Fish Hook Lake
About Fish Hook Lake
Fish Hook Lake is a 1,643-acre lake near Park Rapids in Hubbard County, Minnesota. It reaches 76 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 26 feet, and has roughly 9.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 14 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. 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 county. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 23, based on 24 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Fish Hook Lake
- 1,643 acres, up to 76 feet deep, near Park Rapids
- 2 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 8.5 feet
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,643 acres
- Max depth
- 76 ft
- Average depth
- 26 ft
- Shoreline
- 9.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 661 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)
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
- 10
- 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 23
- Years of record
- 24
- Earliest
- March 17, 2024
- Latest
- May 11, 2013
- Most recent
- April 22, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Fish Hook Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Sweitzer Lake
26 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids114 acres
2.7 miles away
Portage Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids429 acres
2.9 miles away
Potato Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids2,096 acres
3 miles away
Blue Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids336 acres
5.1 miles away
Eagle Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids424 acres
5.3 miles away
Peysenske Lake
18 out of 100 Lake ScoreHubbard · Park Rapids220 acres
5.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fish Hook Lake?
Fish Hook Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near Park Rapids. It covers 1,643 acres and reaches 76 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Fish Hook Lake?
Fish Hook Lake covers 1,643 acres with about 9.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 76 feet and its average depth is about 26 feet.
What fish can you catch at Fish Hook Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Fish Hook Lake?
Yes. Fish Hook Lake has 2 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Fish Hook Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Fish Hook 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 Fish Hook Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Fish Hook Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Fish Hook Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 23, from 24 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 17, 2024 and the latest is May 11, 2013.
Does Fish Hook Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Fish Hook Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.