Pike Lake

How big is Pike Lake?

How deep is Pike Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Pike Lake?

Are there boat launches on Pike Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Pike Lake?

Pike Lake is 77 acres, has a maximum depth of 8 feet, and is located approximately 11 miles northwest of Isabella, MN. There is a 900 foot carry-in access to the southwest side of the western bay that starts at the end of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Road #1491A. There is a small parking area for two vehicles. USFS Road # 1491A begins approximately 2.4 miles north on USFS Rd. #1491 (Deep Lake Road) from State Highway 1.

The 2018 standard survey was conducted to monitor the fish community in Pike Lake. The Northern Pike catch was above average compared to similar lakes in the area and was the highest catch recorded for the lake. Fifty Northern Pike were caught and had an average length of 23.8 inches with a weight of 2.9 pounds. Twenty pike were over 24 inches in length for 41% of the total catch. Growth of Northern Pike was above average and five consecutive year classes were present in the catch showing good natural reproduction.

Largemouth Bass catch was above average compared to similar lakes in the Finland Area. Ten Largemouth Bass were caught in gill nets with an average size of 16.9 inches and 3.1 pounds. The biggest Largemouth Bass was 18.7 inches and 4.1 pounds. Natural reproduction success may be sporadic with noticeable gaps in year classes but growth was average for the area.

Yellow Perch were sampled in average numbers relative to similar lakes in the area. This is similar to past investigations on the lake. The average length was 6.7 inches and likely not worth targeting for an angler.

Black Crappie were sampled for the first time in Pike Lake in 2018. Two Black Crappie were caught and measured 5.2 inches and 8.5 inches. It is unclear how Black Crappie got into the lake and we do not know if Black Crappie have fully established a population in the lake.

The 2018 survey was the first time Bluegill were sampled in the lake. It is unclear how Bluegill got into Pike Lake and if a population has fully established. A total of four Bluegill were caught in gill nets and nine more were sampled with mini trap nets. The average size of Bluegill was 6.6 inches with an individual over 9 inches sampled.

White Sucker were sampled in average numbers relative to similar lakes and size averaged 18.5 inches and 2.6 pounds. Pumpkinseed, Hybrid Sunfish, Bluntnose Minnow, Golden Shiner were also sampled with the survey gear.

Pike Lake has a decent Northern Pike population and can produce some quality Largemouth Bass. The Bluegill and Black Crappie populations might offer angling opportunities if the populations are able to become fully established in the lake. Angling pressure is presumed to be light due to the difficulty in getting to the lake. Pike Lake offers a scenic setting in the woods with only two cabins located along the shoreline.

What is the average air temp for Pike Lake?

Are there any state parks near Pike Lake?