Hinds Lake

How big is Hinds Lake?

How deep is Hinds Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Hinds Lake?

What are the closest cities to Hinds Lake?

Are there boat launches on Hinds Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Hinds Lake?

Hinds Lake is located five miles south of Park Rapids in southern Hubbard County. Hinds Lake has a surface area of 305 acres and a maximum depth of 36 feet. A township-owned public access with an earthen ramp is located on the northeast shore of the lake. Hinds Lake has good water quality and excellent fish habitat of submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation. Hardstem bulrush beds ring much of the lake shoreline. Hinds Lake provides angling opportunities for northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has classified Minnesota's lakes into 43 different types based on physical, chemical, and other characteristics. Hinds Lake is in lake class 31, and these lakes generally have hard water with round, regular shaped shorelines.

Northern pike abundance was very high, above the normal range for similar type lakes. Northern pike abundance has been very high since the late 1980's. Abundant northern pike spawning habitat of shallow, submerged aquatic vegetation results in excellent reproduction and recruitment of pike in Hinds Lake. The northern pike population in Hinds is known more for numbers than size, dominated by small, "hammer handle" pike. Sampled northern pike were an average length and weight of 19 inches and 1.5 pounds. Northern pike up to 39 inches were sampled, but overall numbers of larger pike were low. Northern pike growth rates were slow when compared to other area lakes. The forage base for northern pike is poor, with low abundance of yellow perch, tullibee (cisco), and low to moderate numbers of white sucker.

Panfish are a popular choice for anglers on Hinds Lake. Bluegill abundance was within the normal range for similar type lakes. Bluegill abundance in past surveys has fluctuated from moderate to high numbers. Anglers will find good numbers of bluegill and pumpkinseed in the 6-8 inch size range. Black crappie were sampled in low numbers, with catch rates below the normal range for similar type lakes. Black crappie abundance in past surveys has fluctuated from low to moderate numbers.

Largemouth bass were sampled in moderate numbers when compared to other area lakes. The proportion of larger bass sampled over 15 inches was high compared to other area lakes. Anglers have reported catching bass up to 20 inches in Hinds Lake.

Anglers and other recreational boaters should be aware that curly leaf pondweed, an aquatic invasive species (AIS), is present in Hinds Lake. Boaters should take extra care and precaution to remove all aquatic vegetation from boats and trailers when leaving the lake.

What is the average air temp for Hinds Lake?

Are there any state parks near Hinds Lake?