Today's Best Fishing Times
Get the best fishing times for Howard Lake with Lake-Link's Fishing Forecast. SEE MORE
Explore Leech Lake
Leech Lake is known for offering the best Walleye fishing and Muskie fishing in the Midwest. With 195 miles of shoreline and 112,835 acres to explore, both professional fishermen and family fishing trips alike are sure to enjoy a successful day of fishing on Leech Lake.
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Howard Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Howard Lake, MN
- How big is Howard Lake?
- How deep is Howard Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Howard Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Howard Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Howard Lake area?
- Are there topographical lake maps available Howard Lake?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Howard Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Howard Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Howard Lake?
How big is Howard Lake?
How deep is Howard Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Howard Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Cisco (Tullibee), Golden Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish and White Sucker.
What are the closest cities to Howard Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Howard Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there topographical lake maps available Howard Lake?
Howard Lake area businesses:
Are there places to eat and drink near Howard Lake?
Explore the Howard Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
History & Status of the Fishery
Howard Lake is a 365-acre lake with a maximum depth of 60 feet. The lake is located seven miles northeast of Akeley, Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different lake classes based on physical and chemical characteristics. Howard Lake is in lake class 25. Waters in this class are typically deep, clear, hardwater lakes with irregular shorelines. Other area lakes in the same lake class include: Blackwater, Long (near Longville), and Inguadona. Approximately 25% of the lake is 15 feet or less in depth. There is no developed public access on Howard Lake. Howard Lake provides fishing for northern pike, walleye, bluegill, black crappie, and largemouth bass. The lake is managed primarily for northern pike, largemouth bass, and black crappie. The 2001 survey of Howard Lake showed an abundant population of northern pike. The average size northern pike sampled during the survey was about 19 inches, however several fish over 30 inches were captured. Many different year classes of northern pike were found, indicating good natural reproduction in Howard Lake. Few yellow perch were found during the survey, however it is likely that the northern pike are relying upon tullibee (cisco) as an important food source. Walleye were not abundant during the 2001 survey, however those captured were large, ranging from 20 to 29 inches. A limited amount of walleye natural reproduction occurs in this lake. Bluegill were abundant. Most were small, though fish up to 8 inches were found during the 2001 survey. Pumpkinseed sunfish were also found in Howard Lake, and fish up to 7 inches were sampled. Howard Lake had a good population of largemouth bass, and DNR personnel sampled bass from 5 to 15 inches long. Black crappie were present, and fish up to 11 inches were sampled. Other fish that make up the fish community of Howard Lake include bullheads, rock bass and white sucker. Shoreline areas - on the land and into the shallow water - provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife that live in or near Minnesota's lakes. Overdeveloped shorelines can't support the fish, wildlife, and clean water that are associated with natural undeveloped lakes. The combined effects of all lakeshore owners "fixing up" their property can destroy a lake's valuable natural shorelines. Shoreline habitat consists of aquatic plants, woody plants and natural lake bottom soils. Plants in the water and at the water's edge provide habitat, prevent erosion and absorb excess nutrients. Shrubs, trees, and woody debris such as fallen trees or limbs provide good habitat both above and below the water and should be left in place. Natural lake bottom materials like silt or gravel are more ecologically productive than pure sand trucked in for a swimming beach. A tidy lawn and a sandy beach make great spots for sunbathing and swimming but do little to provide habitat for fish and wildlife. By leaving a buffer strip of natural vegetation along the shoreline, property owners can reduce erosion, help maintain water quality, and provide habitat and travel corridors for wildlife. Lakeshore owners need to manage their shoreline in a natural condition if fish and wildlife populations on Minnesota lakes are to remain healthy and abundant. More specific information on protecting or restoring shorelines and watersheds is available through MN DNR Fisheries offices. Anglers can help maintain or improve the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest allows for the harvest of smaller fish for table fare, but encourages release of medium- to large-size fish. Releasing these fish can help maintain balance in the fish community in Howard Lake and provide anglers with opportunities to catch more and larger fish in the future.
What is the average air temp for Howard Lake?
Are there any state parks near Howard Lake?
For more Minnesota State Park information see our State Park Guide.
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Howard Lake...DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
Little Bass Lake | 1.2 mi | 114 | 16 ft |
Million Lake | 1.8 mi | 22 | 20 ft |
Shingobee Lake | 1.8 mi | 172 | 40 ft |
Bass Lake | 2.1 mi | 278 | 33 ft |
Island Lake | 2.6 mi | 78 | 46 ft |
Island Lake | 2.6 mi | 78 | 46 ft |
Williams Lake | 2.9 mi | 98 | 34 ft |
Lake Alice | 3.0 mi | 96 | 55 ft |
Gadbolt Lake | 3.2 mi | 68 | 15 ft |
Big Bass Lake | 3.5 mi | 133 | 60 ft |