Aitkin Lake

How big is Aitkin Lake?

How deep is Aitkin Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Aitkin Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Aitkin Lake?

We have an topograpical map for online viewing near the top of this page. Lake-Link Pro users can download an print a topograpical map of Aitkin Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Aitkin Lake (North)

Aitkin Lake (South)

Are there places to eat and drink near Aitkin Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Aitkin Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Aitkin Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

A targeted gill net only survey was conducted on Aitkin Lake during the week of 7/10/2023 to monitor Walleye abundance and to coincide with the ongoing Walleye population estimate and Walleye movement study on connected Big Sandy Lake.

Aitkin Lake is just north of Big Sandy Lake, connected via the Aitkin Lake Flowage. This natural channel from Big Sandy (~2 miles long and varying in width) is navigable, but can be quite narrow at times, especially in years of high wild rice production. Water level in Aitkin Lake is controlled at the Corps of Engineers dam on the Sandy River. Open water access to Aitkin Lake is either from Big Sandy Lake or Aitkin Lake Resort, which is the only major development on the lake. In winter, some anglers also access the lake via state lands on the east side of the lake. With the exception of some parcels in the southwest end and north side of the lake, most of the shoreline is in state ownership. Most of Aitkin Lake is shallow, heavily vegetated with wild rice, and is subject to frequent partial winterkills. A 30 foot deep basin at the northeast end of the lake maintains some oxygen in the winter and prevents total winterkills. As such, the surviving fish in the population generally exhibit faster growth rates, which often create a high quality fishery. Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch appear to be the primary species anglers seek on Aitkin Lake and it is managed primarily for Bluegill. There are special regulations for Sunfish (5 daily limit) and Walleye (14-18 inch harvest slot, with one allowed over 26 inches) for the entire Big Sandy system, including Aitkin Lake.

During the 2023 survey, Walleye abundance was low with only 6 fish sampled, which is normal for Aitkin Lake. The Walleyes sampled in 2023 had an average size of 17.8 inches and 1.4 pounds, with a maximum length of 25.8 inches. Fifty percent of walleye sampled in 2023 were greater than or equal to 18 inches in length, which is more than what was observed in the 2023 Big Sandy Lake GN sample (3% ? 18 inches). Conversely, no fish under 12 inches were observed in Aitkin Lake, whereas nearly half of the 2023 sample from the Big Sandy survey were less than 12 inches. Very limited spawning habitat and frequent winterkills are restricting Walleye reproduction and survival. It is likely that the Walleye population in Aitkin Lake is dependent upon larger fish emigrating from Big Sandy Lake.

Northern Pike were common in the 2023 survey and had comparable catch rates to similar lakes. The Northern Pike sampled in 2023 had an average size of 20 inches and 1.7 pounds, with fish up to 32.3 inches observed in the sample.

Yellow Perch were the most abundant species sampled in Aitkin Lake. Yellow Perch abundance was within the normal range of similar lakes. The average size was 7.4 inches, and the largest observed was 10.8 inches long.

Black Crappie abundance was low with only 3 fish sampled and was below the normal range when compared to similar lakes. Among the 3 fish sampled, the average length was 7.6 inches, and the maximum length was 8.3 inches.

Bluegill abundance is typically estimated using trap net catches instead of gill nets, however the sizes of the few fish that were sampled were decent with an average length of 7.9 inches and included 1 fish greater than 10 inches.

Channel Catfish have become more prevalent in Aitkin and Big Sandy Lakes in recent years. This species has likely become present in Aitkin and Big Sandy Lakes due to the significant flooding in 2012, and later in 2022, when the Mississippi River and Big Sandy were also the same elevation. Five Channel Catfish were sampled in the 2023 survey compared to 1 in the 2016 survey. The average length in 2023 was 21 inches, with the largest fish measuring 27.2 inches.

White Sucker, Shorthead Redhorse, Yellow Bullhead, Bowfin (Dogfish), and a few Largemouth Bass were also sampled during this survey.

What is the average air temp for Aitkin Lake?

Are there any state parks near Aitkin Lake?