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Minnesota›Best lakes›Northern Pike›Douglas County

MN · ranked by public data

Best Northern Pike Lakes by DNR Survey System and Lake-Scale Opportunity in Douglas County, Minnesota

28 Douglas County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence for northern pike; 28 lakes with status, survey, or report evidence met our criteria, out of 159 documented lakes in the county. Updated July 2026.

  1. Ranked within standard summer august mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 3 to 7 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    190.0system score
    4,445 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Lake Ida

    limited
    45.99, -95.424,445 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    90.0 within-system score · 20,003.8 lake-scale opportunity index · 4.5 fish/net set · 2023 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 90.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 20,003.8 (4.5 fish/net set × 4,445 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 4.5 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2023
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 22, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 22 normal range 3-7.9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  2. 255.5system score
    1,801 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Lake Le Homme Dieu

    limited
    45.93, -95.351,801 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    55.5 within-system score · 7,510 lake-scale opportunity index · 4.17 fish/net set · 2024 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 55.5/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 7,510 (4.17 fish/net set × 1,801 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 4.17 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2024
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 22, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 22 normal range 3-7.9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  3. 336.6system score
    5,731 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Lake Miltona

    limited
    46.04, -95.375,731 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    36.6 within-system score · 11,920.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 2.08 fish/net set · 2023 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 36.6/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 11,920.5 (2.08 fish/net set × 5,731 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 2.08 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2023
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 22, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 22 normal range 3-7.9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  4. 431.7system score
    1,186 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Chippewa Lake

    available
    46.00, -95.541,186 acres | 95 ft maxVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    31.7 within-system score · 4,245.2 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.58 fish/net set · 2025 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 31.7/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 4,245.2 (3.58 fish/net set × 1,186 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.58 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2025
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 22, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 22 normal range 3-7.9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  5. Ranked within standard summer july mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 3 to 7 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    193.5system score
    2,605 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Lake Carlos

    limited
    45.97, -95.362,605 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    93.5 within-system score · 33,006.7 lake-scale opportunity index · 12.67 fish/net set · 2024 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 93.5/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 33,006.7 (12.67 fish/net set × 2,605 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 12.67 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2024
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 22, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 22 normal range 3-7.9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  6. 252.3system score
    767 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Lake Latoka

    limited
    45.87, -95.43767 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    52.3 within-system score · 11,438.1 lake-scale opportunity index · 14.92 fish/net set · 2021 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 52.3/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 11,438.1 (14.92 fish/net set × 767 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 14.92 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2021
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 22, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 22 normal range 3-7.9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  7. 324.9system score
    5,731 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Lake Miltona

    limited
    46.04, -95.375,731 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    24.9 within-system score · 15,645.6 lake-scale opportunity index · 2.73 fish/net set · 2007 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 24.9/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 15,645.6 (2.73 fish/net set × 5,731 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 2.73 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2007
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 22, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 22 normal range 3-7.9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  8. 414.9system score
    1,186 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Chippewa Lake

    available
    46.00, -95.541,186 acres | 95 ft maxVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    14.9 within-system score · 9,391.6 lake-scale opportunity index · 7.92 fish/net set · 2001 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 14.9/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 9,391.6 (7.92 fish/net set × 1,186 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 7.92 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2001
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 22, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 22 normal range 3-7.9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  9. Ranked within standard summer july mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 2 8 to 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    190.2system score
    824 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Lake Moses

    limited
    46.06, -95.60824 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    90.2 within-system score · 10,437.8 lake-scale opportunity index · 12.67 fish/net set · 1987 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 90.2/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 10,437.8 (12.67 fish/net set × 824 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 12.67 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1987
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 27, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 27 normal range 2.8-9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  10. 287.3system score
    923 acres

    Douglas County, MN

    Lake Andrew

    limited
    45.82, -95.42923 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    87.3 within-system score · 10,962.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 11.88 fish/net set · 1980 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 87.3/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 10,962.5 (11.88 fish/net set × 923 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 11.88 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1980
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 27, standard summer july
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 27 normal range 2.8-9 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (northern pike)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
RankLakeCountyAcresSystem scorePrimary score signalSurvey measurementMetric yearFishing reportDNR statusNorthern Pike stocking
3Lake RachelDouglas44858.5index 3,984.18.89 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
4Lake GenevaDouglas6407.3index 1,561.12.44 fish/net set2012No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 3 1 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lobster LakeDouglas1,33465.4index 13,569.310.17 fish/net set1979No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake MinaDouglas41162.1index 6,306.915.33 fish/net set1987No · 0% signalNo record—
3Lake VictoriaDouglas41710.0index 3,334.58 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 2 8 to 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake MaryDouglas2,45092.9index 12,448.25.08 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake IreneDouglas63952.5index 3,567.15.58 fish/net set2020No · 0% signalNo record—
3Lake GenevaDouglas6408.0index 1,989.83.11 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 2 8 to 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake MosesDouglas82493.1index 10,569.612.83 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake AndrewDouglas92386.5index 11,147.112.08 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
3Lake RachelDouglas4480.0index 4,880.510.89 fish/net set2018No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 34 standard gill nets normal 2 3 to 9 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Freeborn LakeDouglas248100.0index 4,786.719.33 fish/net set2020No · 0% signalNo record—
2Blackwell LakeDouglas30710.0index 2,867.89.33 fish/net set2020No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 3 1 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lobster LakeDouglas1,334100.0index 15,237.111.42 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake MinaDouglas4110.0index 3,4278.33 fish/net set2020No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 34 standard gill nets normal 2 3 to 9 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Crooked LakeDouglas284100.0index 1,989.57 fish/net set2021No · 0% signalNo record—
2Devils LakeDouglas23410.0index 1,284.95.5 fish/net set2021No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 3 to 7 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lake IdaDouglas4,44565.0index 54,232.512.2 fish/net set1985No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake Le Homme DieuDouglas1,80135.0index 25,663.514.25 fish/net set1984No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 24 standard gill nets normal 1 5 to 7 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Chippewa LakeDouglas271100.0index 2,668.19.83 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake AgnesDouglas1370.0index 412.43 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 30 standard gill nets normal 2 5 to 7 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Indian LakeDouglas99——14 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 30 standard gill nets normal 2 5 to 7 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Indian LakeDouglas99——16 fish/net set1978No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 3 5 to 10 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Brophy LakeDouglas297——6.5 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 38 standard gill nets normal 2 to 10 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Gilbert LakeDouglas202——10.67 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 3 1 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake VictoriaDouglas417——6 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 3 5 to 10 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake LouiseDouglas214——15.83 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 34 standard gill nets normal 2 3 to 9 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake AaronDouglas610——15.67 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 41 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 7 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake ChristinaDouglas3,971——17.5 fish/net set1999No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 42 standard gill nets normal 1 5 to 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake WinonaDouglas213——5 fish/net set1999No · 0% signalNo record—

Methodology

How this list is built

County ranks use the same statewide exact-family contract; systems with at least two eligible county peers restart at #1. The score is 55% survey rate × acreage, 35% survey rate, and 10% recency. Catch-per-effort × acreage is only an opportunity index, never a literal fish count. Documented acreage plus verified public or shore access are eligibility gates. Unsupported methods stay documented but unranked. See the complete definitions on the statewide northern pike ranking.

FAQ

Douglas County northern pike fishing FAQ

Which northern pike lakes receive a numeric county rank?

21 lakes receive at least one peer-backed, exact-lake numeric rank. Catch-per-effort systems separate species, phase, gear, unit, and sampled population; standardized adult-density estimates form their own system, so systems with at least two eligible county peers can each have a #1 in Douglas County.

How many Douglas County lakes have northern pike?

28 Douglas County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence. Numeric rank still requires an exact comparable family plus the acreage and access gates.

Best northern pike lakes statewideBest musky in Douglas CountyBest walleye in Douglas CountyBest smallmouth bass in Douglas CountyBest panfish in Douglas CountyBest largemouth bass in Douglas CountyAll Douglas County lakes

Source data: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder fisheries surveys, lake classes, morphology, and public-access records. Rankings are LakeList's computed opinion from public agency data, not a DNR endorsement. Conditions and regulations change — verify access and rules before you go.