Hart Lake
About Hart Lake
Hart Lake is a 328-acre lake near Pengilly in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 12 fish species here, including northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. The lake is listed as infested with flowering rush — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to Hart Lake
- 328 acres, up to 55 feet deep, near Pengilly
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 11.8 feet
- Listed as infested with flowering rush — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 328 acres
- Max depth
- 55 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 11.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 75 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 carry-in access
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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 Hart Lake
Compare Hart Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Twin Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Goodland147 acres
1.2 miles away
Helen Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bengal158 acres
3.3 miles away
Little Island Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Bengal119 acres
3.4 miles away
Swan Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Pengilly2,456 acres
3.7 miles away
Beauty Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Goodland216 acres
3.7 miles away
Lammon Aid Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Calumet63 acres
4.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hart Lake?
Hart Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Pengilly. It covers 328 acres and reaches 55 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hart Lake?
Hart Lake covers 328 acres with about 7.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 55 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hart Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list 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 Hart Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Hart Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hart 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 Hart Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Hart Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Does Hart Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Hart Lake as infested with flowering rush. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.