White Pine Lake

How big is White Pine Lake?

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What kind of fish can you catch in White Pine Lake?

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Are there boat launches on White Pine Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near White Pine Lake?

White Pine Lake is located about 7 miles north of Lutsen Township. There is concrete public access within the USFS campground located on the south shore off the Honeymoon Trail. The campground also features an accessible fishing deck next to the boat launch. White Pine Lake is an Ecological Class 12 lake, which is characterized by a shallow maximum depth, complete littoral coverage, and very soft bog-stained water. Most of the shoreline is forested, with light development primarily on the south shore. Walleye and Yellow Perch are the primary management species for White Pine Lake, although the lake also supports populations of Northern Pike and Bluegill.

The 2016 standard survey of White Pine Lake was the first of two scheduled in the 2014 lake management plan to monitor the fish community, and determine if long-range goals for Walleye and Yellow Perch were being met. The current goals for this lake are to maintain a Walleye population with a minimum gill net catch of 5.0 fish/net and some fish over 20 inches present, and to maintain a Yellow Perch population with a minimum gill net catch of 14.0 fish/net with a minimum mean weight for gill-net-sampled fish of 0.25 lb/fish.

The 2016 Walleye gill net catch was the second lowest observed for White Pine Lake, and was also below average compared to other Class 12 lakes. This was the third consecutive survey in which the long-range catch goal for Walleye was not met. The mean weight of Walleye sampled in gill nets was lower than more recent surveys, but was similar to historical results from this lake, and fell within the normal range for the lake class. Natural recruitment of Walleye appeared to have improved slightly since the 2012 survey. The combined catch of Walleye in 2016 included five naturally produced year classes between one and seven years of age, with three- and five-year-old fish comprising a majority of the sample. Growth of Walleye appeared to be fairly fast. On average, Walleye reached 12.5 inches by the end of their year, compared to 11.1 inches for Walleye populations in similar lakes in this area.

Yellow Perch remained very abundant in White Pine Lake in 2016. The gill net catch and mean weight of Yellow Perch sampled in this gear were above average for Class 12 lakes, and the long-range catch and size goals for the population were met. Trap net catches of Yellow Perch were also high for a Class 12 lake. A wide variety of sizes were sampled in this survey, indicating several year classes contributed to the sample. Beyond serving as a high quality forage for Walleye and Northern Pike, the Yellow Perch population in White Pine Lake also appeared capable of providing quality angling opportunities. Overall, about 36 percent of the Yellow Perch sampled in 2016 were greater than 8 inches long, with a few fish approaching 12 inches.

The 2016 gill net catch of Northern Pike was within the normal range for the lake class, and was similar to catches observed in White Pine Lake since 1985. The mean weight of Northern Pike sampled in gill nets was the highest observed to date, continuing a trend of increasing mean weight since 1985. The higher mean weight for this survey was influenced by the presence of a few large individuals (>30 inches) present in the gill net sample; most of the sample consisted of small Northern Pike averaging about 1.2 lb/fish. Five naturally produced year classes of Northern Pike made up the 2016 sample. Fish from the 2013 year class were the most abundant, but fish as old as seven years (2009 year class) were seen. Growth of younger Northern Pike was similar to other Class 12 lakes in this area. On average, fish reached 18.6 inches by the end of their third year, compared to an area average of 18.2 inches. White Pine Lake has a history of producing a few large Northern Pike, undoubtedly due to the excellent Yellow Perch forage base present in the lake.

Bluegill and Pumpkinseed sunfish were first sampled in White Pine Lake in 1990, and have been routinely sampled in modest numbers since. The 2016 gill net and trap net catches for Bluegill were the highest observed to date for this lake. The combined Bluegill sample was well distributed between fish from one to seven years of age, with no missing year classes. Growth rates of Bluegill had been about average; fish reached a mean length of 7.1 inches at the end of their fifth year, compared to an area mean of 6.8 inches. Based on these results, it appears the Bluegill population has expanded in recent years, and may provide a bonus fishery for anglers on White Pine Lake. The trap net catch of Pumpkinseed sunfish was similar to past catches on White Pine Lake. Most of the Pumpkinseeds sampled in 2016 were 5 inches or less.

White Sucker was the only other species sampled in 2016. Additional species sampled in past surveys of White Pine Lake include Black Crappie, Golden Shiner, and Longnose Dace.

As of 2016, no aquatic invasive species had been reported or identified in White Pine Lake. Anglers and boaters are reminded to review the recommended actions for cleaning watercraft and gear before and after accessing any waterbody, and to adhere to all Minnesota aquatic invasive species laws to protect Minnesota lakes and rivers from additional infestations.

Are there any state parks near White Pine Lake?