Mud Hen Lake
About Mud Hen Lake
Mud Hen Lake is a 161-acre lake near Makinen in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 9 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.1 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including northern pike, bluegill, and yellow perch. 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 2023.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Mud Hen Lake
- 161 acres, up to 9 feet deep, near Makinen
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5.1 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 161 acres
- Max depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 161 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)
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Mud Hen Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Coe Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Makinen54 acres
1 miles away
Section Fourteen Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Makinen136 acres
2.8 miles away
Loon Lake
68 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Aurora271 acres
2.8 miles away
Long Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Makinen374 acres
3.8 miles away
Markham Lake
11 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Markham229 acres
5.1 miles away
Lost Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Biwabik124 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mud Hen Lake?
Mud Hen Lake is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Makinen. It covers 161 acres and reaches 9 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mud Hen Lake?
Mud Hen Lake covers 161 acres with about 2.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mud Hen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Mud Hen Lake?
Yes. Mud Hen Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Mud Hen Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mud Hen 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 Mud Hen Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Mud Hen Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.