Minnesota Fishing Guide

Mississippi River - Blandin Reservoir

Itasca County, Minnesota — DOW #31053300

193 Surveys

Invasive Species Alert

Mississippi River - Blandin Reservoir has confirmed populations of:

Clean, drain, and dry all equipment before moving to another water body. It's the law in Minnesota.

490.4
Acres
38 ft
Max Depth
0
13
Fish Species
9
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Mississippi River - Blandin Reservoir. Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard gill nets 2.5 (below normal) 3.6 – 11.0 0.60 lb 5
1973-08-20 Standard trap nets 1.4 — 0.94 lb 7
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 2.6 (below normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.21 lb 18
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 0.4 — 0.43 lb 3
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 1.6 (below normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.37 lb 14
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 1.0 — 0.76 lb 9
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 2.4 (below normal) 3.6 – 11.0 2.21 lb 24
2004-08-09 Standard trap nets 0.3 — 1.16 lb 3
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 2.9 (below normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.81 lb 20
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 2.70 lb 1
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 2.4 (below normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.95 lb 22
2023-08-07 Standard trap nets 0.9 — 1.46 lb 8
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 1.8 (below normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.41 lb 16
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 7.65 lb 1
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 3.8 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.55 lb 34
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 2.2 — 1.32 lb 26
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 2.1 (below normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.26 lb 17

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard trap nets 3.6 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.33 lb 18
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.20 lb 1
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 1.9 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.25 lb 15
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.04 lb 1
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 1.2 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.28 lb 11
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 2.4 — 0.30 lb 24
2004-08-09 Standard trap nets 1.8 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.06 lb 16
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 2.6 — 0.32 lb 18
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 4.0 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.25 lb 32
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 1.0 — 0.36 lb 9
2023-08-07 Standard trap nets 2.0 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.18 lb 18
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 1.0 — 0.31 lb 9
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 1.9 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.16 lb 15
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.30 lb 6
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 8.3 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.22 lb 100
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 0.6 — 0.10 lb 5

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard trap nets 2.2 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.24 lb 11
1973-08-20 Standard gill nets 1.5 (below normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.17 lb 3
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 1.5 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.28 lb 12
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 2.6 (below normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.16 lb 18
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.14 lb 5
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 5.1 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.12 lb 46
2004-08-09 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.28 lb 5
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 5.9 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.21 lb 59
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.20 lb 1
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 2.3 (below normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.25 lb 16
2023-08-07 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.14 lb 6
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 3.9 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.15 lb 35
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.07 lb 3
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 3.6 (below normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.14 lb 32
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.29 lb 28
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 4.8 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.23 lb 43
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 10.3 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.24 lb 82

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 0.6 2.50 lb 1
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.00 lb 2
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.6 0.20 lb 1
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 2.27 lb 1
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.6 0.05 lb 1
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.41 lb 3
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 0.93 lb 3
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.51 lb 2
2012-08-06 Standard electrofishing 21.3 — 1.42 lb 32
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 0.19 lb 2
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.6 0.46 lb 1
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 0.70 lb 5
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 0.7 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.6 1.38 lb 8
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 0.20 lb 2

Rock Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.33 lb 3
1973-08-20 Standard gill nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.25 lb 4
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 2.4 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.36 lb 17
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.35 lb 2
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 4.8 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.28 lb 43
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.64 lb 2
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 1.7 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.21 lb 17
2004-08-09 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.40 lb 1
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.38 lb 5
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.50 lb 1
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 3.6 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.32 lb 32
2023-08-07 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.50 lb 2
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 1.2 (normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.24 lb 11
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.03 lb 1
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.24 lb 12
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 1.0 0.49 lb 8
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.47 lb 16

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 1.40 lb 3
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.0 – 3.2 1.05 lb 4
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.97 lb 3
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 1.8 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 1.37 lb 16
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 0.49 lb 1
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.0 – 3.2 0.97 lb 6
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 2.9 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 0.93 lb 20
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.0 – 3.2 0.62 lb 6
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 0.61 lb 10
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 2.28 lb 1
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 0.79 lb 18
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 0.89 lb 9
2018-05-11 Standard electrofishing 55.3 — 2.77 lb 58

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard trap nets 1.4 (normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.43 lb 7
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.3 1.60 lb 1
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.9 (normal) 0.7 – 4.5 0.95 lb 6
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.3 1.37 lb 1
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 1.9 (normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.75 lb 23
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.5 1.50 lb 1
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 0.7 – 4.5 1.06 lb 9

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.62 lb 4
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.28 lb 2
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.31 lb 4
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.07 lb 13
2004-08-09 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.06 lb 2
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.25 lb 4
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.35 lb 9
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.20 lb 2
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.35 lb 10
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 3.3 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.47 lb 39
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.18 lb 5

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 1.4 2.75 lb 2
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.9 (normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.15 lb 6
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.2 – 1.4 1.85 lb 4
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 0.7 – 3.5 1.99 lb 9
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.19 lb 3
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.26 lb 5
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 1.4 1.85 lb 2
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.23 lb 1
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.5 3.97 lb 1
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 3.75 lb 1
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 0.7 – 3.5 1.39 lb 9
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.4 2.07 lb 24
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.24 lb 5

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1973-08-20 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.25 lb 2
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 2.4 — 0.12 lb 17
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 1.9 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.13 lb 15
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.20 lb 6
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 1.0 (below normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.15 lb 9
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 3.3 — 0.20 lb 33
2004-08-09 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.09 lb 3
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 6.6 — 0.16 lb 46
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.5 (below normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.12 lb 4
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 2.6 — 0.17 lb 23
2023-08-07 Standard trap nets 2.6 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.09 lb 23
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 3.6 — 0.19 lb 32
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.07 lb 18
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 5.9 — 0.20 lb 53
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 5.6 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.26 lb 67
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 7.9 — 0.37 lb 63

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 11.3 0.88 lb 4
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.0 – 38.0 0.94 lb 5
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 5.0 (normal) 1.0 – 38.0 0.96 lb 35
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 2.8 (normal) 0.5 – 11.3 0.53 lb 33
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 5.1 (normal) 1.0 – 38.0 0.54 lb 46
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 2.6 (normal) 1.0 – 38.0 0.55 lb 21

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.80 lb 4
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.70 lb 2
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.81 lb 4
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.66 lb 11
2004-08-09 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.99 lb 1
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.77 lb 23
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.70 lb 3
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.6 – 7.0 1.10 lb 1
2023-08-07 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.88 lb 2
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.6 – 7.0 1.06 lb 3
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.4 – 5.0 1.00 lb 6
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 2.6 (normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.51 lb 23
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 5.3 (above normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.82 lb 64
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.6 – 7.0 1.07 lb 4

Shorthead Redhorse

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 1.75 lb 2
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 2.30 lb 5
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 1.65 lb 15
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 2.45 lb 11
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 2.20 lb 15
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 2.49 lb 7
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 1.90 lb 5
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 2.56 lb 8

Bowfin

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 4.10 lb 1
1983-08-24 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.2 6.00 lb 2
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 5.02 lb 3
1996-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.2 3.36 lb 2
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 5.22 lb 5
2004-08-09 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.2 4.96 lb 1
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 6.20 lb 1
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 5.63 lb 3
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 6.01 lb 4
2023-08-07 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 5.05 lb 4
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 4.66 lb 1
2012-08-06 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.2 6.69 lb 2
1978-08-14 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 4.50 lb 5
1978-08-14 Standard trap nets 1.4 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.2 4.27 lb 17
1987-08-03 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 4.30 lb 1

Muskellunge

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1983-08-24 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 3.00 lb 1

SLR

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1996-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 2.81 lb 2

Smallmouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2004-08-09 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.95 lb 7
2023-08-07 Standard gill nets 1.3 — 1.28 lb 12
2012-08-06 Standard electrofishing 1.3 — 1.52 lb 2
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 1.0 — 1.77 lb 9

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-08-13 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 0.40 lb 1
2012-08-06 Standard gill nets 0.1 — 0.34 lb 1

Tullibee (Cisco)

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1990-08-13 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 3.0 1.40 lb 2

Depth Maps & Lake Info

View on MN DNR LakeFinder

Map & Directions

Get Directions

Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.

Nearby Bait & Tackle

Best Bet Waxworm Wholesale Bait & Breeder Kits

Deer River, MN

(218) 246-2222

★ 5

Bite Me Waxworms Wholesale Bait Shop

Deer River, MN

(218) 246-2222

★ 3.7

Diamond Custom Rods

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 244-4108

★ 5

Fred's Live Bait & Tackle

Deer River, MN

(218) 246-8710

★ 4.8

Frontier Sports

Marcell, MN

(218) 832-3901

★ 4.6

Glen's Army & Navy Store

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-1201

★ 4.3

God's Country Outfitters

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-9866

★ 4.4

Hollywood Bait

Coleraine, MN

(218) 245-1660

★ 4.5

Nearby Marinas

Bass Lake public Water Access - Whispering Pines

Grand Rapids, MN

★ 3

Grand Rapids Marine

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 326-0351

★ 4.3

Grand Rapids Marine

Grand Rapids, MN

Marine Clinic

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 244-4281

★ 4.9

Mishawaka Outdoors LLC

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 812-8888

NorthStar Barge

Grand Rapids, MN

(218) 269-0566

★ 5

Resorts & Lodges Near Mississippi River - Blandin Reservoir

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Mississippi River - Blandin Reservoir.

Anchor Inn Resort
Fishing Resort Spring Lake

(218) 659-2718
Birch Haven Resort Closed
Fishing Resort Bovey

(218) 910-9707
Bowen Lodge
Fishing Resort Deer River

(218) 246-8707
Loon Point Resort
Fishing Resort Bigfork

(218) 245-1470

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Mississippi River - Blandin Reservoir. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black CrappieBluegillBowfin (Dogfish)Largemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedRock BassShorthead RedhorseSmallmouth BassWalleyeWhite SuckerYellow BullheadYellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Mississippi River - Blandin Reservoir

Bro's Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 340-6051
Early Bird Fishing Guide Jeff Sundin
Fishing Guide

(218) 245-9858
Grand Rapids Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 259-7140
Minnesota Fishing Connections
Fishing Guide

(218) 259-2628
MN Fishing Pros
Fishing Guide

(218) 244-2517
Moo Moo's Guide Service
Fishing Guide

(218) 398-7593

View all 9 guides →

Other Lakes in Itasca County

Alice

40.62 acres

Allen

57.22 acres

Amen

214.65 acres

Anderson

294.52 acres

Ann

95.53 acres

Antler

233.99 acres

Plan Your Trip to Mississippi River - Blandin Reservoir

Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026. Learn how we maintain this data.