Nord Lake

How big is Nord Lake?

How deep is Nord Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Nord Lake?

What are the closest cities to Nord Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Nord 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 Nord Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Nord Lake

Are there boat launches on Nord Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Nord Lake?

Nord Lake is a medium sized lake located in southwestern Aitkin County, a little over three miles southeast of Aitkin. There is a state owned public access with concrete log ramp located on the southeast end of the lake, off Aitkin County Road 12 (Deer Street). The lake is surrounded by forest and bog and is classified as a northern pike and bluegill lake. A walleye fishery is maintained through fall fingerling stocking every other year. The lake is known by local anglers for producing abundant but small northern pike and bluegills. The lake also has a reputation for providing consistent action for good sized largemouth bass.

Results from the 2014 assessment indicate northern pike abundance remains high, which is not unusual and is similar to previous surveys. Ideally, this lake would have a lower total abundance of northern pike with a greater number of fish longer than 24". Pike abundance is probably limiting walleye fingerling survival to some degree. The average length of pike was just 15.8" with a mere 5% being longer than 24". Pike as large as 35" were sampled indicating that they can grow to desirable sizes. Anglers are encouraged to release pike greater than 24" to increase angler catch rates of larger pike and also help maintain a balanced fish community, especially since larger northern pike have been shown to consume smaller pike in this lake.

Largemouth bass gill net catch rates were above the normal range for this type of lake. Sizes ranged from 7.8 to 18.4" and averaged about 12.6" and a little over 1 pound.
Nord Lake is stocked with walleye fingerlings in alternate years with adults and yearlings stocked occasionally when available. Most walleyes sampled were from years where fingerlings were stocked. The catch rate of 1.3 walleye per gill net is within the normal range for similar lakes. Although Nord Lake is not a typical destination for walleye anglers, and likely has relatively low angling catch rates, the size structure of the walleye population is desirable with an average size of 19" and 33% of walleye sampled greater than 20".

Though still within the normal range for this type of lake, a significant decrease was detected in the bluegill and pumpkinseed populations. Sunfish in Nord Lake are generally on the small side and grow slowly, but some bluegills larger than 8" were observed in 2014. Hybrid sunfish, which grow a little faster than bluegills, can be found in reasonable numbers and sizes as well.

Black crappie abundance decreased slightly since 2000, but is still within the normal range for this type of lake. Black crappies ranged from 5.7 to 11.6" with an average of 8.5".

What is the average air temp for Nord Lake?

Are there any state parks near Nord Lake?