Pickerel Lake
About Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake is an 114-acre lake near Lilydale in Dakota County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2015.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in.
Plan Your Visit to Pickerel Lake
- 114 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Lilydale
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 4.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city
Conditions
- Surface area
- 114 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 114 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
- Picnic area
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2015
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
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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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake is in Dakota County, Minnesota, near Lilydale. It covers 114 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake covers 114 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pickerel Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pickerel Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Pickerel Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pickerel 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 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.