Hart Lake

How big is Hart Lake?

How deep is Hart Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Hart Lake?

What are the closest cities to Hart Lake?

Are there boat launches on Hart Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Hart Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Hart Lake?

Hart Lake is a moderately sized, mesotrophic lake in southeastern Itasca County near the town of Pengilly. The lake features moderate fertility, good water clarity, moderate residential development, and a diverse aquatic plant community. Hart Lake supports a relatively diverse fish community, providing angling opportunities for several species.

Northern pike were the most common species captured in the gill net and the catch rate was within the expected range when compared to similar lakes. About half of the captured individuals exceeded 21 inches in length, suggesting moderate angling opportunity for quality-sized pike. Individuals exceeding 28 inches, however, were rare. Relatively slow growth may limit the pike size structure. Bluegill were the most common panfish in the sample, but occurred in relatively low numbers when compared to similar lakes. The 2007 catch was the lowest observed for Hart Lake. Historical records indicate poor bluegill size structure in Hart Lake. In 2007, typically size remained small as only 25% of the captured individuals exceeded 6 inches. Growth was slow, contributing to the small average size. Black crappie were captured in relatively good abundance when compared to similar lakes. The length distribution appeared balanced, although most individuals failed to exceed 8 inches as growth remained slow. Largemouth bass were captured in good numbers during night electrofishing and Hart Lake may provide good angling opportunities for this species. Slow growth appears to limit the size structure, however.

Prey availability may limit the Hart Lake fishery. Historical records indicated high tullibee abundance when compared to similar lakes. In 2007, tullibee catches were about average when compared to similar lakes and had dropped noticeably from previous surveys as the 2007 sample resulted in the lowest point observation of tullibee from Hart Lake. Tullibee are an import prey species and a decline of this species may negatively impact predator populations. Yellow perch are also an important prey species. Yellow perch have historically been sampled in low numbers from Hart Lake and remained in low abundance in 2007. Walleye were sampled in low numbers in 2007 as only two large individuals were captured. Walleye were not sampled in Hart Lake from 1970 through 1992. The occurrence of walleye in Hart Lake may be a result of emigration from Swan Lake. Currently, downstream barriers appear to limit movement between the lakes.

The protection of water quality and habitat is critical in maintaining or improving fish and wildlife populations. Unfortunately, human activities often negatively impact our lakes. Fertilized turf-grass lawns and failing septic systems along with the removal of shoreline and aquatic vegetation, mowing to the shore, and installing sand blanket beaches result in destabilized shorelines, uncontrolled erosion, and increased run-off, contributing excess nutrients and sediment to the lake and degrading water quality and habitat. By understanding the cumulative impacts of our actions and taking steps to avoid or minimize them, we can help insure our quality water resources can be enjoyed well into the future. Anglers can further help insure quality fishing by practicing selective harvest and catch and release.

What is the average air temp for Hart Lake?

Are there any state parks near Hart Lake?