Lac a Roy

Itasca County

Near Bigfork

DOW: 31080200

Northern PikeExcellent · 86PumpkinseedAverage · 38Yellow PerchAverage · 28

A 90-acre lake near Bigfork in Itasca County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 1979.

Fish Species (4)

Northern Pike

Excellent · 86

Above-normal numbers

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1979

Last surveyed 1979 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.66 lbs

Catch rate: 14.5 per gill net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 11, 1979	14.50	-	1.66 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 11, 1979	0.75	-	1.00 lbs	Standard trap nets

Pumpkinseed

Average · 38

Below-normal numbers

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1979

Last surveyed 1979 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.06 lbs

Catch rate: 1.0 per trap net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 11, 1979	1.00	-	0.06 lbs	Standard trap nets

Yellow Perch

Average · 28

Below-normal numbers

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1979

Last surveyed 1979 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.27 lbs

Catch rate: 1.5 per gill net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 11, 1979	1.50	-	0.27 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Excellent · 91

Above-normal numbers

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1979

Last surveyed 1979 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.42 lbs

Catch rate: 3.0 per gill net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 11, 1979	3.00	-	2.42 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Northern Pike

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

North-central zone

Angling: 10 (not more than 2 over 26". All from 22-26" must be immediatley released).

Sunfish

20 combined total

Perch

20 daily and 40 in possession

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

North-central zone

Darkhouse spearing: 10 (only 1 between 22-26" and 1 over 26"; or, only 2 over 26").

Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers

no limit

Biologist Notes

July 11, 1979N Pike population is quite high. All other fish populations within normal limits for this type of lake.

N Pike population is quite high. All other fish populations within normal limits for this type of lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Lac a Roy?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch in Lac a Roy. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Lac a Roy?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Lac a Roy. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Lac a Roy?

Lac a Roy has a maximum depth of 30 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Lac a Roy last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Lac a Roy is from 1979. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Lac a Roy have any invasive species?

No invasive species are on record for Lac a Roy in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

Are there special fishing regulations on Lac a Roy?

No — Lac a Roy has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.