Reno

A targeted gill net survey was conducted during summer 2024 to assess the Walleye population. Data from this survey will contribute to a statewide study examining the impacts of zebra mussels on Walleye populations. Gill net catches averaged 18.4 fish/net, a substantial increase from the record-low level documented in the 2022 survey. Increased abundance is due to strong 2022 and 2023 year classes, which accounted for over 50% of the gill net sample. The length range of Walleyes sampled was 7.5 to 26.6 inches. Mean size was 17.3 inches and 2.1 pounds. Fourteen year classes were represented with maximum age extending to age 17.

A targeted survey was conducted September 25-28 on Lake Reno, to assess the Bluegill and Black Crappie populations. A special regulation that reduced the daily sunfish limit from 20 to 10 was implemented in 2022. The goal of this new regulation is to maintain or increase the average size of Bluegill. This survey will be used to help evaluate effects of the regulation on the Bluegill population. Bluegill catch rates (25.4/trap net) were moderately high. Growth is fast, but mean length was only 6.4 inches because of predominately young fish. Eight percent of Bluegill sampled were over 8 inches; the largest sampled was 8.9 inches. Black Crappie catch rates (2.3/trap net) were low, but crappie also grow fast. Crappie ranged in length from 10.7 to 13.5 inches; mean length was 12.1 inches. Anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest to help sustain the quality of the fishery. Selective harvest encourages the release of larger fish while promoting harvest of more abundant smaller fish. Releasing medium to large fish can help restore and maintain fish community balance, as well as increase opportunities to catch large fish in the future.

Lake Reno is a 3,808-acre, highly productive basin located between the towns of Glenwood and Alexandria. It is the second largest lake in Pope County. Lake Reno lies within the Chippewa River watershed and is connected to Maple Lake via an equalizer culvert under State Highway 29. Residential development around the lake is minimal and the majority of the watershed is in agricultural production. Public accesses are located on the northeast and southwest shorelines. The northeast access includes a north and south lot. The north lot is primarily used for additional parking when needed. Lake Reno is designated as an infested waterbody due to the presence of zebra mussels. For more information regarding aquatic invasive species in Minnesota see the following: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/aquatic/index.html. This lake is primarily managed for Walleye with sunfish and bass being species of secondary management importance. A standard fisheries survey was completed in 2022 to assess the fish community and gain updated estimates of abundance and size structure of gamefish populations. This lake is well known as a quality Walleye fishery. However, netting results indicated a recent decline in the Walleye population as record-low abundance (9.0 fish/gill net) was documented in 2022. Only three Walleyes shorter than 15 inches were captured in gill nets, which resulted in a large average size of 20 inches and 2.8 pounds. Record-low abundance and a size structure dominated by larger fish is due to consecutive poor year classes in recent years. Current aging data and previous fall electrofishing results suggest the last moderate to strong year class was likely produced in 2017. Consecutive weak Walleye year classes across multiple years is concerning because it is not typical for this fishery and has led to an "unbalanced" population. An extremely strong year class was produced in 2022 but these fish were too small to be sampled by gill nets. Hopefully, this population rebounds as the 2022 year class recruits to the fishery. Yellow Perch abundance has also declined in recent years. Harvestable size perch are still available but small perch now dominate this population. Other gamefishes commonly targeted by anglers include Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike. Bluegill, Black Crappie, and bass populations have expanded greatly in recent years and much more angling effort is now directed at these species. Current size structure of these populations is favorable. Good numbers of Bluegill exceeding 8 inches and Black Crappie exceeding 10 inches were collected in 2022. Sunfish anglers are reminded that a special regulation was implemented in spring 2022 that reduced the daily bag limit of sunfish from 20 to 10 to help protect and improve sunfish quality on this lake. For more information regarding the Quality Sunfish Initiative see the following: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/sunfish/index.html. The largest bass sampled in 2022 measured almost 19 inches for Largemouth Bass and 18 inches for Smallmouth Bass. The Northern Pike population is typically characterized as having low to moderate abundance and size structure. Mean size of pike in 2022 was 24 inches and 3.1 pounds. Northern Pike zone regulations were implemented in 2018. Lake Reno is located in the North-central Zone. Anglers can keep up to 10 pike but not more than two can be over 26 inches in length. All pike between 22-26 inches must be immediately released. Black, Brown, and Yellow Bullheads are all present in Lake Reno and provide a unique angling opportunity for trophy-sized fish. The largest Brown and Yellow Bullhead collected in 2022 measured almost 16 and 19 inches, respectively. The current state record Black Bullhead came from Lake Reno back in 1997. Other fish species sampled during the 2022 survey included Bowfin (Dogfish), Common Carp, Green Sunfish, hybrid sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, and White Sucker. The next lake survey is tentatively scheduled for 2026. Lake Reno is a popular destination for many anglers and fishing pressure can be heavy at times, during both open water and winter seasons. To help maintain the quality of this fishery, anglers are encouraged to practice selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of larger fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for eating. Releasing medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish and should provide anglers with opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Walleye, Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie in Reno. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Reno. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Reno has a maximum depth of 23 feet and a mean depth of 17 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Reno is from 2024.

Yes — Reno has confirmed 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 Reno, covering sunfish. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.