Hanson Lake

How big is Hanson Lake?

How deep is Hanson Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Hanson Lake?

What are the closest cities to Hanson Lake?

Are there boat launches on Hanson Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Hanson Lake?

Hansen Lake is located adjacent to state highway 47, four miles east of Aitkin, Minnesota. The lake has two basins that have similar aquatic plants, substrates and fish species. Cattails and sedges grow on most of the lake's shoreline, white waterlily and water shield also can be found near most of the shoreline. Canada waterweed, large-leaf pondweed and flat-stem pondweed grow in a majority of the shallow water regions of the lake. Muck covers most of the near-shore lake bottom. Loons regularly nest and raise young on the lake and shoreline development has been minimal. The fishery continues to be predominately anglers seeking black crappie, bluegill, northern pike and largemouth bass. Although none of these populations of fish exhibit above-average size structure, Hansen Lake does have a nice fishery for both northern pike and largemouth bass.

Black crappie abundance in Hansen Lake has remained above average for its lake class for many years. Growth rates were somewhat slower than the state-wide averages, but were comparable to the average rates for the county. Average size was approximately 7.inches, and 10 inches was the largest. Anglers can expect to see adequate catch rates of smaller crappies and more over 10 inches should be available within a couple years as two stronger year classes continue to grow.

Bluegill trap net catches were somewhat below average at 13.1/net when compared to the long term average of 25.7/net, but were still within the normal range for this lake class. Growth rates were slower than the state-wide averages, but were normal compared to the county averages. Average size was 6.2 inches, and 8.5 inches was the largest. If bluegill densities remain lower, we may see an improvement in growth rates.

Northern pike gill net catch rates were similar to the previous survey at 5.7/net, which is typical for this type of lake. The size structure was favorable with 26% of pike being longer than 24 inches and with individuals up to 28 inches present in 2016. Larger pike offer benefits to the aquatic community as well as in the fishery and the best way to maximize these benefits of this quality pike fishery is for anglers to recycle these fish.

Largemouth bass catch rates were average for the lake class. The mean length of largemouth bass was 14 inches with individuals observed up to 18.4 inches in the electrofishing assessment. Largemouth bass reproduction is sporadic in the lake, yet yields an average abundance of bass that can reach memorable size. Continued catch and release by anglers is encouraged and will help to maintain and improve fish populations that are desirable by anglers.

What is the average air temp for Hanson Lake?

Are there any state parks near Hanson Lake?