Little Caribou
A 53-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County — best known for walleye and pike. Last surveyed 1996.
Fish Species (6)
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1996
Last surveyed 1996 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 7.0 per gill net · typical 2.2–10.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 1996 | 7.00 | 15.7" | 1.60 lbs |
Typical numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1996
Last surveyed 1996 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 3.0 per gill net · typical 2–8.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 1996 | 3.00 | 22.1" | 3.35 lbs |
| Jul 2, 1973 | 2.33 | - | 2.36 lbs |
Average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1973
Last surveyed 1973 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 0.3–2.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2, 1973 | 0.33 | - | 0.40 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1996
Last surveyed 1996 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 2.5–14.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 1996 | 1.00 | 6.0" | 0.14 lbs |
| Jul 2, 1973 | 61.00 | - | 0.15 lbs |
Small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1996
Last surveyed 1996 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.67 per gill net · typical 1.6–3.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 1996 | 0.67 | 8.0" | 0.44 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.
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1996
Last surveyed 1996 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 5.3 per gill net · typical 1.6–8.4 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 15, 1996 | 5.33 | 19.0" | 3.05 lbs |
| Jul 2, 1973 | 16.33 | - | 1.77 lbs |
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"
Northern Pike
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Northeast zone
Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 8, 2026
Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.
Catch-and-release only
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.
6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth
Perch
20 daily and 40 in possession
More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)
Northern Pike
Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Northeast zone
Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").
Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers
no limit
Biologist Notes
July 15, 1996Walleye and smallmouth bass populations have become established in this lake since it was last surveyed (1973). Walleye were relatively abundant in 19…
Walleye and smallmouth bass populations have become established in this lake since it was last surveyed (1973). Walleye were relatively abundant in 1996. Only two smallmouth bass were taken in 1996, but they may be more abundant than that, since gill nets are a poor sampling tool for smallmouth. Fair numbers of northern pike were present, including some very large fish; however, most of the northern pike collected were less than 25 inches in length. Yellow perch abundance apparently has declined, probably due to the walleye introduction.
July 2, 1973Little Caribou Lake has high populations of Sucker and Perch. N Pike and LM Bass furnish good to fair angling, however, they did not show up favor. in…
Little Caribou Lake has high populations of Sucker and Perch. N Pike and LM Bass furnish good to fair angling, however, they did not show up favor. in test nets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Little Caribou?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Smallmouth Bass in Little Caribou. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Little Caribou?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Little Caribou. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Little Caribou?
Little Caribou has a maximum depth of 18 feet and a mean depth of 9 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Little Caribou last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Little Caribou is from 1996. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Little Caribou have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Little Caribou in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Little Caribou?
No — Little Caribou has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide walleye and sauger limit is: 6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20". Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.
More lakes in Cook County
View allLake Details
- Surface Area
- 52.8 acres
- Max Depth
- 18 ft
- Mean Depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.67 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed