Little Bowstring
Itasca County, Minnesota — DOW #31075800
194 Surveys
Special Regulations for Little Bowstring
This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.
DNR Fish Surveys
Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Little Bowstring.
Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.
Northern Pike
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 1979-08-20 | Standard gill nets | 9.7 (normal) | 3.5 – 10.5 | 1.86 lb | 58 |
| 2021-06-07 | Special trap nets | 0.2 | — | — | 6 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 13.3 (above normal) | 3.5 – 10.5 | 2.11 lb | 80 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 | — | 2.45 lb | 3 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 7.8 (normal) | 3.5 – 10.5 | 1.26 lb | 62 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 | — | 2.00 lb | 4 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 1.3 | — | — | 4 |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 1.0 | — | — | 5 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 | — | 1.46 lb | 5 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard gill nets | 7.0 (normal) | 3.5 – 10.5 | 2.01 lb | 35 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 1.2 | — | 0.94 lb | 7 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard gill nets | 7.2 (normal) | 3.5 – 10.5 | 1.99 lb | 36 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 2.0 | — | 1.16 lb | 12 |
| 1975-09-10 | Standard gill nets | 2.7 (below normal) | 3.5 – 10.5 | 1.71 lb | 24 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 0.8 | — | — | 34 |
Rock Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 1979-08-20 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.9 | 1.00 lb | 2 |
| 2021-06-07 | Special trap nets | 0.9 | — | — | 24 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 0.7 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.9 | 0.30 lb | 4 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 (below normal) | 0.5 – 1.8 | 0.44 lb | 3 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.9 | 0.57 lb | 6 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.5 – 1.8 | 0.27 lb | 7 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 1.0 | — | — | 3 |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 0.2 | — | — | 1 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 2.9 | — | — | 3 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 (below normal) | 0.5 – 1.8 | 0.19 lb | 4 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 1.2 (normal) | 0.5 – 1.8 | 0.51 lb | 7 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 1.3 (normal) | 0.5 – 1.8 | 0.45 lb | 8 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 0.8 | — | — | 34 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.6 | — | — | 4 |
Walleye
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 1979-08-20 | Standard gill nets | 3.7 (normal) | 1.3 – 5.0 | 1.85 lb | 22 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 3.5 (normal) | 1.3 – 5.0 | 2.16 lb | 21 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 11.5 (above normal) | 1.3 – 5.0 | 1.53 lb | 92 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.7 | 3.34 lb | 3 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.7 | 0.20 lb | 1 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard gill nets | 6.6 (above normal) | 1.3 – 5.0 | 1.87 lb | 33 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.7 | 1.95 lb | 2 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard gill nets | 1.6 (normal) | 1.3 – 5.0 | 0.95 lb | 8 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.7 | 2.10 lb | 1 |
| 1975-09-10 | Standard gill nets | 0.9 (below normal) | 1.3 – 5.0 | 2.90 lb | 8 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 0.3 | — | — | 11 |
Yellow Perch
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 1979-08-20 | Standard gill nets | 15.5 (normal) | 3.4 – 43.6 | 0.17 lb | 93 |
| 2021-06-07 | Special trap nets | 0.7 | — | — | 17 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard trap nets | 1.8 (normal) | 0.5 – 3.3 | 0.15 lb | 14 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 116.5 (above normal) | 3.4 – 43.6 | 0.08 lb | 699 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 1.3 (normal) | 0.5 – 3.3 | 0.13 lb | 12 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 24.3 (normal) | 3.4 – 43.6 | 0.14 lb | 194 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 454.3 | — | — | 1363 |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 77.6 | — | — | 388 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 131.4 | — | — | 138 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 2.8 (normal) | 0.5 – 3.3 | 0.11 lb | 25 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 2.8 (normal) | 0.5 – 3.3 | 0.14 lb | 17 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard gill nets | 95.4 (above normal) | 3.4 – 43.6 | 0.15 lb | 477 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 2.2 (normal) | 0.5 – 3.3 | 0.17 lb | 13 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard gill nets | 14.2 (normal) | 3.4 – 43.6 | 0.11 lb | 71 |
| 1975-09-10 | Standard gill nets | 18.0 (normal) | 3.4 – 43.6 | 0.11 lb | 162 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 1.8 | — | — | 70 |
| 2021-07-14 | Backpack electrofishing | 11.9 | — | — | 13 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 35.7 | — | — | 250 |
White Sucker
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 1979-08-20 | Standard gill nets | 3.2 (above normal) | 0.5 – 2.7 | 1.54 lb | 19 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.7 | 2.28 lb | 5 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 1.6 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.7 | 1.77 lb | 13 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 3.8 | — | — | 4 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.4 | 3.68 lb | 2 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 6.3 | — | — | 19 |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 12.4 | — | — | 62 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard gill nets | 1.2 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.7 | 1.50 lb | 6 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard gill nets | 3.6 (above normal) | 0.5 – 2.7 | 2.07 lb | 18 |
| 1975-09-10 | Standard gill nets | 1.8 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.7 | 1.79 lb | 16 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 0.1 | — | — | 2 |
Tullibee (Cisco)
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 1979-08-20 | Standard gill nets | 1.0 (normal) | 0.5 – 4.8 | 0.75 lb | 6 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.5 – 4.8 | 1.40 lb | 3 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard gill nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.5 – 4.8 | 0.97 lb | 4 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard gill nets | 0.6 (normal) | 0.5 – 4.8 | 0.90 lb | 3 |
| 1975-09-10 | Standard gill nets | 2.0 (normal) | 0.5 – 4.8 | 1.22 lb | 18 |
Bowfin
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 2021-06-07 | Special trap nets | 0.9 | — | — | 24 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 0.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 4.63 lb | 2 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.4 – 1.3 | 4.27 lb | 4 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 2.32 lb | 1 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.4 – 1.3 | 4.39 lb | 2 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 3.6 (above normal) | 0.4 – 1.3 | 4.93 lb | 32 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 0.6 | 3.30 lb | 1 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.4 – 1.3 | 4.63 lb | 3 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.4 – 1.3 | 4.10 lb | 1 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 1.7 | — | — | 67 |
Bluegill
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 2021-06-07 | Special trap nets | 6.9 | — | 0.32 lb | 179 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 | — | 0.48 lb | 3 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard trap nets | 0.6 (below normal) | 6.1 – 46.6 | 0.14 lb | 5 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 0.6 | — | 0.37 lb | 5 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 3.2 (below normal) | 6.1 – 46.6 | 0.14 lb | 29 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 0.9 | — | — | 1 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 8.2 (normal) | 6.1 – 46.6 | 0.34 lb | 74 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.3 | — | — | 1 |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 0.4 | — | — | 2 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 1.0 (below normal) | 6.1 – 46.6 | 0.25 lb | 6 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 1.5 (below normal) | 6.1 – 46.6 | 0.32 lb | 9 |
| 1975-09-10 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 | — | 0.10 lb | 1 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 3.5 | — | 0.45 lb | 140 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.4 | — | — | 3 |
Black Crappie
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 2021-06-07 | Special trap nets | 0.1 | — | 0.60 lb | 3 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 1.0 (normal) | 0.6 – 3.5 | 0.83 lb | 6 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 0.7 – 3.4 | 0.49 lb | 2 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 0.9 (normal) | 0.6 – 3.5 | 0.39 lb | 7 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 1.1 (normal) | 0.7 – 3.4 | 0.52 lb | 10 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 1.7 (normal) | 0.7 – 3.4 | 0.83 lb | 15 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard gill nets | 0.6 (normal) | 0.6 – 3.5 | 0.23 lb | 3 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 0.7 (below normal) | 0.7 – 3.4 | 0.60 lb | 4 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 0.5 (below normal) | 0.7 – 3.4 | 0.50 lb | 3 |
| 1975-09-10 | Standard gill nets | 1.0 (normal) | 0.6 – 3.5 | 0.71 lb | 9 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 2.6 | — | 0.55 lb | 103 |
Pumpkinseed
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 2021-06-07 | Special trap nets | 2.9 | — | 0.16 lb | 74 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 | — | 0.24 lb | 3 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 1.9 | — | 0.11 lb | 15 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 1.7 (below normal) | 2.0 – 8.5 | 0.07 lb | 15 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 8.6 | — | — | 9 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 1.8 (below normal) | 2.0 – 8.5 | 0.16 lb | 16 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 2.7 | — | — | 8 |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 1.2 | — | — | 6 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard gill nets | 0.6 | — | 0.13 lb | 3 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 0.7 (below normal) | 2.0 – 8.5 | 0.20 lb | 4 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 6.0 (normal) | 2.0 – 8.5 | 0.25 lb | 36 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 1.5 | — | 0.24 lb | 60 |
| 2021-07-14 | Backpack electrofishing | 1.8 | — | — | 2 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 1.1 | — | — | 8 |
Yellow Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 2021-06-07 | Special trap nets | 0.6 | — | — | 15 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 1.7 (normal) | 1.0 – 10.5 | 0.51 lb | 10 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard trap nets | 0.3 (below normal) | 1.3 – 9.8 | 0.55 lb | 2 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 0.4 (below normal) | 1.0 – 10.5 | 0.71 lb | 3 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 1.3 – 9.8 | 0.51 lb | 1 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 0.8 (below normal) | 1.3 – 9.8 | 0.68 lb | 7 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 0.7 | — | — | 29 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.1 | — | — | 1 |
Hybrid Sunfish
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 2021-06-07 | Special trap nets | 0.1 | — | 0.45 lb | 4 |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 | — | 0.35 lb | 3 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 0.1 | — | 0.60 lb | 6 |
Largemouth Bass
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.7 | 2.05 lb | 1 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.7 | 0.24 lb | 1 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.3 | 0.88 lb | 2 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 34.7 | — | — | 104 |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 10.0 | — | — | 50 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 45.7 | — | — | 48 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.3 | 1.46 lb | 2 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.3 – 1.3 | 2.70 lb | 1 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 0.7 (normal) | 0.3 – 1.3 | 0.25 lb | 4 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 0.0 | — | 3.55 lb | 1 |
| 2021-07-14 | Backpack electrofishing | 19.2 | — | — | 21 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 17.1 | — | — | 120 |
Brown Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 2021-08-09 | Standard gill nets | 0.2 (below normal) | 0.5 – 2.5 | 0.75 lb | 1 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard trap nets | 0.4 (normal) | 0.4 – 2.1 | 1.17 lb | 4 |
| 2002-08-19 | Standard gill nets | 0.5 (normal) | 0.5 – 2.5 | 1.32 lb | 4 |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 0.9 (normal) | 0.4 – 2.1 | 1.09 lb | 8 |
| 1989-08-30 | Standard trap nets | 0.8 (normal) | 0.4 – 2.1 | 1.34 lb | 5 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 0.4 | — | — | 17 |
BNS
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 16.2 | — | 81 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 1.0 | — | 3 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 3.0 | — | 21 |
Iowa Darter
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 0.2 | — | 1 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 4.8 | — | 5 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.7 | — | 5 |
| 2021-07-14 | Backpack electrofishing | 3.6 | — | 4 |
BCS
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 7.6 | — | 8 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 35.3 | — | 106 |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 4.2 | — | 21 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 2.9 | — | 20 |
Mimic Shiner
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 6.2 | — | 31 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.7 | — | 2 |
| 2021-07-14 | Backpack electrofishing | 0.9 | — | 1 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.1 | — | 1 |
Bluntnose Minnow
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 38.4 | — | 192 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 15.2 | — | 16 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 14.3 | — | 43 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 14.3 | — | 100 |
| 2021-07-14 | Backpack electrofishing | 5.5 | — | 6 |
Golden Shiner
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 2.4 | — | 12 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 1.9 | — | 2 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 1.6 | — | 11 |
BKF
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 4.8 | — | 24 |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 33.3 | — | 35 |
| 2022-07-18 | 50-ft beach seine | 43.7 | — | 131 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 7.6 | — | 53 |
| 2021-07-14 | Backpack electrofishing | 5.5 | — | 6 |
CRC
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 0.9 | — | 1 |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 0.6 | — | 3 |
Black Bullhead
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Avg Weight | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | Standard trap nets | 0.1 (below normal) | 0.3 – 3.2 | 0.67 lb | 1 |
| 1984-08-27 | Standard trap nets | 1.3 (normal) | 0.3 – 3.2 | 0.76 lb | 8 |
| 2019-06-03 | Special trap nets | 0.1 | — | — | 2 |
CNM
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 4.8 | — | 5 |
| 2021-07-14 | Backpack electrofishing | 6.4 | — | 7 |
Johnny Darter
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 1.9 | — | 2 |
BRM
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | 15-ft beach seine | 0.2 | — | 1 |
Tadpole Madtom
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2022-07-18 | Backpack electrofishing | 0.9 | — | 1 |
| 2021-07-14 | Backpack electrofishing | 1.8 | — | 2 |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.1 | — | 1 |
PGS
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 3.4 | — | 24 |
BST
| Date | Gear | CPUE | Normal Range | Total Catch |
| 2021-07-14 | 50-ft beach seine | 0.1 | — | 1 |
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Fish Species
Species known to inhabit Little Bowstring. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Other Lakes in Itasca County
Plan Your Trip to Little Bowstring
Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026.
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