Hanks Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota
Share your catch!
We want to see what you've caught on Hanks Lake.Frequently Asked Questions About Hanks Lake, MN
- How big is Hanks Lake?
- How deep is Hanks Lake?
- What kind of fish can you catch in Hanks Lake?
- Are there fishing guides or charters for Hanks Lake?
- What are the closest cities to Hanks Lake?
- Are there places to stay in the Hanks Lake area?
- Are there places to eat and drink near Hanks Lake?
- What is the average air temp for Hanks Lake?
- Are there any state parks near Hanks Lake?
How big is Hanks Lake?
How deep is Hanks Lake?
What kind of fish can you catch in Hanks Lake?
Other fish species in the lake include Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Bluntnose Minnow, Cisco (Tullibee), Hybrid Sunfish, Iowa Darter, Johnny Darter, Least Darter, Spottail Shiner, Tadpole Madtom and White Sucker.
Are there fishing guides or charters for Hanks Lake?
What are the closest cities to Hanks Lake?
Are there places to stay in the Hanks Lake area?
More Lodging Options
Are there places to eat and drink near Hanks Lake?
Explore the Hanks Lake area in a RV
Are you looking for an adventurous vacation option that won't break the bank? Look no further than renting an RV! Contrary to popular belief, the process is much simpler than you might imagine. With just a few easy steps, you'll soon be experiencing the ultimate freedom and convenience of exploring the open road in your very own recreational vehicle. And the best part? RV travel can save you up to 60% compared to other types of vacations! With the money you'll save, you'll be able to travel even more and create unforgettable memories along the way. So why wait? Start planning your next adventure today with an RV rental. Learn more about renting a RV.
What aquatic invasive species are found in Hanks Lake?
Join us in the fight to prevent the spread of invasive species These sneaky creatures can hitch a ride on boats, clinging onto propellers, anchor lines, and trailers. They can even survive in hidden places like bilge water and ballast tanks, or disguise themselves in dirt and sand that sticks to nets, buckets, anchors, and waders. But don't worry, we have the power to stop them in their tracks with just a few simple steps. So let's do our part and protect our waters from these unwanted invaders.
History & Status of the Fishery
A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Hanks Lake was conducted on July 10-11, 2023, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot seine. Nearshore sampling captured nineteen species of fish including eight species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Least Darter, Mimic Shiner, Pugnose Shiner, and Rock Bass).
The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a June 2023 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead and Common Carp). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website.
Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Hanks Lake is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score that exceeds the exceptional use threshold determined for similar lakes. These results are similar to previous survey findings, which indicated that Hanks Lake fully supported aquatic life use based on the FIBI. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Mississippi River - Brainerd Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.
What is the average air temp for Hanks Lake?
Are there any state parks near Hanks Lake?
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Crow Wing State Forest
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Crow Wing State Park
More Nearby Lakes To Explore
There's more lake's to explore around Hanks Lake...| DISTANCE | ACRES | MAX DEPTH | |
| Pine Lake | 0.5 mi | 27 | |
| Portage Lake | 0.8 mi | 287 | 37 ft |
| Crooked Lake | 1.0 mi | 463 | 72 ft |
| Rice Lake | 1.2 mi | 163 | |
| Horseshoe Lake | 1.3 mi | 34 | 30 ft |
| Island Lake | 1.4 mi | 875 | |
| Esden Lake | 1.9 mi | 69 | |
| Loon Lake | 1.9 mi | 47 | |
| Scott Lake | 2.3 mi | 157 | 49 ft |
| Wilson Lake | 2.4 mi | 62 |
