Split Hand Lake

How big is Split Hand Lake?

How deep is Split Hand Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Split Hand Lake?

What are the closest cities to Split Hand Lake?

Are there boat launches on Split Hand Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Split Hand Lake?

What are the fishing regulations for Split Hand Lake?

There are specific fishing regulations Split Hand Lake that you need to know. For complete fishing regulations visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. To report a violation call (800) 652-9093. Need a Minnesota fishing license?

Split Hand Lake is located about 10 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, MN with one access on the west side. The lake has a history of producing a quality panfish fishery. The management plan describes catch rate and size structure goals for both species that intend to maintain or improve the quality fishery. To attain management goals, a five sunfish and a five crappie daily bag limit regulation(s) were implemented in spring 2012. The 2023 targeted survey was one of five targeting Bluegill and Black Crappie since 2010 and the second assessing the ten-year evaluation period.

The Bluegill catch was the high compared to past spring surveys. Fish ranged from 3.2 to 10.2 inches and averaged 5.8 inches. Many quality sized fish were sampled, but the number and proportion was lower than previous surveys and below management goals. The reduced proportion of larger fish was influenced by a brief period of strong recruitment. Fish less than 6 inches comprised 70% of the sample. Ages 2 to 10 were present with ages 3 and 4 comprising two thirds of sample. Bluegill averaged about 7 inches by age 6.

Spring crappie netting can be difficult to interpret as fish can transition relatively fast in and out of shallow water, remaining for only a short duration. The 2023 catch was the highest, while the 2022 catch was the lowest. Lengths ranged from 2.8 to 13.4 inches with an average length of 7.6 inches. Scale analysis identified ages 2 to 8 present. Age 3 appeared robust, comprising 58% of the sample. Growth was similar to the statewide average with crappie averaging over 10 inches by age 5.

Bigmouth Buffalo are a unique, native species found in Split Hand Lake. They are considered rough fish and only minimal data is ever collected despite being occasionally caught. There is little known about them and their function in Splithand Lake. Night bowfishing was authorized statewide in 2009 and has steadily increased in popularity since. Nine fish were caught in the 2012 survey compared to only one sampled since 2018. It is unknown how decreased numbers of the Buffalo may affect the fish community.

Other species sampled included Brown and Yellow Bullhead, Bowfin, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumkinseed Sunfish, Rockbass, Shorthead Redhorse, Walleye, White Sucker and Yellow Perch. Painted Turtles and Snapping Turtles were also observed.

What is the average air temp for Split Hand Lake?

Are there any state parks near Split Hand Lake?