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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
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Outbound Xtreme x58 off-road capable teardrop camper with rooftop Tent
Crosby, MN
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
Hanks Lake is part of the Crooked-Hanks-Portage Chain located in eastern Crow Wing County, approximately 5 miles northwest of Garrison. Access is possible through a channel from Crooked Lake. Hanks Lake is 45 feet deep, with 30% of the lake less than 15 feet deep. Water clarity is good with a secchi depth reading of 15 feet.
The northern pike gill net catch was above average at 14.2/gillnet. Northern pike tended to be on the small side with an average of 18.6" and 1.6 lbs. There were a few larger individuals present with 8% 24" or larger and fish up to 35.2 inches. Growth was normal compared to area lakes.
Walleyes were stocked as fingerlings into the Portage-Crooked-Hanks Chain in 2008 and 2010 by the lake association. The walleye catch of 0.8/gill net was below average. The walleyes captured were quite large with an average of 23.7" and 4.9 lbs.
The bluegill trap net catch of 48.1/net was above average. Average length was 6.6", with 38% over 7" in length. The black crappie trap net catch of 2.6/net was average for this lake class. Average length was 8.9", with 80% of all black crappies captured over 8" in length.
Largemouth bass were sampled by a spring electrofishing survey at a run time rate of 144.0/hr. Average length was 12.1 inches.
Yellow perch and tullibee (cisco) are important prey species for walleye and northern pike. The yellow perch gill net catch of 0.8/net was below the average for this lake class. In all surveys conducted on Hanks Lake the yellow perch gill net catch has never been over 1.0/net. The tullibee gill net catch of 17.0/net was well above average.
Other fish species captured in the survey included rock bass, white sucker, yellow bullhead, black bullhead, brown bullhead, bowfin, hybrid sunfish, and pumpkinseed. Additional species sampled nearshore during IBI backpack electrofishing and seining included Iowa darter, Johnny darter, bluntnose minnow, banded killifish, blacknose shiner, and tadpole madtom.
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 | |
Portage Lake | 0.8 mi | 287 | 37 ft |
Crooked Lake | 1.0 mi | 457 | 72 ft |
Horseshoe Lake | 1.3 mi | 34 | 30 ft |
Maple Lake | 1.3 mi | 60 | 23 ft |
Scott Lake | 2.3 mi | 157 | 49 ft |
Clearwater Lake | 2.7 mi | 900 | 54 ft |
Butternut Lake | 2.8 mi | 26 | 34 ft |
Miller Lake | 3.0 mi | 132 | 48 ft |
Bay Lake | 3.1 mi | 2,320 | 74 ft |
Partridge Lake | 3.2 mi | 188 | 42 ft |