Hickory Lake
About Hickory Lake
Hickory Lake is a 212-acre lake near Aitkin in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 32 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.3 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface). Hickory Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 11 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Hickory Lake
- 212 acres, up to 32 feet deep, near Aitkin
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 15.3 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Hickory Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 212 acres
- Max depth
- 32 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 111 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 (gravel or earth)
- Camping: Hickory Lake Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 13
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 16
- Years of record
- 11
- Earliest
- March 12, 2024
- Latest
- May 2, 2018
- Most recent
- April 16, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Hickory Lake Campground is mapped on or near Hickory Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Hickory Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Little Pine Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin226 acres
0.7 miles away
Spirit Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Bennettville523 acres
1.4 miles away
Farm Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Bennettville2,005 acres
2.3 miles away
Hanging Kettle Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin318 acres
2.7 miles away
Hammal Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Aitkin376 acres
3.1 miles away
Thornton Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Deerwood (Crow Wing)161 acres
3.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hickory Lake?
Hickory Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Aitkin. It covers 212 acres and reaches 32 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hickory Lake?
Hickory Lake covers 212 acres with about 2.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 32 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hickory Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Hickory Lake?
Yes. Hickory Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Hickory Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hickory 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 Hickory Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Hickory Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Hickory Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 11 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 12, 2024 and the latest is May 2, 2018.
Can you camp at Hickory Lake?
Yes. Hickory Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.