First

St. Louis County

Near Ely

DOW: 69011900

Black CrappieGood · 56Rock BassGood · 52Largemouth BassGood · 50

A 16-acre lake near Ely in St. Louis County — best known for panfish and bass. Last surveyed 1980.

Fish Species (5)

Black Crappie

Good · 56

Typical numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.47 lbs

Catch rate: 1.7 per trap net · typical 1.6–6.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 4, 1980	1.67	-	0.47 lbs	Standard trap nets

Rock Bass

Good · 52

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.25 lbs

Catch rate: 1.5 per trap net · typical 0.5–2.8 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 4, 1980	1.50	-	0.25 lbs	Standard trap nets

Largemouth Bass

Good · 50

Large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.75 lbs

Catch rate: 0.33 per trap net · typical 0.3–1.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 4, 1980	0.33	-	0.75 lbs	Standard trap nets

Northern Pike

Insufficient

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

3.12 lbs

Catch rate: 2.3 per trap net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 4, 1980	2.33	-	3.12 lbs	Standard trap 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

Good · 50

Average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.27 lbs

Catch rate: 2.0 per trap net · typical 0.3–2.7 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 4, 1980	2.00	-	2.27 lbs	Standard trap nets

See the best black crappie 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

Northeast zone

Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 8, 2026

Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.

Catch-and-release only

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.

6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth

Crappie

10 combined total

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").

Rock Bass

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

no limit

Biologist Notes

June 4, 1980This survey shows average populations of Suckers, Crappie, Northern Pike, Laregmouth Bass, and Rock Bass. Gillnets took no fish-probably due to rapid…

This survey shows average populations of Suckers, Crappie, Northern Pike, Laregmouth Bass, and Rock Bass. Gillnets took no fish-probably due to rapid dropoffs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in First?

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

Is there public access at First?

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

How deep is First?

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

When were the main sport fish in First last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in First is from 1980. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does First have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on First?

No — First has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.