Barnesville
A 11-acre lake near Barnesville in Clay County — best known for panfish. Last surveyed 2023.
Fish Species (9)
Small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2023
Catch rate: 0.8 per trap net · typical 0.4–3.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2023 | 0.80 | 4.5" | 0.05 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2023
Catch rate: 0.2 per trap net · typical 0.4–3.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2023 | 0.20 | 3.3" | 0.04 lbs |
| Jun 20, 2023 | 2.00 | 3.3" | 0.04 lbs |
Walleye
Stocked 2025Stocking Details
| Year | Size | Number | Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | fry | 10,000 | 0.1 |
| 2024 | fry | 11,215 | 0.1 |
| 2023 | fry | 10,000 | 0.1 |
| 2022 | fry | 10,000 | 0.1 |
| 2021 | fry | 10,000 | 0.1 |
| 2019 | fry | 10,000 | 0.1 |
| 2018 | fry | 10,000 | 0.1 |
| 2017 | fry | 10,000 | 0.1 |
| 2016 | fry | 10,000 | 0.1 |
Largemouth Bass
Stocked 2024Stocking Details
| Year | Size | Number | Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | adults | 33 | 21.0 |
Bluegill
Stocked 2024Stocking Details
| Year | Size | Number | Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | adults | 164 | 41.0 |
| 2023 | adults | 192 | 120.0 |
Black Crappie
Stocked 2024Stocking Details
| Year | Size | Number | Pounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | adults | 60 | 15.0 |
Other species in this lake (3)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Below-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2023
Catch rate: 0.2 per trap net · typical 2.5–70.2 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2023 | 0.20 | 5.0" | 0.08 lbs |
Small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2023
Catch rate: 1.2 per trap net · typical 0.2–2.2 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2023 | 1.20 | 7.0" | 0.18 lbs |
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2023
Catch rate: 0.33 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2023 | 0.33 | - | - |
Fishing Regulations
Statewide limits
Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.
Walleye and Sauger
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20"
Largemouth Bass
Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 22, 2026
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
Catch-and-release only
Largemouth Bass
Season: May 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth (when smallmouth season is open)
Crappie
10 combined total
Sunfish
20 combined total
Perch
20 daily and 40 in possession
More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)
Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers
no limit
Bullhead
100
Biologist Notes
June 20, 2023A winterkill assessment was conducted on Barnesville Lake in June of 2023. This assessment proved a severe winterkill had taken place as only a handfu…
A winterkill assessment was conducted on Barnesville Lake in June of 2023. This assessment proved a severe winterkill had taken place as only a handful of fish were captured including Green Sunfish, Yellow Perch, White Sucker and Black Bullhead. As a result, Walleye fry were stocked in late spring and nearly 200 adult Bluegill were stocked in the summer of 2023. Additional stockings of various fish species may take place in future years to increase the fish community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Barnesville?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch and Green Sunfish in Barnesville. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Barnesville?
Minnesota DNR records list public access for Barnesville. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.
How deep is Barnesville?
Barnesville has a maximum depth of 17 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Barnesville last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Barnesville is from 2023.
Does Barnesville have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Barnesville in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Barnesville?
No — Barnesville has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 11.05 acres
- Max Depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 0.67 mi
- Public Access
- Yes