Pickerel Lake
About Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake is a 143-acre lake near Lake Itasca in Clearwater County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 17 feet, and has roughly 2.8 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 12 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake.
Plan Your Visit to Pickerel Lake
- 143 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Lake Itasca
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 15.3 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 143 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Average depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 15.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 53 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)
- Swim beach
Best For
- Swimming and beach days
- 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
- 12
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pickerel Lake
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Nearby Lakes
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1.6 miles away
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Long Lost Lake
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Pike Lake
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Elbow Lake
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Bass Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake is in Clearwater County, Minnesota, near Lake Itasca. It covers 143 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake covers 143 acres with about 2.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet and its average depth is about 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pickerel Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, 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 Pickerel Lake?
Yes. Pickerel Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pickerel Lake?
Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.
Is Pickerel Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Pickerel Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.