Wolf Lake

How big is Wolf Lake?

How deep is Wolf Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Wolf Lake?

Are there boat launches on Wolf Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Wolf Lake?

Wolf Lake is located along the Continental Divide between the Mississippi River and Lake Superior watersheds and is entirely within Savanna Portage State Park in eastern Aitkin County. A state park permit is required to access the lake. It is the only lake in the Saint Louis River drainage surveyed by Aitkin area fisheries staff. The shoreline is completely undeveloped and the land adjacent to the lake is primarily a mix of wetlands and lowland spruce forest. Most of the lake is shallow, less than ten feet deep, except for one hole that reaches a maximum of 31 feet. Low winter oxygen conditions have occurred in past winters resulting in fish kills, but apparently not in recent years.

The fish community is relatively simple with ten species observed during the 2012 survey, which included standard survey nets and additional sampling for non-game fish. The most popular game fishes to target are northern pike and black crappie. Northern pike, which have reestablished a naturally reproducing population since being stocked in 1997 and 1998 due to low abundance, have a poor size structure with most fish less than 24 inches long. Research suggests that production of large predator biomass is relatively low and harvest of only a few large pike from a lake of this size can greatly impact the population. Anglers are encouraged to release larger pike and keep the smaller fish for a meal. Recycling the quality sized fish is also the best way to ensure a quality sized fish in your next trip.

Black crappie have also become established since being introduced to the lake in 1995. They are naturally a reproducing population with a good size structure. The 2012 catch of 8.7 per gill net was above the normal range for similar lakes. Size in standard survey gear ranged from 4.5 to 11.5 inches and averaged 7.6 inches with 29% greater than 10 inches.

Yellow perch may also provide some angling opportunities although their abundance is below the normal range for similar lakes. Size of fish was good with an average of 9.1 inches. Other fish species sampled, in 2012, include bluegill, brown bullhead, golden shiner, Iowa darter, tadpole madtom, and white sucker.

What is the average air temp for Wolf Lake?

Are there any state parks near Wolf Lake?