Hill Lake
About Hill Lake
Hill Lake is a 794-acre lake near Hill City in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 48 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 22 feet, and has roughly 10.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.6 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 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 2025.
There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows Hill lake Beach on or beside the lake. Hill City Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around April 16, based on 8 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Hill Lake
- 794 acres, up to 48 feet deep, near Hill City
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the city and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 10.6 feet
- Swim beach on or beside the lake (Hill lake Beach)
- Camping close to the water at Hill City Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 794 acres
- Max depth
- 48 ft
- Average depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 354 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
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Swim beach: Hill lake Beach
- Camping: Hill City Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 16
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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
- 8
- Earliest
- March 24, 2012
- Latest
- May 13, 2013
- Most recent
- April 7, 2017
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Hill City Campground is mapped on or near Hill 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 Hill Lake
Compare Hill Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Hill Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Hill Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Hill Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Hill Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Hill Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Dinner Pail Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Hill City47 acres
2.8 miles away
Taylor Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Hill City55 acres
3.7 miles away
Mountain Ash Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Hill City101 acres
3.8 miles away
Split Hand Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids1,374 acres
6.3 miles away
Smith Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Hill City43 acres
7.1 miles away
Little Split Hand Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Grand Rapids244 acres
8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hill Lake?
Hill Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Hill City. It covers 794 acres and reaches 48 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hill Lake?
Hill Lake covers 794 acres with about 10.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 48 feet and its average depth is about 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hill 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 Hill Lake?
Yes. Hill Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the city and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Hill Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake (Hill lake Beach). Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Hill Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Hill Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Hill Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 16, from 8 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 24, 2012 and the latest is May 13, 2013.
Can you camp at Hill Lake?
Yes. Hill City Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.