U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool

Goodhue County

Near Etter

DOW: 25001700

Largemouth BassGood · 64Smallmouth BassGood · 60Black CrappieGood · 50

A 1,549-acre lake near Etter in Goodhue County — best known for bass and panfish. Last surveyed 2015.

Fish Species (9)

Largemouth Bass

Good · 64

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Oct 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

5.6"

Avg Weight

0.24 lbs

Catch rate: 13.2 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable largemouth bass80% keeper-size (12"+)

8–11" · 20%Largest sampled 15"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Oct 12, 2015	13.24	5.6"	0.24 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Smallmouth Bass

Good · 60

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Oct 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

10.4"

Avg Weight

0.90 lbs

Catch rate: 2.2 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable smallmouth bass40% keeper-size (12"+)

7–11" · 60%Largest sampled 15"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Oct 12, 2015	2.21	10.4"	0.90 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Black Crappie

Good · 50

Large fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Oct 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

8.6"

Avg Weight

0.46 lbs

Catch rate: 60.0 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable black crappie27% keeper-size (10"+)

5–9" · 73%Largest sampled 12"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Oct 12, 2015	60.03	8.6"	0.46 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Walleye

Good · 50

Large fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Oct 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

17.0"

Avg Weight

2.52 lbs

Catch rate: 3.5 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable walleye100% keeper-size (15"+)

All keeper-sizeLargest sampled 25"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Oct 12, 2015	3.53	17.0"	2.52 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Bluegill

Good · 50

Average-size fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Oct 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

4.7"

Avg Weight

0.15 lbs

Catch rate: 30.0 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable bluegill17% keeper-size (8"+)

3–7" · 83%Largest sampled 9"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Oct 12, 2015	30.01	4.7"	0.15 lbs	Standard electrofishing

White Crappie

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Oct 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

9.0"

Avg Weight

0.56 lbs

Catch rate: 1.3 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Oct 12, 2015	1.32	9.0"	0.56 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Yellow Perch

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Oct 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

4.2"

Avg Weight

0.01 lbs

Catch rate: 8.4 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Oct 12, 2015	8.39	4.2"	0.01 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Hybrid Sunfish

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Oct 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

4.0"

Avg Weight

0.09 lbs

Catch rate: 0.44 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Oct 12, 2015	0.44	4.0"	0.09 lbs	Standard electrofishing

Channel Catfish

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Oct 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

17.0"

Avg Weight

1.86 lbs

Catch rate: 0.44 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Oct 12, 2015	0.44	17.0"	1.86 lbs	Standard electrofishing

See the best largemouth bass lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Special regulations on this lake

DNR special regulations override the statewide limits.

Walleye and Sauger
Minimum size limit 15".

Border water

This water follows Minnesota–Wisconsin border-water rules, which differ from inland Minnesota regulations. Statewide inland limits do not apply here — check the border-waters section of the Minnesota DNR fishing regulations.

Biologist Notes

October 12, 2015Described in Major River Report.

Described in Major River Report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Bluegill in U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool?

U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool has a maximum depth of 10.8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool is from 2015. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool have any invasive species?

Yes — U.S. Lock & Dam #3 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.

Are there special fishing regulations on U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool?

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for U.S. Lock & Dam #3 Pool, covering 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.