Hand Lake

How big is Hand Lake?

How deep is Hand Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Hand Lake?

Are there boat launches on Hand Lake?

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Are there places to eat and drink near Hand Lake?

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Hand Lake (DOW # 110242, Lake Class 25) is a 269-acre lake located about 11 miles east of Backus, MN. Hand Lake has a state-owned public access with a concrete ramp. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has classified Minnesotas lakes into 43 different classes based on physical, chemical and other characteristics. Hand Lake is in Lake Class 25; lakes in this class are generally deep, clear lakes that have irregular shorelines with many bays or points. This lake is managed primarily for northern pike and largemouth bass and secondarily for black crappie, bluegill and walleye Hand Lake has an abundant northern pike population, and fish up to 27 inches were sampled. Black crappie up to 9 inches were found in 2005. Bluegill were abundant. Most bluegill were small, though fish in the 6- and 7-inch categories were available for anglers. Other species sampled include black bullhead, bowfin (dogfish), brown bullhead, cisco (tullibee), hybrid sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, walleye, and yellow bullhead. Anglers can help maintain or improve the quality of fishing by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest allows for the harvest of smaller fish for table fare, but encourages release of medium- to large-sized fish. Releasing these fish can help maintain balance in the fish community in Hand Lake and provide anglers the opportunity to catch more and larger fish in the future. Shoreline areas on the land and into the shallow water provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife that live in or near Minnesotas lakes. Overdeveloped shorelines cant support the fish, wildlife, and clean water that are associated with natural undeveloped lakes. The combined effects of all lakeshore owners "fixing up" their property can destroy a lakes valuable natural shorelines. Shoreline habitat consists of aquatic plants, woody plants and natural lake bottom soils. Plants in the water and at the waters edge provide habitat, prevent erosion and absorb excess nutrients. Shrubs, trees, and woody debris such as fallen trees or limbs provide good habitat both above and below the water and should be left in place. Natural lake bottom materials like silt or gravel are more ecologically productive than pure sand trucked in for a swimming beach. A tidy lawn and a sandy beach make great spots for sunbathing and swimming but do little to provide habitat for fish and wildlife. By leaving a buffer strip of natural vegetation along the shoreline, property owners can reduce erosion, help maintain water quality, and provide habitat and travel corridors for wildlife. Only if more lakeshore owners manage their shoreline in a natural condition can fish and wildlife populations on Minnesota lakes remain healthy and abundant. More specific information on protecting or restoring shorelines and watersheds is available through the local DNR Fisheries office

What is the average air temp for Hand Lake?

Are there any state parks near Hand Lake?