Section Twelve Lake

How big is Section Twelve Lake?

How deep is Section Twelve Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Section Twelve Lake?

What are the closest cities to Section Twelve Lake?

Are there topographical lake maps available Section Twelve 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 Section Twelve Lake (.pdf format) along with 2,700 more lake maps. For more information on all the benefits of Lake-Link Pro click here.

Section 12 Lake

Are there boat launches on Section Twelve Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Section Twelve Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Section Twelve Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Section Twelve 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?

Section 12 Lake is located approximately seven miles southeast of Aitkin. The lake is 156 acres with 57% of the lake being less than 15 feet deep and a maximum depth of 40 feet. A public access is located on the northwest corner of the lake. Much of the lake is developed with 24.5 homes/cabins per shoreline mile. Sand is abundant along most of the shoreline, but areas of gravel, detritus, rubble, boulders, and muck are present as well. The aquatic plant community is relatively diverse with 36 species present and is integral to maintaining good water quality as well as maintaining healthy fish populations. Emergent plants such as bulrush are important for shoreline protection, maintaining water quality, and provide essential spawning habitat for bass and panfish species. Submerged plants provide food and cover needed by fish and other aquatic species. DNR staff have observed increasing water clarity since the first survey was conducted in 1973, with each subsequent surveys showing increasingly clear water. This has likely been to the benefit of the aquatic vegetation and the fish species reliant on that vegetation. A standard survey was scheduled for the week of July 13, however due to difficulties related to Covid 19 safety protocols, only gill nets were used to assess the fishery.

Black Crappie are the lake's primary management species. Past catches have ranged from 5.8 to 15.5/gill net. The Black Crappie catch showed an increase from the previous survey of 3.2/gill net in 2010, to 15.5/gill net in 2020. This exceeds the management goal of 5.0/gill net by a good margin. The average length of a Crappie was 7.5 inches, with individuals measuring to 12 inches, indicating a potential for quality fish.

Northern Pike had showed a fairly stable abundance, but they seem to have spiked since the previous survey, going from 4.5/gill net in 2010, to 15.3/gill net in 2020. The 2020 Northern Pike catch was above the normal range for similar lake types and was the highest observed in survey history. Mean length and weight were 20.4 inches and 1.8 lbs. Most fish were below the protected slot and 15 percent of pike measured between 22 - 26 inches. Only a few individuals were longer than 26 inches.

As is the case with many lakes in the area, Largemouth Bass appear to be increasing over time. First sampled in 1990, they have been caught in each survey since, showing another increase from 0.7/gill net in 2010, to 2.7/gill net in 2020. Mean length was about 14 inches, with a mean weight of 1.5 lbs. The largest individual in this survey was 16.5 inches, although fish over 19 inches have been observed in past surveys.

Walleye are not stocked in Section 12, but have been present in low numbers in previous surveys ranging from 0.3 to 0.7/gill net. For the first time in survey history no Walleyes were caught in 2020. Recruitment of Walleye had likely been from Section 10 (Wladimiraf) Lake, since suitable spawning habitat is minimal in Section 12 Lake, however, Walleye in Section 10 Lake have also declined in spite of stocking efforts and so the source for Section 12 is no longer viable.

Past Yellow Perch catches had been continually increasing from 0.3/gill net in 1973 to a high of 3.5/gill net in 2000, but have since declined to previous levels.

What is the average air temp for Section Twelve Lake?

Are there any state parks near Section Twelve Lake?