Wilkins Lake
About Wilkins Lake
Wilkins Lake is a 349-acre lake near Palisade in Aitkin County, Minnesota. It reaches 39 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 20 feet, and has roughly 3.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the township. Ice typically goes out around April 17, based on 24 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Wilkins Lake
- 349 acres, up to 39 feet deep, near Palisade
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 12.1 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 349 acres
- Max depth
- 39 ft
- Average depth
- 20 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 106 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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 17
- Years of record
- 24
- Earliest
- March 27, 2000
- Latest
- May 12, 2013
- Most recent
- April 11, 2015
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Wilkins Lake
Compare Wilkins Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Wilkins Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Wilkins Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Wilkins Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Wilkins Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Fleming Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade319 acres
0.7 miles away
Jenkins Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade114 acres
1.1 miles away
Gun Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade712 acres
1.3 miles away
French Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Palisade149 acres
2.5 miles away
Turner Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · McGregor63 acres
4.9 miles away
Portage Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreAitkin · Kimberly372 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wilkins Lake?
Wilkins Lake is in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. It covers 349 acres and reaches 39 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Wilkins Lake?
Wilkins Lake covers 349 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 39 feet and its average depth is about 20 feet.
What fish can you catch at Wilkins 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 Wilkins Lake?
Yes. Wilkins Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Wilkins Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Wilkins 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 Wilkins Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Wilkins Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Wilkins Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 17, from 24 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 27, 2000 and the latest is May 12, 2013.