U.S. Lock & Dam #2 Pool

A Flathead Catfish survey was established in 2008 consisting of 23 low frequency electrofishing stations, each spanning a half-mile. This survey was repeated in 2017 and 2023. Two stations were abandoned in 2023 due to decreasing depth and replaced with new stations. A third station was altered due to a massive sediment deposit during the 2019 flood. Attempts were made to collect all Flathead Catfish observed. Fish frequently elude capture as low frequency electrofishing can raise Flathead Catfish to the surface a considerable distance from the boat (200 feet or more). A pectoral spine was removed from all but one Flathead Catfish for aging. In addition, all Flathead Catfish over 9.8 inches were tagged with a Carlin Dangler disc tag. Total electrofishing on-time was 9.2 hours. One hundred sixteen Flathead Catfish were sampled in the 23 electrofishing stations. Catch per hour of electrofishing was 12.7 in 2023, slightly below the 2008 catch per hour of 13.6, but higher than the 2017 catch per hour of 9.6. Lengths of the sampled Flathead Catfish ranged from 6.0 to 42.3 inches. Almost 84% of the fish sampled were less than 20-inches. All but one Flathead Catfish sampled were able to be aged. Ages ranged from 2 to 24 years old. Over 90% of the Flathead Catfish were 5 years old or younger. The largest age class sampled was age-3 (61.7%). It is recommended to repeat this Flathead Catfish survey at least once every five years. More frequent surveys could help determine year-class strength and potentially result in the recapture of previously tagged fish allowing us to confirm age estimates obtained from pectoral spines as well as informing growth rates. Angler reports of tagged fish will also inform angler success, exploitation, and fish movements.

A Flathead Catfish survey was established in 2008 consisting of 23 low frequency electrofishing stations, each spanning a half-mile. This survey was repeated in 2017 and 2023. Two stations were abandoned in 2023 due to decreasing depth and replaced with new stations. A third station was altered due to a massive sediment deposit during the 2019 flood. Attempts were made to collect all Flathead Catfish observed. Fish frequently elude capture as low frequency electrofishing can raise Flathead Catfish to the surface a considerable distance from the boat (200 feet or more). A pectoral spine was removed from all but one Flathead Catfish for aging. In addition, all Flathead Catfish over 9.8 inches were tagged with a Carlin Dangler disc tag. Total electrofishing on-time was 9.2 hours. One hundred sixteen Flathead Catfish were sampled in the 23 electrofishing stations. Catch per hour of electrofishing was 12.7 in 2023, slightly below the 2008 catch per hour of 13.6, but higher than the 2017 catch per hour of 9.6. Lengths of the sampled Flathead Catfish ranged from 6.0 to 42.3 inches. Almost 84% of the fish sampled were less than 20-inches. All but one Flathead Catfish sampled were able to be aged. Ages ranged from 2 to 24 years old. Over 90% of the Flathead Catfish were 5 years old or younger. The largest age class sampled was age-3 (61.7%). It is recommended to repeat this Flathead Catfish survey at least once every five years. More frequent surveys could help determine year-class strength and potentially result in the recapture of previously tagged fish allowing us to confirm age estimates obtained from pectoral spines as well as informing growth rates. Angler reports of tagged fish will also inform angler success, exploitation, and fish movements.

A Flathead Catfish survey was established in 2008 consisting of 23 low frequency electrofishing stations, each spanning a half-mile. This survey was repeated in 2017 and 2023. Two stations were abandoned in 2023 due to decreasing depth and replaced with new stations. A third station was altered due to a massive sediment deposit during the 2019 flood. Attempts were made to collect all Flathead Catfish observed. Fish frequently elude capture as low frequency electrofishing can raise Flathead Catfish to the surface a considerable distance from the boat (200 feet or more). A pectoral spine was removed from all but one Flathead Catfish for aging. In addition, all Flathead Catfish over 9.8 inches were tagged with a Carlin Dangler disc tag. Total electrofishing on-time was 9.2 hours. One hundred sixteen Flathead Catfish were sampled in the 23 electrofishing stations. Catch per hour of electrofishing was 12.7 in 2023, slightly below the 2008 catch per hour of 13.6, but higher than the 2017 catch per hour of 9.6. Lengths of the sampled Flathead Catfish ranged from 6.0 to 42.3 inches. Almost 84% of the fish sampled were less than 20-inches. All but one Flathead Catfish sampled were able to be aged. Ages ranged from 2 to 24 years old. Over 90% of the Flathead Catfish were 5 years old or younger. The largest age class sampled was age-3 (61.7%). It is recommended to repeat this Flathead Catfish survey at least once every five years. More frequent surveys could help determine year-class strength and potentially result in the recapture of previously tagged fish allowing us to confirm age estimates obtained from pectoral spines as well as informing growth rates. Angler reports of tagged fish will also inform angler success, exploitation, and fish movements.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, and Walleye in U.S. Lock & Dam #2 Pool. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for U.S. Lock & Dam #2 Pool. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in U.S. Lock & Dam #2 Pool is from 2021.

Yes — U.S. Lock & Dam #2 Pool has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil, bighead carp, flowering rush, grass carp, silver carp, and zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for U.S. Lock & Dam #2 Pool, covering largemouth and smallmouth bass and walleye and sauger. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.