Pickerel Lake
About Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake is a 56-acre lake near Nickerson in Pine County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Nemadji State Forest -Gafvert Campground and Gafvert Campground are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Pickerel Lake
- 56 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Nickerson
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.9 feet
- Camping close to the water at Nemadji State Forest -Gafvert Campground and Gafvert Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 56 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 56 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)
- Camping: Nemadji State Forest -Gafvert Campground and Gafvert Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Nemadji State Forest -Gafvert Campground and Gafvert Campground are mapped on or near Pickerel Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Pickerel Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Net Lake
27 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Nickerson138 acres
1 miles away
Oak Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Duquette459 acres
7.6 miles away
Sand Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Barnum128 acres
10.7 miles away
Little Hanging Horn Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Barnum114 acres
12.7 miles away
Eleven Lake
29 out of 100 Lake ScorePine · Sturgeon Lake108 acres
12.8 miles away
Moose Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCarlton · Moose Lake133 acres
13 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake is in Pine County, Minnesota, near Nickerson. It covers 56 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake covers 56 acres with about 1.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pickerel Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. 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 (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
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.
Can you camp at Pickerel Lake?
Yes. Nemadji State Forest -Gafvert Campground and Gafvert Campground are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.