Fishing Tournaments
Impact of a DNR Permitted Fishing Tournament on a lake containing Starry Stonewort in Minnesota
Every summer a series of fishing tournaments are held on both Rice Lake and Lake Koronis. These tournaments are held by the Paynesville Sportsman’s Club. For more information about these tournaments you can stop by the Paynesville Sportsman’s Club in Paynesville, MN at the intersection of Highway 55, and Highway 23, or call Dave Ingalsbe at (320)276-8569.
Rice Lake – May 24, 2016
Lake Koronis – June 7, 2016
Rice Lake – June 21, 2016
Lake Koronis – July 5, 2016
Rice Lake – July 19, 2016
Lake Koronis – Aug 2, 2016
Lake Koronis – Aug 16, 2016
Fisheries
A fish population assessment of Lake Koronis was conducted in late July 2007. Koronis is a large, deep, and productive lake located primarily in Stearns County. Koronis is a popular fishery for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and bluegill. Koronis receives moderate recreational use during the summer months. The lake is highly developed with homes and cabins. In addition, the city of Paynesville is within two miles of the lake.
Fish Population Assessment
2007 assessment by the Spicer, MN district of the MN DNR
| Species of fish | fish/net* | Average size |
| Northern Pike | 9.88 | 3.26 lbs. |
| Walleye | 10.25 | 1.28 lbs. |
| Largemouth Bass | 0.5 | 0.57 lbs. |
| Smallmouth Bass | 1.9 | 1.55 lbs. |
| Tullibee “cisco” | 1.88 | 1.28 lbs. |
| Rock Bass | 2.25 | 0.4 lbs. |
| Black Crappie | 7.12 | 0.2 lbs. |
| Blue Gill/Sunfish hybrid | 18.2 | .09 lbs. |
*When gathering the information for a fish population assessment researchers are more successful with trapnets for small fish ( bluegills, sunfish, and crappies), and more successful with gill nets for larger fish (Northern Pike, Walleye, and various bass).