Wilkins Lake

How big is Wilkins Lake?

How deep is Wilkins Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Wilkins Lake?

Are there boat launches on Wilkins Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Wilkins Lake?

Wilkins Lake is a moderately sized lake with clear water located in central Aitkin County. There is a township owned public access with a concrete log ramp, but no dock, located on the east side of the lake. The surrounding area is a mixture of forest-covered rolling hills with various wetland types interspersed. Sand is the most common substrate in shallow water areas with a few pockets of gravel and rubble scattered around the lake. The aquatic plant community is fairly diverse and provides good habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species. Additional benefits provided by a healthy plant community include stabilizing bottom substrates, reducing wave action and resulting erosion, and filtering nutrients and other potential contaminants.

Wilkins Lake was selected in 1991 for an experimental regulation to enhance the size structure of the northern pike population. The regulation required anglers to immediately return all northern pike between 20 and 30". The bag limit was three and only one fish could be longer than 30". The regulation was in effect until 2007. When the time period for the regulation expired it was reviewed and determined that the size structure of the pike population did not change appreciably and hence the regulation was dropped. Northern pike are currently managed under the statewide regulations for inland waters.

Northern pike abundance has been lower in the last three surveys than what was observed in the 1990's. Northern pike caught in gill nets ranged from 16.6 to 29.8" with an average length of 20.3". Recruitment from natural reproduction has been consistent with an occasional strong year class contributing to the fishery. The lack of a suitable forage base such as yellow perch is likely limiting the growth rates of pike. Fifty years ago yellow perch were abundant in Wilkins, but have since declined. Yellow perch are stocked when available and juveniles are starting to show up in seine hauls. One adult perch was caught in 2014, prior to this no perch have been caught in gill nets since 1994.

Walleye are present in normal abundance for this type of lake at 1.8 per gill net and have been stable over the last 15 years. Walleye spawning habitat is limited on Wilkins Lake and recruitment from natural reproduction has been poor. All walleye observed in the 2014 survey originated from years in which the lake was stocked. Walleye growth rates are good and a large portion of the population consists of quality sized fish.

Similar to the 2009 assessment, bluegill catch rates remained low in 2014 (9.2/trap net), and have shown a steady downward trend since 1985, however, the size structure of the bluegill population is decent with an average size of 6.6" and 11% longer than 8".

Black crappies are within the normal range for similar lakes. Occasionally black crappie will produce a strong year class that provides some good angling opportunities. When present, crappies grow well in Wilkins and some good sized fish can be found.

Gill net catches for largemouth bass have been stable over time. They ranged from 8.6 to 14.1" in length with an average of 12", which is about one pound.

What is the average air temp for Wilkins Lake?

Are there any state parks near Wilkins Lake?