Wells

Rice County, Minnesota — DOW #66001000

214 Surveys

Invasive Species Alert

Wells has confirmed populations of:

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677.46
Acres
4 ft
Max Depth
0
15
Fish Species
1
Local Guides

DNR Fish Surveys

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

Black Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.94 lb 2
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 3.0 (below normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.95 lb 27
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 109.0 (normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.06 lb 981
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.53 lb 3
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 1.6 (below normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.55 lb 11
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 6.3 (below normal) 30.3 – 150.6 1.59 lb 44
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 4.1 (below normal) 11.5 – 132.6 1.28 lb 37
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 8.5 (below normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.46 lb 68
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 2.8 (below normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.56 lb 25
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 3.8 (below normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.74 lb 23
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 14.3 (below normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.69 lb 129
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.8 (below normal) 11.5 – 132.6 0.79 lb 7
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 3.0 (below normal) 30.3 – 150.6 0.13 lb 18

White Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 13.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 9.9 0.50 lb 117
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 0.06 lb 1
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 22.8 (above normal) 0.3 – 9.9 0.27 lb 205
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 15.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 9.9 1.10 lb 105
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 2.0 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.7 1.08 lb 18
2004-08-23 Survey seining 0.3 1
1994-08-16 Survey seining 5.3 0.04 lb 16
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 0.8 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.7 0.68 lb 7
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 3.1 (normal) 0.3 – 9.9 0.64 lb 22
1999-08-30 Survey seining 0.3 1
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 8.6 (above normal) 0.2 – 0.7 0.71 lb 77
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 57.8 (above normal) 0.3 – 9.9 0.48 lb 462
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 3.0 (normal) 0.3 – 9.9 0.86 lb 27
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 0.87 lb 1
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 4.8 (normal) 0.3 – 9.9 2.07 lb 29
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.1 0.03 lb 1

Yellow Perch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 1.7 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.16 lb 15
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 29.8 (above normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.16 lb 268
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 15.8 (normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.11 lb 142
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.22 lb 2
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 7.3 (normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.48 lb 51
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 14.9 (normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.44 lb 104
1994-08-16 Survey seining 35.7 107
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 3.7 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.31 lb 33
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 45.9 (above normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.35 lb 367
1999-08-30 Survey seining 0.3 1
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 1.6 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.40 lb 14
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.36 lb 4
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 32.6 (above normal) 2.7 – 25.0 0.46 lb 293
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 3.8 0.12 lb 2

Yellow Bullhead

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 0.82 lb 6
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.20 lb 7
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 2.6 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 0.45 lb 23
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 0.37 lb 5
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.40 lb 6
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.52 lb 8
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.5 0.68 lb 1
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.00 lb 9
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 0.81 lb 6
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 1.4 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 0.72 lb 13
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 2.0 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 0.94 lb 12
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 3.5 0.54 lb 5
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 2.2 (normal) 0.5 – 2.5 1.38 lb 20

Northern Pike

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 2.3 (normal) 1.1 – 8.0 2.16 lb 21
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 0.9 (below normal) 1.1 – 8.0 2.64 lb 8
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 1.9 (normal) 1.1 – 8.0 1.26 lb 13
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.2 3.22 lb 2
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 0.6 (below normal) 1.1 – 8.0 1.64 lb 4
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 0.1 5.95 lb 1
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 1.4 (normal) 1.1 – 8.0 3.55 lb 11
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 1.3 6.01 lb 12
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 0.9 (below normal) 1.1 – 8.0 2.12 lb 8
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 1.7 2.67 lb 10
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.1 – 8.0 3.03 lb 1
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.2 1.56 lb 2

Channel Catfish

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 0.6 2.23 lb 5
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 0.8 4.38 lb 7
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 1.4 5.46 lb 10
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.6 2.75 lb 5
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 0.3 7.77 lb 2
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 0.1 0.32 lb 1
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 0.6 0.58 lb 5
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 0.2 6.06 lb 1
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.7 4.18 lb 4

Freshwater Drum

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.2 – 3.3 2.00 lb 6
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 8.7 (above normal) 0.5 – 8.3 0.36 lb 78
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 8.4 (above normal) 0.5 – 8.3 0.67 lb 76
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 6.6 (above normal) 0.2 – 3.3 0.49 lb 59
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 9.7 (above normal) 0.5 – 8.3 0.85 lb 68
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 1.2 (normal) 0.2 – 3.3 1.31 lb 11
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 8.3 1.90 lb 4
1994-08-16 Survey seining 2.7 0.03 lb 8
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 2.6 (normal) 0.2 – 3.3 1.04 lb 23
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 5.3 (normal) 0.5 – 8.3 0.57 lb 42
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 2.7 (normal) 0.2 – 3.3 0.33 lb 16
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 11.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 8.3 0.77 lb 99
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 2.7 (normal) 0.2 – 3.3 0.02 lb 24
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 2.0 (normal) 0.5 – 8.3 0.47 lb 12

Common Carp

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 12.2 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 4.44 lb 110
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 8.9 (above normal) 1.0 – 5.5 4.55 lb 80
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 7.0 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 2.80 lb 63
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 3.7 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 4.82 lb 26
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 3.4 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 6.30 lb 31
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 8.05 lb 8
1994-08-16 Survey seining 0.3 2.28 lb 1
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 3.6 (normal) 1.0 – 5.5 6.94 lb 32
1994-08-16 Special seining 1.0 2.28 lb 1
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 5.5 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 3.39 lb 44
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 6.9 (above normal) 1.0 – 5.5 5.07 lb 62
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 9.2 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 3.17 lb 83
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 9.3 (above normal) 1.0 – 5.5 4.90 lb 56
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 11.8 (normal) 1.0 – 13.8 5.56 lb 71
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 37.4 (above normal) 1.0 – 5.5 0.54 lb 337

Golden Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.1 0.04 lb 1
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.6 0.06 lb 1
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.5 – 2.6 0.11 lb 5
1999-08-30 Survey seining 1.7 5
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.2 – 1.1 0.05 lb 9
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 2.6 0.08 lb 3
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.1 0.06 lb 1

Walleye

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 23.8 (above normal) 2.3 – 18.1 0.57 lb 214
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.47 lb 3
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 11.4 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 2.28 lb 103
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 2.1 (below normal) 2.3 – 18.1 1.65 lb 15
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.92 lb 8
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 9.3 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 1.07 lb 65
1994-08-16 Survey seining 3.7 0.01 lb 11
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 4.2 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.87 lb 38
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 9.0 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 0.98 lb 72
1999-08-30 Survey seining 0.3 1
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.55 lb 8
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 12.6 (normal) 2.3 – 18.1 0.96 lb 113
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 5.3 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.0 0.81 lb 32
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 2.3 – 18.1 3.83 lb 2

Largemouth Bass

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.5 0.11 lb 1
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 0.2 – 1.5 0.22 lb 10
2004-08-23 Survey seining 6.7 20
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 1.17 lb 2
1994-08-16 Survey seining 0.7 2
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 0.1 0.03 lb 1
1999-08-30 Survey seining 1.7 0.01 lb 5
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 2.90 lb 3
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 1.5 1.29 lb 5
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 1.56 lb 2
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.5 0.07 lb 3
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 1.58 lb 5

Bluegill

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 0.3 0.41 lb 3
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 1.4 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.20 lb 13
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 0.1 1
2004-08-23 Survey seining 0.3 1
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 2.0 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.15 lb 18
1994-08-16 Survey seining 5.3 16
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 1.7 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.31 lb 15
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 0.3 0.47 lb 2
1999-08-30 Survey seining 19.7 59
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 2.1 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.38 lb 19
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 1.0 0.34 lb 9
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 4.2 (normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.38 lb 25
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.4 (below normal) 1.2 – 20.0 0.08 lb 4

Bowfin

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 0.5 4.72 lb 4
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 1.1 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.9 4.41 lb 10
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 0.5 1.78 lb 4
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 4.13 lb 5
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 0.5 5.00 lb 3
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 10.72 lb 2
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 0.4 (normal) 0.2 – 0.5 3.27 lb 3
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 0.6 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 5.13 lb 5
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 0.5 1.88 lb 2
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 1.8 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.9 3.25 lb 11
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 1.7 (above normal) 0.3 – 0.9 4.33 lb 15

White Sucker

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 2.7 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 1.17 lb 24
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.6 0.33 lb 1
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 6.1 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.36 lb 55
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 0.9 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 0.95 lb 6
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.6 2.81 lb 1
1994-08-16 Survey seining 6.0 0.05 lb 18
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.3 – 2.6 5.59 lb 9
1994-08-16 Standard gill nets 2.4 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 3.08 lb 17
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 4.0 (above normal) 0.3 – 2.6 2.29 lb 36
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 3.0 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 1.27 lb 24
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 1.1 (normal) 0.8 – 6.5 1.87 lb 10
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 2.6 2.00 lb 1

BIB

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 0.4 (below normal) 0.8 – 7.0 0.12 lb 4
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.0 0.09 lb 1
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 5.4 (normal) 0.8 – 7.0 0.07 lb 49
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 1.0 3.07 lb 3
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.0 3.86 lb 1
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 2.1 (above normal) 0.2 – 1.0 3.09 lb 19
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 1.7 (normal) 0.8 – 7.0 0.11 lb 10
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 1.0 2.53 lb 3

Black Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2014-08-18 Standard gill nets 2.4 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.54 lb 22
2014-08-18 Standard trap nets 3.1 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.37 lb 28
2020-07-27 Standard gill nets 1.4 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.32 lb 13
2004-08-23 Survey seining 0.3 1
2004-08-23 Standard gill nets 1.1 (below normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.17 lb 8
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 4.1 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.16 lb 37
1994-08-16 Survey seining 2.7 8
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 4.0 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.24 lb 36
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 6.0 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.28 lb 48
1999-08-30 Survey seining 4.7 14
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 8.6 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.38 lb 77
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 1.6 (normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.15 lb 14
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 2.8 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.21 lb 17
2009-08-17 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 1.4 – 13.8 0.18 lb 1
2009-08-17 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 1.2 – 20.5 0.21 lb 12

Spottail Shiner

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2004-08-23 Survey seining 1.7 5
1994-08-16 Survey seining 17.3 52
1999-08-30 Survey seining 8.0 24

Fathead Minnow

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2004-08-23 Survey seining 0.3 1
1999-08-30 Survey seining 0.3 1

White Crappie

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
2004-08-23 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 6.0 0.75 lb 3
1994-08-16 Standard trap nets 0.2 0.01 lb 2
1999-08-30 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.3 – 6.0 0.29 lb 12
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 8.4 0.48 lb 4
1989-08-21 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 8.4 0.29 lb 3
1989-08-21 Standard trap nets 1.2 (normal) 0.3 – 6.0 0.32 lb 7

Johnny Darter

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
2004-08-23 Survey seining 0.3 1
1999-08-30 Survey seining 0.3 1

Logperch

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch
1994-08-16 Survey seining 1.3 4
1999-08-30 Survey seining 1.3 4

LNG

Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch
1999-08-30 Standard gill nets 0.1 2.34 lb 1

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Fish Species

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

Bigmouth BuffaloBlack BullheadBlack CrappieBluegillBowfin (Dogfish)Channel CatfishCommon CarpFreshwater DrumLargemouth BassNorthern PikeWalleyeWhite BassWhite SuckerYellow BullheadYellow Perch

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