach 10 inches as Age 8 fish averaged 10.6 inches which may help to explain the relatively low number of fish attaining lengths over 12 inches. Despite the minimal impacts of the 5 fish bag it was apparent during the public input process that most anglers prefer the protections afforded by the lower limit and desire no return to the statewide bag limit of 10 fish. Spring trap netting in 2003 and 2007 produced relatively large samples of Bluegill . Since 2007 the density and distribution of submerged aquatic has declined dramatically, presumably due to expansion of the carp population in the Sauk River system. Spring trap net catches of Bluegill fell in response to this habitat change. From 2009 to 2021 sample sizes ranged from 61 to 133 fish. High quality size structures have been characteristic of most spring sampling efforts since 2003. Spring trap netting in 2021 captured 83 Bluegill all of which were measured. The 2021 size structure was the most desirable of any spring trap net assessment yet conducted. Bluegill in 2021 ranged from 6.8- 10.2 inches and mean length was 8.8 inches. Fish over 7 inches comprised 99% of the catch, fish greater than 8 inches made up 90% of the sample and over 37% exceeded 9 inches. The Fall trap net assessment completed in 2024 caught 55 fish despite it being just a one day effort. The bulk of the catch (67%) was between 4.5 and 6 inches long indicating measurable recruitment of younger fish. Quality fish were still present with 5 fish over 9 inches observed and the largest individual measuring 10.1 inches. Mean length was only 5.5 inches due to the increased representation of younger fish. An increase in submerged vegetation was noticed with moderate densities apparent in shallow water (<5 feet) and sparser Coontail found in depths up to 10 feet. If vegetation densities and distribution continue to improve a commensurate increase in Bluegill recruitment is expected. No otoliths were extracted from Bluegill during the 2021 sampling. Otoliths were extracted in the 2018 spring trap net assessment with the fish displaying excellent growth reaching 8.1 inches by Age 4. Five Northern Pike were caught in the Fall trap nets, 3 of which exceeded 30 inches. Two adult Walleye were also captured along with 3 Largemouth Bass under 8 inches.

A standard survey using gill nets to assess the population status of Walleye, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch was completed in August 2022. Other fish captured although not targeted were Black Crappie and Bluegill; these species are the primary species managed in Little Sauk Lake and their status is better evaluated using targeted spring trap netting. A total of 33 Walleyes were captured, average size was about 20 inches and maximum length was 26 inches. Nearly 70 percent of the sample measured between 17 and 21 inches. Walleyes in Little Sauk Lake are either from natural reproduction or from stocking in another upstream or downstream waterbody connected by the Sauk River. We do not stock Walleyes in Little Sauk Lake. The management goal for Walleye is to maintain gill net catch rates between 1 and 5 per net. The catch rate in 2022 was 6.6 fish/gill net. Walleyes grow quite fast in Little Sauk Lake, reaching 19 inches in just four years. A total of 25 Northern Pike were captured, average size was 23 inches and maximum length was 28.8 inches. Pike relative abundance is about what we'd expect to see in a lake like Little Sauk. Pike are not overly abundant at this time which is good news since high abundance can cause problems in the fish community. Yellow Perch are plentiful in Little Sauk Lake. While they typically aren't large enough for anglers, the lake does support healthy numbers in the 5-8 inch range. Perch are an important prey fish for Walleyes and Northern Pike. Lake productivity and relative low pike abundance may explain the healthy perch population, similar to nearby Big Sauk and Maple Lakes. As stated, large numbers of Bluegill and Black Crappie aren't typically captured during gill net surveys however, crappies have been consistently seen in gill nets on Little Sauk and 2022 was no exception. A total of 120 were captured, average size was 7.6 inches and maximum length was 11.9 inches. The percentage of crappies measuring 10 inches or greater is at the high point of a trend that's been increasing since 1997.

Spring Trap netting was performed May 17-19 to provide data on the Bluegill and Black Crappie size structures. "Conservation Regulations" were enacted in June of 2000 upon the development and opening of a public access site. The bag limits for sunfish and Black Crappie were reduced to 5 fish under these "Conservation Regulations". Spring trap netting is the preferred method for evaluating panfish populations and has been conducted on the lake seven previous times since 2003. Future evaluations of the Bluegill and Black Crappie populations will incorporate trap netting to provide proper comparisons. Spring trap netting in 2003 and 2007 produced relatively large samples of Bluegill totaling 453 fish in 2003 and 262 fish in 2007. Since 2007 the density and distribution of submerged aquatic vegetation has declined dramatically, presumably due to expansion of the carp population in the Sauk River system. Spring trap net catches of Bluegill have also fallen in response to this habitat change. From 2009 to 2021 sample sizes have ranged from 61 to 131 fish. High quality size structures have been characteristic of most spring sampling efforts since 2003. Spring trap netting in 2021 captured 83 Bluegill all of which were measured. The 2021 size structure was the most desirable of any spring trap net assessment yet conducted. Bluegill in 2021 ranged from 6.8- 10.2 inches and mean length was 8.8 inches. Fish over 7 inches comprised 99% of the catch, fish greater than 8 inches made up 90% of the sample and over 37% exceeded 9 inches. Whether voluntary or required due to the reduced bag limit, release of larger sunfish, especially fish over 9 inches will be important if the lake is to sustain the existing quality characteristics. Aging data has shown that Bluegill display excellent growth reaching 8.1 inches by Age 4. Spring trap nets have been effective in providing good samples of Black Crappie averaging 365 fish over the eight assessments. The 2021 sample of 706 crappie was the largest to date. Crappies ranged from 5.3 to 13.3 inches in length with a mean length of 9.62 inches. Fish over 10 inches comprised 42% of the catch and 2.4% were over 12 inches. Fish 12 inches or longer have been relatively uncommon throughout the lake's spring trap net history, but fish in the 9-11 inch range have remained consistently abundant and should provide good angling opportunities. Crappies reach 9 inches by Age 4 and 10.2 inches by Age 6. Growth appears to slow down as fish reach 10 inches with Age 8 fish averaging 10.6 inches.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Pumpkinseed in Little Sauk. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Little Sauk. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Little Sauk has a maximum depth of 29 feet and a mean depth of 12 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Sauk is from 2024.

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