Minnesota Fishing Guide

Rat

Aitkin County, Minnesota — DOW #01007700

187 Surveys

Special Regulations for Rat

This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.

431.3
Acres
21 ft
Max Depth
0
13
Fish Species
3
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Golden Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2022-07-08 Backpack electrofishing 43.3 — 50
2022-07-08 50-ft beach seine 0.3 — 1
2011-06-27 Backpack electrofishing 24.4 — 13

Pumpkinseed

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-07-08 50-ft beach seine 0.5 — — 2
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.5 — 0.33 lb 3
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 4.9 (normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.32 lb 59
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 0.5 — 0.30 lb 3
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 4.8 (normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.34 lb 57
2002-07-01 Standard gill nets 0.8 — 0.30 lb 5
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 11.2 (above normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.27 lb 134
1982-07-09 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 0.15 lb 1
1982-07-09 Standard trap nets 4.2 (normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.28 lb 25
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.5 — 0.23 lb 3
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 4.5 (normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.27 lb 54
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 1.2 — 0.22 lb 7
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 6.7 (normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.16 lb 80
2011-06-27 Backpack electrofishing 7.5 — 0.02 lb 4
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.28 lb 28
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.21 lb 4
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 1.3 (below normal) 1.4 – 8.6 0.40 lb 16

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-07-08 Backpack electrofishing 4.3 — — 5
2022-07-08 50-ft beach seine 3.8 — — 15
2022-07-08 15-ft beach seine 3.5 — — 7
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 4.3 — 0.45 lb 26
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 12.9 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.33 lb 155
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.62 lb 4
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 2.9 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.40 lb 35
2002-07-01 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.21 lb 4
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 23.9 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.19 lb 287
1982-07-09 Standard trap nets 6.5 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.16 lb 39
1982-07-09 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 0.62 lb 2
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.35 lb 4
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 14.8 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.38 lb 177
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 6.2 — 0.20 lb 37
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 19.8 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.17 lb 237
2011-06-27 Backpack electrofishing 54.5 — 0.06 lb 29
2011-06-27 15-ft beach seine 18.0 — 0.04 lb 18
2011-06-27 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 0.19 lb 2
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 27.9 (above normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.18 lb 335
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 3.3 — 0.22 lb 20
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 3.8 (normal) 2.5 – 25.0 0.30 lb 45
2020-06-08 Standard electrofishing 115.6 — 0.31 lb 104

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-07-08 Backpack electrofishing 6.9 — — 8
2022-07-08 50-ft beach seine 63.5 — — 254
2022-07-08 15-ft beach seine 15.5 — — 31
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.75 lb 3
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.44 lb 2
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 2.27 lb 4
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 0.99 lb 4
2007-06-25 Special trap nets 0.9 — 2.50 lb 11
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 0.66 lb 4
2011-06-27 Backpack electrofishing 5.6 — 0.17 lb 3
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 2.40 lb 1
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 1.3 1.59 lb 3
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.71 lb 4

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-07-08 Backpack electrofishing 16.4 — — 19
2022-07-08 50-ft beach seine 5.3 — — 21
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.06 lb 3
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 8.5 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.12 lb 51
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.37 lb 3
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 10.2 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.28 lb 61
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.31 lb 1
2002-07-01 Standard gill nets 9.0 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.10 lb 54
1982-07-09 Standard trap nets 2.7 (normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.16 lb 16
1982-07-09 Standard gill nets 28.2 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.18 lb 169
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 2.0 (normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.23 lb 24
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 24.8 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.30 lb 149
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 4.0 (below normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.11 lb 24
2011-06-27 Backpack electrofishing 26.3 — 0.03 lb 14
2011-06-27 15-ft beach seine 2.0 — — 2
2011-06-27 Standard gill nets 7.3 (below normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.10 lb 44
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.8 – 4.5 0.36 lb 2
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 8.3 (normal) 8.0 – 40.3 0.11 lb 50

Tadpole Madtom

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2022-07-08 Backpack electrofishing 1.7 — 2

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-07-08 50-ft beach seine 0.3 — — 1
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 7.8 (normal) 4.6 – 11.6 1.85 lb 47
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 1.0 — 1.31 lb 12
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 2.5 (below normal) 4.6 – 11.6 2.76 lb 15
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 0.8 — 0.92 lb 10
2002-07-01 Standard gill nets 11.5 (normal) 4.6 – 11.6 2.03 lb 69
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 0.6 — 1.75 lb 7
1982-07-09 Standard gill nets 5.3 (normal) 4.6 – 11.6 1.57 lb 32
1982-07-09 Standard trap nets 1.5 — 1.19 lb 9
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 1.0 (below normal) 4.6 – 11.6 1.18 lb 6
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.9 — 1.94 lb 11
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 7.2 (normal) 4.6 – 11.6 2.40 lb 43
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.9 — 1.74 lb 11
2011-06-27 Standard gill nets 6.0 (normal) 4.6 – 11.6 1.19 lb 36
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 1.2 — 1.16 lb 14
2011-06-27 15-ft beach seine 2.0 — — 2
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 3.5 (below normal) 4.6 – 11.6 1.38 lb 21
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 1.1 — 1.90 lb 13

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-07-08 50-ft beach seine 0.8 — — 3
2022-07-08 15-ft beach seine 1.5 — — 3
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 7.2 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.20 lb 43
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.56 lb 3
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 13.2 (above normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.40 lb 79
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.50 lb 28
2002-07-01 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.17 lb 9
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 1.5 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.35 lb 18
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 1.2 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.20 lb 7
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 1.8 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.48 lb 22
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 6.0 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.16 lb 36
2007-06-25 Special trap nets 5.6 — 0.08 lb 67
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.19 lb 11
2011-06-27 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.29 lb 5
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.40 lb 15
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 5.8 (normal) 1.0 – 7.3 0.38 lb 35
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.56 lb 6

Brown Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.8 1.14 lb 2
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.9 1.36 lb 5
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 1.5 – 9.8 0.88 lb 27
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 12.3 (above normal) 1.5 – 9.9 0.93 lb 74
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.8 1.00 lb 2
1982-07-09 Standard gill nets 14.8 (above normal) 1.5 – 9.9 0.45 lb 89
1982-07-09 Standard trap nets 7.3 (normal) 1.5 – 9.8 0.73 lb 44
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.9 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.8 0.85 lb 11
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.9 0.62 lb 4
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.8 1.17 lb 2
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 3.5 (normal) 1.5 – 9.9 1.24 lb 21
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.8 1.46 lb 2
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 1.0 (below normal) 1.5 – 9.9 1.37 lb 6

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.6 – 5.0 0.82 lb 5
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 4.7 (normal) 1.8 – 7.2 1.13 lb 56
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.6 – 5.0 0.80 lb 3
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 16.5 (above normal) 1.8 – 7.2 0.69 lb 198
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.8 – 7.2 0.99 lb 9
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.6 – 5.0 0.30 lb 3
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 1.8 – 7.2 0.55 lb 27
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 0.6 – 5.0 0.66 lb 9
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 3.7 (normal) 1.8 – 7.2 0.86 lb 44
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 4.2 (normal) 1.8 – 7.2 0.74 lb 50
2011-06-27 Backpack electrofishing 1.9 — 0.19 lb 1
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.6 – 5.0 0.66 lb 5
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 3.5 (normal) 1.8 – 7.2 0.89 lb 42

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.5 – 5.8 1.83 lb 5
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 1.5 – 5.8 1.51 lb 20
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 0.8 2.44 lb 5
2002-07-01 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 1.5 – 5.8 1.81 lb 9
1982-07-09 Standard gill nets 8.7 (above normal) 1.5 – 5.8 0.84 lb 52
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 6.0 (above normal) 1.5 – 5.8 1.66 lb 36
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 3.7 (normal) 1.5 – 5.8 2.38 lb 22
2011-06-27 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.5 – 5.8 2.18 lb 2
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 1.5 – 5.8 1.54 lb 12

Hybrid Sunfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 0.46 lb 1
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.3 — 0.33 lb 3
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 0.37 lb 1
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.8 — 0.23 lb 10
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 3.9 — 0.39 lb 47
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 0.1 — 0.50 lb 1

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 0.30 lb 1
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 1.10 lb 1
2002-07-01 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 2.08 lb 1
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.4 – 1.5 2.43 lb 1
1982-07-09 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 2.50 lb 1
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 2.06 lb 9
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.4 – 1.5 3.50 lb 1
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.0 – 5.5 0.24 lb 5

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-06-21 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.9 – 57.5 1.12 lb 2
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 1.5 (normal) 1.1 – 17.4 0.73 lb 18
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 7.5 (normal) 1.9 – 57.5 0.62 lb 45
2002-07-01 Standard gill nets 1.2 (below normal) 1.9 – 57.5 1.53 lb 7
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 1.8 (normal) 1.1 – 17.4 0.60 lb 21
1987-06-30 Standard gill nets 11.3 (normal) 1.9 – 57.5 0.59 lb 68
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 1.1 – 17.4 0.95 lb 1
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.9 – 57.5 1.22 lb 2
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 1.1 – 17.4 0.48 lb 5
2011-06-27 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.9 – 57.5 0.98 lb 1
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.9 – 57.5 1.10 lb 2

Bowfin

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2022-06-21 Standard trap nets 2.9 (above normal) 0.5 – 1.7 5.53 lb 35
1992-06-15 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 1.5 5.77 lb 3
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.5 – 1.7 4.99 lb 15
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 1.8 (above normal) 0.5 – 1.7 4.60 lb 21
1982-07-09 Standard trap nets 1.8 (above normal) 0.5 – 1.7 4.18 lb 11
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 1.7 5.34 lb 7
2007-06-25 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 1.5 6.64 lb 1
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 1.5 (normal) 0.5 – 1.7 5.40 lb 18
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.5 – 1.7 5.40 lb 15
2017-06-26 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 1.5 4.50 lb 3
2017-06-26 Standard trap nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 1.7 4.40 lb 24

BIB

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1992-06-15 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 0.6 8.90 lb 6
2002-07-01 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.6 10.80 lb 1
1982-07-09 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 3.00 lb 2
1987-06-30 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.6 5.75 lb 4
2007-06-25 Standard trap nets 0.8 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.6 12.50 lb 9
2011-06-27 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 0.6 13.17 lb 7

CNM

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2011-06-27 Backpack electrofishing 1.9 — 1

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

Aitkin Backwoods Farm Supply LLC

Aitkin, MN

(218) 927-3112

★ 4.9

Bill's Sportsmans Service

Aitkin, MN

(218) 927-2552

★ 4.8

Farm Island Store

Aitkin, MN

(218) 927-3791

★ 4.7

Farm Island Store & Off Sale

Aitkin, MN

(218) 927-3791

★ 4.7

Glen Store

Aitkin, MN

(320) 684-2229

★ 4.6

McGregor Oil

McGregor, MN

(218) 768-2055

★ 4.6

Sather's Gateway Store

McGregor, MN

(218) 426-3255

★ 4.4

Sue’s Bait shop

Aitkin, MN

(218) 851-2679

★ 4.5

Nearby Marinas

3K StorageMN on Lake Minnewawa

McGregor, MN

(218) 429-2108

★ 5

Aitkin Rental

Aitkin, MN

(218) 927-6907

★ 4.5

Farm Island Repair and Marine

Aitkin, MN

(218) 927-6395

★ 4.7

FLOE International

McGregor, MN

(800) 336-6337

★ 4.8

Horseshoelakestorage.net

McGregor, MN

(218) 670-0063

★ 5

Libby Marine

McGregor, MN

(218) 994-9245

Resorts & Lodges Near Rat

Plan your stay — fishing resorts and lodges near Rat.

Big Sandy Lake Cabin Rental
Fishing Resort McGregor

(612) 735-9455
McGregor Cabin Rentals
Fishing Resort McGregor

(218) 839-7545
Loaf N Leisure Resort and RV Park
Fishing Resort Aitkin

(218) 234-2882
Ole's Resort
Fishing Resort McGregor

(218) 426-3487

View all 888 Minnesota resorts →

Fish Species

Species known to inhabit Rat. Click any species for a full fishing guide.

Black BullheadBlack CrappieBluegillBowfin (Dogfish)Brown BullheadHybrid SunfishLargemouth BassNorthern PikePumpkinseedWalleyeWhite SuckerYellow BullheadYellow Perch

Fishing Guides Near Rat

Mille Lacs Lake Fishing Guide
Fishing Guide

(651) 271-8600
Mille Lacs Lake Guiding
Fishing Guide

(763) 238-7507
North Mille Lacs Ice Fishing
Fishing Guide

(218) 670-5012

Other Lakes in Aitkin County

Aitkin

658.81 acres

Anderson

91.34 acres

Bachelor

53.56 acres

Ball Bluff

168.64 acres

Bass

56.98 acres

Bay

35.16 acres

Plan Your Trip to Rat

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