Hill River
About Hill River
Hill River is a 102-acre river lake near McIntosh in Polk County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.3 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 13 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and township.
Plan Your Visit to Hill River
- 102 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near McIntosh
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and township
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 5.3 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, township
Conditions
- Surface area
- 102 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 67 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 (gravel or earth)
- 1 carry-in access
- Current, barge traffic and changing water levels make this different from a still lake
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 13
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- No
- 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 Hill River
Compare Hill River against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
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Whitefish Lake
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Badger Lake
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Cameron Lake
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Lake Sarah
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hill River?
Hill River is in Polk County, Minnesota, near McIntosh. It covers 102 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Hill River?
Hill River covers 102 acres with about 2.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet.
What fish can you catch at Hill River?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Hill River?
Yes. Hill River has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR and township. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Hill River?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Hill River. 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 Hill River stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Hill River; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.