Pike River Flowage
About Pike River Flowage
Pike River Flowage is a 214-acre reservoir near Tower in St. Louis County, Minnesota. It reaches 23 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.3 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. 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 city and county.
Plan Your Visit to Pike River Flowage
- 214 acres, up to 23 feet deep, near Tower
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the city and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 3.3 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- city, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 214 acres
- Max depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 214 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)
- 2 carry-in accesses
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- 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 Pike River Flowage
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Nearby Lakes
Lost Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Peyla752 acres
3.1 miles away
Pfeiffer Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Tower60 acres
5.2 miles away
Lake Vermilion
80 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Tower39,272 acres
6.9 miles away
Big Rice Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Britt1,917 acres
8 miles away
Wolf Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Tower179 acres
9.9 miles away
Putnam Lake
24 out of 100 Lake ScoreSt. Louis · Murray141 acres
10.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pike River Flowage?
Pike River Flowage is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, near Tower. It covers 214 acres and reaches 23 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Pike River Flowage?
Pike River Flowage covers 214 acres with about 4.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 23 feet.
What fish can you catch at Pike River Flowage?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Pike River Flowage?
Yes. Pike River Flowage has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the city and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Pike River Flowage?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Pike River Flowage. 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 Pike River Flowage stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Pike River Flowage; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.