Hickory Lake

How big is Hickory Lake?

How deep is Hickory Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Hickory Lake?

What are the closest cities to Hickory Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Hickory Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Hickory Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Hickory Lake

Are there boat launches on Hickory Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Hickory Lake?

Hickory Lake is located on the Ripple River chain of lakes between Little Pine and Spirit lakes, approximately six miles south of Aitkin. The lake is 197 acres with 56% of the lake being less than 15 feet deep and a maximum depth of 32 feet. Public access is limited to a small sand access and shoreline within a Minnesota Department of Transportation wayside area at the inlet from the Ripple River. Boaters can also gain access via a private campground on the west side of the lake. Development is moderate with 12.5 homes per shoreline mile. Shallow water substrates consist primarily of sand and silt, though areas of detritus, muck, gravel, rubble, and boulders may be found as well. The aquatic plant community is relatively diverse with 35 species present and is integral to maintaining good water quality as well as maintaining healthy fish populations. Emergent plants such as bulrush are important for shoreline protection, maintaining water quality, and provide essential spawning habitat for bass and panfish species. Submerged plants provide food and cover needed by fish and other aquatic species.

Hickory Lake has been regularly stocked with walleyes in alternate years since 1954. Although the numbers and sizes have varied, alternate year fingerling stocking was most common. In addition to stocked walleye, a spawning area on the Ripple River between Little Pine and Hickory Lake appears to be successful in producing fish. The 2010 walleye catch of 1.3/gill net was similar to past catches on Hickory which average 1.1/gill net, and average when compared to other similar lakes. Average length and weight were 20.7" and 3.3 lbs.

The northern pike catch was above average when compared to similar lakes at 12.7/gill net in 2010. Past catches have ranged from 7.0 to 13.5/gill net with an average of 10.4/gill net. Average length and weight were 17.6" and 1.4 lbs with 13% measuring at least 24", and several over 30" in length observed in the gill net sample.

Yellow perch and tullibee are important forage species for the lake's game fish. Though the 2010 catch of 1.3/gill net was the highest to date, it is still low when compared to similar lakes; however, the slower growth of perch in Hickory Lake limits the efficiency of the gill nets because the perch are generally too small to be captured in most of the meshes of the nets. The tullibee catch of 1.0/gill net also matches the highest catch to date and was average when compared to similar lakes. Average length of these fish was 8.4", and was the result of good recruitment in 2008 and 2009.

Bluegill were caught in relatively low numbers at 8.8/trap net. Black crappies were also caught in low numbers at 0.5/gill net and 0.3/trap net. Past catches have typically been low, ranging up to 0.7/gill net and 0.8/trap net. Half the crappies measured at least 8" and 27% of bluegills measured at least 7.5", and 1 was observed that was over 8" in length.

What is the average air temp for Hickory Lake?

Are there any state parks near Hickory Lake?