Harris Lake

How big is Harris Lake?

How deep is Harris Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Harris Lake?

Are there boat launches on Harris Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Harris Lake?

Harris Lake is 122 acres with a maximum depth of about 15 feet in each of the lake basins which are connected by a shallow channel. Much of the shoreline is ledge rock and boulder, the water is brown and bog-stained with a Secchi disk reading of 3.5 feet. The lake is one mile from State Highway 1 on a very rough logging road, a high clearance four-wheeled drive vehicle is recommended for travel on this route. The carry-in access is suitable for canoes and small boats which must be carried approximately 100 feet over large boulders to the lake. Parking is limited to about three vehicles near the lake; there is very little room to turn around. There are two user developed campsites on the eastern basin of Harris Lake.

Walleye are the primary management species in Harris Lake. Walleye were first sampled in Harris Lake in a 1979 lake survey the walleye likely had migrated to Harris Lake from Little Spring Lake which was used as a walleye rearing pond in 1977 and 1978. The walleye population in Harris Lake was well above average in 2013 compared to lakes with similar characteristics. The average size was 14.4 inches (1.1 pound) the largest walleye sampled was 27.8 inches (7.2 pounds). Natural reproduction maintains the walleye population in Harris Lake and like most natural lakes there are fluctuations in year-class strength. Scale ageing has shown that 2009-2011 were very strong year-classes and should provide good walleye fishing; there is presently no need to stock walleye in this lake.

Muskellunge were introduced in Harris Lake in 1965 and stocked again in1969; there had been few northern pike in the lake. The Shoepack strain of muskellunge present in Harris Lake generally does not attain lengths greater than 40 inches and it is unlikely an angler will catch one over the present legal harvest length of 48 inches. The muskellunge population was below average in 2013 compared to lakes with similar characteristics. The average size was 27.2 inches (3.7 pounds) the largest muskellunge was 32.5 inches (6.3 pounds). Natural reproduction appears to be fairly consistent for muskellunge with six consecutive year-classes represented in the aged sample. Harris Lake is no longer on the designated muskellunge lake list; however, all regulations pertaining to the angling and harvest of muskellunge statewide apply to this lake.

The population assessment in 2013 was the first investigation that did not sample black crappie in any gear since the initial lake information was collected in 1963. The black crappie numbers have fallen off in recent investigations; it is possible this is the result of low reproductive success. It is likely that black crappies are present in Harris Lake in low numbers; however, a few strong year-classes are needed to re-establish a good fishable population.

Bluegill numbers were again below average for the lake class, but within the range sampled in the previous two investigations in Harris Lake. The average length was about 4 inches; the largest bluegill was 4.4 inches in the 2013 investigation. Bluegills in northeastern Minnesota lakes generally have limited reproductive success/survival, with only occasionally strong year-classes produced. The low numbers of small bluegills sampled in 2013 probably would not interest anglers.

As with all the forage species in Harris Lake the yellow perch numbers were below average and the size was small. The average length was 6.42 inches; the largest yellow perch was 8 inches. Pumpkinseed sunfish, hybrid sunfish, white sucker and golden shiner were also sampled in low numbers.

What is the average air temp for Harris Lake?

Are there any state parks near Harris Lake?