Shields

Rice County

Near Shieldsville

DOW: 66005500

Largemouth BassExcellent · 81White CrappieExcellent · 80Northern PikeExcellent · 80

A 940-acre lake near Shieldsville in Rice County — best known for bass and panfish. Last surveyed 2023.

Fish Species (18)

Largemouth Bass

Excellent · 81

Typical numbers · large fish

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

10.2"

Avg Weight

1.00 lbs

Catch rate: 44.4 · Electrofishing survey

Size of catchable largemouth bass92% keeper-size (12"+)

8–11" · 8%Largest sampled 18"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	44.44	10.2"	1.00 lbs	Standard electrofishing
Jul 17, 2023	0.25	10.2"	2.15 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 17, 2023	0.09	10.2"	2.43 lbs	Standard trap nets

White Crappie

Excellent · 80

Above-normal numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1985

Last surveyed 1985 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.32 lbs

Catch rate: 41.8 per trap net · typical 0.5–6.6 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 18, 1987	11.58	-	0.10 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 20, 1985	41.75	-	0.32 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 2, 1981	14.92	-	0.13 lbs	Standard gill nets

Northern Pike

Excellent · 80

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

27.0"

Avg Weight

4.79 lbs

Catch rate: 2.6 per gill net · typical 1.5–7.3 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike85% keeper-size (24"+)

14–23" · 15%Largest sampled 39"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	0.55	27.0"	3.65 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 17, 2023	2.62	27.0"	4.79 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 20, 2020	4.67	23.5"	3.18 lbs	Standard gill nets

Walleye

Stocked 2025

Good · 62

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

23.4"

Avg Weight

5.17 lbs

Catch rate: 1.1 per gill net · typical 1.2–6.3 for a lake like this

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

All keeper-sizeLargest sampled 26"

Stocked with fry every year · 2,152,245 fish total

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	1.12	23.4"	5.17 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 20, 2020	2.00	19.0"	2.65 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 17, 2017	0.89	13.6"	1.49 lbs	Standard gill nets

Stocking Details

Year	Size	Number	Pounds	Agency
2025	fry	164,500	1.4	-
2024	fry	164,500	1.4	-
2023	fry	164,500	1.3	-
2022	fry	164,500	1.5	-
2021	fry	164,500	1.5	-
2019	fry	164,500	1.4	-
2018	fry	164,500	1.6	-
2016	fingerlings	14,487	660.0	-
2016	fry	986,258	9.1	-

Black Crappie

Good · 53

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

7.2"

Avg Weight

0.26 lbs

Catch rate: 13.1 per gill net · typical 2.5–16.5 for a lake like this

Size of catchable black crappie11% keeper-size (10"+)

5–9" · 89%Largest sampled 12"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	13.12	7.2"	0.26 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 17, 2023	1.36	7.2"	0.45 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 20, 2020	32.67	5.8"	0.20 lbs	Standard gill nets

Yellow Perch

Average · 47

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

6.9"

Avg Weight

0.10 lbs

Catch rate: 2.9 per gill net · typical 2–27.9 for a lake like this

Size of catchable yellow perch17% keeper-size (9"+)

5–8" · 83%Largest sampled 10"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	2.88	6.9"	0.10 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 17, 2023	0.64	6.9"	0.10 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 20, 2020	6.44	6.4"	0.10 lbs	Standard gill nets

Bluegill

Average · 36

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

5.3"

Avg Weight

0.06 lbs

Catch rate: 3.1 per trap net · typical 7.5–62.5 for a lake like this

Size of catchable bluegill16% keeper-size (8"+)

3–7" · 84%Largest sampled 9"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	5.12	5.3"	0.27 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 17, 2023	3.09	5.3"	0.06 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 20, 2020	12.78	6.5"	0.29 lbs	Standard gill nets

Green Sunfish

Average · 27

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2017

Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution

Avg Size

3.5"

Avg Weight

0.05 lbs

Catch rate: 0.17 per trap net · typical 0.2–1.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2017	0.17	3.5"	0.05 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 9, 2012	9.88	-	-	Backpack electrofishing
Jun 18, 1987	0.08	-	0.46 lbs	Standard gill nets

Pumpkinseed

Poor · 24

Below-normal numbers · small fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

3.8"

Avg Weight

0.07 lbs

Catch rate: 0.36 per trap net · typical 0.7–4.2 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	0.36	3.8"	0.07 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 17, 2017	1.08	4.4"	0.11 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 9, 2012	1.33	5.8"	-	50-ft beach seine

Hybrid Sunfish

Poor · 9

Below-normal numbers

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2017

Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution

Avg Size

5.0"

Avg Weight

0.14 lbs

Catch rate: 0.08 per trap net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2017	0.08	5.0"	0.14 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 9, 2012	0.33	3.5"	0.05 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 9, 2012	0.82	3.5"	-	Backpack electrofishing

Other species in this lake (8)

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

Black Bullhead

Good · 65

Typical numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2017

Last surveyed 2017 — treat with caution

Avg Size

10.9"

Avg Weight

1.30 lbs

Catch rate: 2.5 per trap net · typical 0.7–25.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	13.88	11.1"	0.92 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 20, 2020	14.11	11.0"	1.03 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 17, 2017	2.50	10.9"	1.30 lbs	Standard trap nets

Freshwater Drum

Good · 60

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

17.5"

Avg Weight

2.09 lbs

Catch rate: 3.9 per gill net · typical 4–32.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	10.00	17.5"	2.88 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 17, 2023	3.88	17.5"	2.09 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 20, 2020	14.11	16.5"	2.21 lbs	Standard gill nets

Common Carp

Good · 56

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

28.3"

Avg Weight

8.40 lbs

Catch rate: 0.25 per gill net · typical 0.3–3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	0.25	28.3"	8.40 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 17, 2023	0.73	28.3"	11.74 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 20, 2020	1.22	25.2"	7.97 lbs	Standard gill nets

Brown Bullhead

Average · 49

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

11.7"

Avg Weight

1.99 lbs

Catch rate: 0.09 per trap net · typical 0.2–1.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	0.25	11.7"	0.80 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 17, 2023	0.09	11.7"	1.99 lbs	Standard trap nets

Yellow Bullhead

Average · 48

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

11.3"

Avg Weight

1.44 lbs

Catch rate: 0.36 per trap net · typical 0.9–5.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	0.36	11.3"	1.44 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 17, 2023	27.38	11.3"	0.92 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 20, 2020	14.00	10.8"	0.87 lbs	Standard gill nets

Golden Shiner

Average · 40

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 2023

Avg Size

6.5"

Avg Weight

0.19 lbs

Catch rate: 0.12 per gill net · typical 0.3–1.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2023	0.12	6.5"	0.19 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 17, 2023	0.09	6.5"	0.09 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 20, 2020	0.56	6.2"	0.11 lbs	Standard gill nets

White Sucker

Average · 37

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1992

Last surveyed 1992 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.62 lbs

Catch rate: 0.08 per gill net · typical 0.4–2.2 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 2006	0.10	22.0"	4.95 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 2, 1992	0.08	-	2.62 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 18, 1987	0.08	-	2.62 lbs	Standard gill nets

Fathead Minnow

Insufficient

Electrofishing survey · surveyed Jul 2012

Last surveyed 2012 — treat with caution

Catch rate: 1.6 · Electrofishing survey

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 9, 2012	1.00	-	-	50-ft beach seine
Jul 9, 2012	1.65	-	-	Backpack electrofishing
Jul 16, 2001	0.33	2.0"	-	Survey seining

See the best largemouth bass lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Special regulations on this lake

DNR special regulations override the statewide limits.

Sunfish
Daily limit 10.

Statewide limits

Statewide limits — apply unless a special regulation above overrides them.

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

Southern zone

Angling: 2 (Minimum size 24").

Largemouth Bass

Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 22, 2026

Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones

Catch-and-release only

Largemouth Bass

Season: May 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones

6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth (when smallmouth season is open)

Crappie

10 combined total

Overridden on this lake — see special regulation above.

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

Southern zone

Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Minimum size 24").

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

no limit

Bullhead

100

Biologist Notes

September 13, 2023Minnesota DNR Fisheries IBI program staff delineated the floating leaf and emergent aquatic vegetation of Shields lake 09/13/2023, following the proto…

Minnesota DNR Fisheries IBI program staff delineated the floating leaf and emergent aquatic vegetation of Shields lake 09/13/2023, following the protocols listed in the MN DNR Lake Plant Mapping Manual. There were a total of 75.3 acres of floating and emergent plants mapped. This consisted of 18.5 acres of emergent dominated plant communities and 56.8 acres of floating leaf plant communities. The following taxa were noted during the survey: bulrush (round-stem group) (Schoenoplectus spp.), cattail (Typha spp.), white waterlily (Nymphaea odorata), and yellow waterlily (Nuphar variegata). For more information see map and summary table below.

September 13, 2023Minnesota DNR Fisheries IBI program staff delineated the floating leaf and emergent aquatic vegetation of Shields lake 09/13/2023, following the proto…

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Shields?

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

Is there public access at Shields?

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

How deep is Shields?

Shields has a maximum depth of 42 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Shields last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Shields is from 2023.

Does Shields have any invasive species?

Yes — Shields has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Are there special fishing regulations on Shields?

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Shields, 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.