Pine Lake

How big is Pine Lake?

How deep is Pine Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Pine Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Pine Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Pine Lake?

Pine Lake is a 2,122-acre lake just inside the BWCAW and drains to Lake Superior via the Royal and Pigeon Rivers. It is approximately 38 miles northeast of Grand Marais and public access is through a usually navigable channel (or short portage) from McFarland Lake. It can also be reached via much more difficult portage routes from West Pike and Canoe Lakes. Pine is a large, deep, clear-water lake that supports a deepwater fish community of lake trout, lake whitefish and dwarf cisco. Over the last 30 years DNR Fisheries has attempted to enhance lake trout in this lake with only marginal success. Walleye and lake trout are the current management species for the lake. The 2023 standard lake survey was conducted to monitor the fish community in Pine Lake and evaluate management goals currently in place on the walleye and lake trout populations.

Walleye relative abundance is up from the previous two surveys (2011 and 2016) but relatively low for the lake historically. Walleye catch rates are still good compared to similar lakes in the area. Walleye ranged between 7 and 25 inches in size with an average size of 15 inches. Aging results found 10 naturally reproduced year classes with the oldest fish being 11 years old. Walleye growth rates were relatively fast in Pine Lake with age 5 fish being over 18 inches in size. Survey results suggest that Pine Lake can still provide anglers with good walleye fishing opportunities.

Lake trout relative abundance in gill nets has always been low in Pine Lake, but the 2023 survey found slightly better catch rates. Lake trout goals were not met in 2023. Lake trout ranged from 12 to 27 inches with a mean length of 20 inches. Aging results found 5 year classes in the population all appearing to be naturally reproduced. It is unfortunately common for stocked lake trout to not be represented in the population suggesting poor survivorship. Lake trout growth is good as dwarf cisco provide excellent forage. Pine Lake continues to support a low density native lake trout population with good growth.

Smallmouth bass relative abundance was similar to historical catches in Pine Lake but slightly down from previous surveys. Catch rates are still higher than similar lakes in the area. Smallmouth bass ranged from 12 to 18 inches with a mean length of 15 inches. Pine Lake supports a fairly high-quality population with most fish exceeding 12 inches in length and should be of interest to anglers.

Northern pike relative abundance has always been low in Pine Lake and continued to be in 2023. Catch rates are slightly below average for similar lakes in the area. Northern pike were large and ranged from 23 to 38 inches with a mean length of 29 inches. Pine lake appears to support a low-density northern pike population with good growth, reaching sizes that would be considered memorable for most anglers.

Past surveys of Pine Lake have occasionally taken a few small cisco and was the case during the 2023 survey. The lack of any larger cisco suggested this was a dwarf population. Dwarf cisco provide an excellent forage base for walleye and lake trout, and their presence probably accounts for the good walleye growth and even northern pike seen in this survey.

Lake whitefish remain abundant in Pine Lake in 2023 and much higher compared to other similar lakes. Lake whitefish ranged from 12 to 24 inches with a mean length of 19 inches. Aging results indicated the presence of 21 naturally reproduced year classes and the oldest fish captured appeared to be 34 years old. Habitat conditions remain good in Pine Lake for lake whitefish. Survey metrics continue to show lake whitefish are doing extremely well in Pine Lake. Lake whitefish can provide good fishing for those who could figure out how to catch them.

Lakes above and below Pine Lake in the Royal River watershed are infested with spiny waterflea, and Pine Lake is most likely infested as well. Anglers and others leaving Pine Lake should be careful to drain all water and clean and dry all equipment used on the lake before moving to another body of waters. Lakes particularly at risk from equipment moved from Pine Lake include Long, Stump, Gadwall, and Vale.

Are there any state parks near Pine Lake?