Aitkin Lake
About Aitkin Lake
Aitkin Lake is a 659-acre lake near Libby in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 13.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. Special fishing regulations apply to sunfish and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Plan Your Visit to Aitkin Lake
- 659 acres, up to 35 feet deep, near Libby
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 7.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Army Corps of Engineers
Conditions
- Surface area
- 659 acres
- Max depth
- 35 ft
- Shoreline
- 13.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 453 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
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Sunfish: Daily limit five.
- Walleye: All less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
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Nearby Lakes
Glacier Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Balsam135 acres
3.3 miles away
Big Sandy Lake
69 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor6,125 acres
3.6 miles away
Remote Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor134 acres
3.9 miles away
Wakefield Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Jacobson164 acres
4 miles away
Cutaway Lake
25 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Balsam113 acres
5.6 miles away
Savanna Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor101 acres
5.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Aitkin Lake?
Aitkin Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Libby. It covers 659 acres and reaches 35 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Aitkin Lake?
Aitkin Lake covers 659 acres with about 13.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 35 feet.
What fish can you catch at Aitkin Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Channel Catfish, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Aitkin Lake?
Yes. Aitkin Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Aitkin Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Aitkin 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 Aitkin Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Aitkin Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Are there special fishing regulations on Aitkin Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. All less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession.