Pike Lake

How big is Pike Lake?

How deep is Pike Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Pike Lake?

What are the closest cities to Pike Lake?

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

Pike Lake

Are there boat launches on Pike Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Pike Lake?

Pike Lake is an 814-acre lake located 9 miles west of Grand Marais. Public access is through a boat landing on the south side of the lake. It lies within the Lake Superior North watershed, draining to Lake Superior via Murmur Creek, Caribou Creek, and the Poplar River. Many different fish species have been historically stocked (bass, walleye, trout, sunfish) into Pike Lake with rainbow trout being the last stocked in 1978. Walleye and smallmouth bass are the primary and secondary management species in the lake. The 2023 survey was conducted to monitor the fish community and evaluate abundance and size goals set for the walleye and smallmouth bass populations.

Walleye catch rates did not change from the previous survey in 2019 and were slightly down from surveys historically. However, walleye catch rates are considerably higher when compared to other walleye lakes in the area. Walleye ranged from 7 to 26 inches, while the average length and weight of walleye sampled in gill nets was just under 16 inches and about 1.5 lbs, both of which were considered above average compared to historical results for the lake. All walleye were reproduced naturally.

Smallmouth bass catch rates were down slightly from the last two surveys in 2015 and 2019, but within the normal range for the lake. Smallmouth bass ranged from 6 to 18 inches in length and were good sized. Of the "catchable" sized bass (eight inches or longer) sampled in 2023, about 88% were longer than twelve inches, and about 47% were 16 inches or longer. Smallmouth bass easily exceeded the size goal set for Pike Lake with excellent size structure that anglers will enjoy.

Since first being found in 1983 northern pike catch rates have been low to moderate. The 2023 survey was towards the upper end of the normal range for the lake and slightly higher compared to other lakes in the area. Northern pike found in the survey were large and ranged between 21 to 36 inches with many larger than 30 inches. Pike Lake continues to support somewhat low densities of large sized northern pike with an average size greater than five lbs.

Yellow perch populations had been declining from 2006 to 2019 but bounced back into the normal range in 2023. Yellow perch ranged from 5 to 13 inches in size with a decent proportion of fish over nine inches. High numbers of young of year yellow perch in quarter-inch trap nets indicate good recruitment in 2023. Yellow perch provide an excellent forage base for walleye and good numbers of larger yellow perch are desirable for anglers.

Lake whitefish catch rates were average for Pike Lake and similar to other lakes in the area. Lake whitefish ranged between 14 and 23 inches with many fish larger than 20 inches. A temperature-dissolved oxygen profile completed during this survey found cold, well-oxygenated habitat suitable for whitefish present for a sufficient range of the water column. These results indicate that lake whitefish populations are still in good shape in Pike Lake.

Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.

Are there any state parks near Pike Lake?