Hanks Lake
About Hanks Lake
Hanks Lake is a 165-acre lake near Garrison in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface). The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Hanks Lake
- 165 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Garrison
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 14 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 165 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 14 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 49 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
- 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
- 14
- Game fish
- 9
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Hanks Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Portage Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison287 acres
0.7 miles away
Crooked Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison463 acres
1 miles away
Scott Lake
28 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison157 acres
2.3 miles away
Clearwater Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)905 acres
2.7 miles away
Miller Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Garrison132 acres
3 miles away
Bay
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreCrow Wing · Deerwood (Crow Wing)2,330 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hanks Lake?
Hanks Lake is in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. It covers 165 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hanks Lake?
Hanks Lake covers 165 acres with about 2.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hanks Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Hanks Lake?
Yes. Hanks Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete). DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Hanks Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hanks 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 Hanks Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Hanks Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Does Hanks Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Hanks Lake as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.