Fishing Round Lake

Round Lake offers a solid shallow-water fishery dominated by northern pike and bluegill in a 353-acre lake that maxes out at just 15 feet deep. Northern pike are the star predator here, making up 24% of the total fish biomass despite growing slightly below state average, with fish ranging from 12 to 33 inches and 26% reaching legal size. The lake doesn't thermally stratify, maintaining good dissolved oxygen levels throughout the water column from surface to bottom (10+ ppm), so pike can be found at any depth during summer. Bluegill dominate the panfish community at 32% of all fish caught, growing above state average with good numbers in the 7-8 inch range, though larger fish are likely harvested by anglers since none exceeded 8 inches. Pumpkinseed also provide good fishing in the 7-9 inch range and are growing above average. Largemouth bass are the most numerous predator but only 12% reach legal size, while smallmouth bass are less common but growing above state average. The lake has diverse habitat with 107 submerged trees counted, variable shoreline armoring, and 20 species of aquatic plants including native muskgrass, slender naiad, and northern watermilfoil. Bottom substrate includes chara (muskgrass) noted throughout most of the lake from historical surveys. With 70% of the lake less than 7 feet deep and good oxygen levels throughout, fish can utilize the entire water column. The abundant forage base includes mimic shiner and sand shiner making up 44% of all fish by numbers, providing ample food for predators despite their slightly below-average growth rates.