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Minnesota›Best lakes›Northern Pike›Lake County

MN · ranked by public data

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

25 Lake County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence for northern pike; 25 lakes with status, survey, or report evidence met our criteria, out of 760 documented lakes in the county. Updated July 2026.

  1. Ranked within standard summer june mn class 17 standard gill nets normal 3 to 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    195.1system score
    63 acres

    Lake County, MN

    East Chub Lake

    limited
    47.68, -91.6263 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    95.1 within-system score · 1,187.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 19 fish/net set · 2012 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 95.1/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,187.5 (19 fish/net set × 63 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 19 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2012
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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. 272.6system score
    176 acres

    Lake County, MN

    Cloquet Lake

    limited
    47.44, -91.49176 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, walleye

    72.6 within-system score · 1,258.9 lake-scale opportunity index · 7.17 fish/net set · 2019 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 72.6/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,258.9 (7.17 fish/net set × 176 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 7.17 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2019
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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. 351.0system score
    150 acres

    Lake County, MN

    Christianson Lake

    available
    47.26, -91.68150 acres | 8 ft maxVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    51.0 within-system score · 776.2 lake-scale opportunity index · 5.17 fish/net set · 2024 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 51.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 776.2 (5.17 fish/net set × 150 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 5.17 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2024
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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. 442.9system score
    68 acres

    Lake County, MN

    Cramer Lake

    limited
    47.52, -91.1068 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, pumpkinseed

    42.9 within-system score · 546.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 8 fish/net set · 2019 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 42.9/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 546.5 (8 fish/net set × 68 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 8 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2019
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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. 529.4system score
    79 acres

    Lake County, MN

    Cross River Lake

    limited
    47.69, -91.0379 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    29.4 within-system score · 433 lake-scale opportunity index · 5.5 fish/net set · 2023 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 29.4/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 433 (5.5 fish/net set × 79 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 5.5 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2023
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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. 613.8system score
    52 acres

    Lake County, MN

    Flat Horn Lake

    limited
    47.66, -91.4652 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    13.8 within-system score · 293.6 lake-scale opportunity index · 5.67 fish/net set · 2017 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 13.8/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 293.6 (5.67 fish/net set × 52 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 5.67 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2017
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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. 710.5system score
    119 acres

    Lake County, MN

    Grouse Lake

    limited
    47.69, -91.45119 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    10.5 within-system score · 387.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.25 fish/net set · 1979 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 10.5/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 387.5 (3.25 fish/net set × 119 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.25 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1979
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer june
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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. Ranked within standard summer august mn class 17 standard gill nets normal 3 to 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    193.6system score
    176 acres

    Lake County, MN

    Cloquet Lake

    limited
    47.44, -91.49176 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, walleye

    93.6 within-system score · 1,316.9 lake-scale opportunity index · 7.5 fish/net set · 2010 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 93.6/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 1,316.9 (7.5 fish/net set × 176 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 7.5 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2010
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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. 270.8system score
    63 acres

    Lake County, MN

    East Chub Lake

    limited
    47.68, -91.6263 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    70.8 within-system score · 562.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 9 fish/net set · 1982 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 70.8/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 562.5 (9 fish/net set × 63 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 9 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1982
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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. 359.2system score
    79 acres

    Lake County, MN

    Cross River Lake

    limited
    47.69, -91.0379 acresVerified public accessnorthern pike, black crappie

    59.2 within-system score · 531.4 lake-scale opportunity index · 6.75 fish/net set · 1980 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 59.2/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 531.4 (6.75 fish/net set × 79 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 6.75 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1980
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 17, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 17 normal range 3-9 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
4Grouse LakeLake11942.6index 417.33.5 fish/net set1989No · 0% signalNo record—
5Flat Horn LakeLake5215.1index 155.43 fish/net set1982No · 0% signalNo record—
6Christianson LakeLake1500.3index 124.60.83 fish/net set1981No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 17 standard gill nets normal 3 to 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Cramer LakeLake6888.7index 1,09316 fish/net set2010No · 0% signalNo record—
2Cloquet LakeLake17679.9index 1,346.77.67 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
3East Chub LakeLake6376.7index 791.912.67 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
4Cross River LakeLake7942.9index 472.36 fish/net set2013No · 0% signalNo record—
5Flat Horn LakeLake5213.0index 224.34.33 fish/net set1999No · 0% signalNo record—
6Grouse LakeLake1197.2index 178.81.5 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 12 standard gill nets normal 2 to 6 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Crooked LakeLake272100.0index 1,903.37 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
2August LakeLake22935.9index 647.22.83 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
3Kawishiwi LakeLake37228.7index 806.52.17 fish/net set1961No · 0% signalNo record—
4Dragon LakeLake7916.6index 316.64 fish/net set1982No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 7 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 3 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Isabella LakeLake1,25789.2index 5,871.34.67 fish/net set1976No · 0% signalNo record—
2Fall LakeLake2,25877.5index 6,030.12.67 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
3Farm LakeLake1,29252.2index 3,010.22.33 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
4Garden LakeLake65310.0index 1,019.21.56 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 12 standard gill nets normal 2 to 6 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Kawishiwi LakeLake37291.4index 2,601.57 fish/net set1983No · 0% signalNo record—
2August LakeLake22949.5index 1,006.24.4 fish/net set1977No · 0% signalNo record—
3Dragon LakeLake7938.7index 395.85 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
4Crooked LakeLake2728.8index 318.11.17 fish/net set2014No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 7 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 3 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Isabella LakeLake1,25774.4index 2,728.22.17 fish/net set1983No · 0% signalNo record—
2Farm LakeLake1,29269.9index 2,583.82 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
3Fall LakeLake2,25860.6index 3,952.31.75 fish/net set1982No · 0% signalNo record—
4Garden LakeLake65310.0index 1,091.11.67 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 7 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 3 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Fall LakeLake2,25890.0index 7,791.73.45 fish/net set2012No · 0% signalNo record—
2Lake OneLake84674.7index 2,8173.33 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
3Farm LakeLake1,29213.4index 1,291.91 fish/net set2012No · 0% signalNo record—
4Garden LakeLake6531.6index 725.21.11 fish/net set2012No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 16 standard gill nets normal 2 to 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Greenwood LakeLake1,329100.0index 4,785.23.6 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
2Bog LakeLake2590.0index 646.32.5 fish/net set2010No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 16 standard gill nets normal 2 to 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Greenwood LakeLake1,329100.0index 7,749.35.83 fish/net set2000No · 0% signalNo record—
2Bog LakeLake2590.0index 581.72.25 fish/net set1985No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 6 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 3 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Harriet LakeLake265100.0index 1,279.94.83 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
2Little Gabbro LakeLake1480.0index 479.53.25 fish/net set1977No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 12 standard gill nets normal 2 to 6 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1August LakeLake22955.0index 6863 fish/net set1962No · 0% signalNo record—
2Dragon LakeLake7945.0index 263.63.33 fish/net set2010No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 3 standard gill nets normal 0 6 to 2 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Cedar LakeLake465——3.44 fish/net set2006No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 5 standard gill nets normal 1 8 to 5 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lax LakeLake295——6.17 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 6 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 3 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Harriet LakeLake265——3 fish/net set2004No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 13 standard gill nets normal 2 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Little Wilson LakeLake55——5.33 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 15 standard gill nets normal 2 8 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake GegokaLake145——6.25 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 3 standard gill nets normal 0 6 to 2 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Cedar LakeLake465——2.56 fish/net set2020No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 5 standard gill nets normal 1 8 to 5 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lax LakeLake295——0.17 fish/net set1958No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 13 standard gill nets normal 2 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Little Wilson LakeLake55——1.4 fish/net set1977No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 15 standard gill nets normal 2 8 to 8 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake GegokaLake145——5 fish/net set1978No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 16 standard gill nets normal 2 to 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Greenwood LakeLake1,329——5 fish/net set1978No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 3 standard gill nets normal 0 6 to 2 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Cedar LakeLake465——2.89 fish/net set2002No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 5 standard gill nets normal 1 8 to 5 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lax LakeLake295——10.57 fish/net set1980No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 6 standard gill nets normal 1 2 to 3 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Harriet LakeLake265——5.5 fish/net set1984No · 0% signalNo record—
Documented species evidence — unranked and alphabetical
—Dam Five LakeLake78————No · 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

Lake County northern pike fishing FAQ

Which northern pike lakes receive a numeric county rank?

20 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 Lake County.

How many Lake County lakes have northern pike?

25 Lake 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 Lake CountyBest walleye in Lake CountyBest smallmouth bass in Lake CountyBest panfish in Lake CountyBest largemouth bass in Lake CountyAll Lake 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.