Rat Root Lake
About Rat Root Lake
Rat Root Lake is a 734-acre lake near International Falls in Koochiching County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 29.2 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Koochiching County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, sauger, northern pike, black crappie, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2019.
No public water access is on record with the DNR, so getting on the water generally depends on a resort, private landing or permission from a shoreline owner.
Plan Your Visit to Rat Root Lake
- 734 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near International Falls
- No public access on record — access is through resorts, private landings or shoreline owners
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, sauger, northern pike, black crappie, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- No public access on record
- Launch fee
- —
Conditions
- Surface area
- 734 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 29.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 734 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
No developed facilities on record. Plan to be self-sufficient.
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2019
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Rat Root Lake
Compare Rat Root Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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Lake Kabetogama
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Shoepack Lake
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Cruiser Lake
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22.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rat Root Lake?
Rat Root Lake is in Koochiching County, Minnesota, near International Falls. It covers 734 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Rat Root Lake?
Rat Root Lake covers 734 acres with about 29.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Rat Root Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Rat Root Lake?
No. The DNR lists no public water access on Rat Root Lake.
Can you swim at Rat Root Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Rat Root Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Rat Root Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Rat Root Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.