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Minnesota›Best lakes›Panfish›Aitkin County

MN · ranked by public data

Best Panfish Lakes by DNR Survey System and Lake-Scale Opportunity in Aitkin County, Minnesota

24 Aitkin County lakes have exact-water DNR survey evidence for panfish; 24 lakes with status, survey, or report evidence met our criteria, out of 248 documented lakes in the county. Updated July 2026.

  1. Ranked within standard summer august mn class 23 standard trap nets normal 0 5 to 2 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    165.0system score
    638 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Big Pine Lake

    available
    46.36, -93.77638 acres | 78 ft maxVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    65.0 within-system score · 268 lake-scale opportunity index · 0.42 fish/net set · 2021 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 65.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 268 (0.42 fish/net set × 638 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 0.42 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2021
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard trap nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 0.5-2.2 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  2. 235.0system score
    169 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Ball Bluff Lake

    available
    46.93, -93.28169 acres | 78 ft maxVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    35.0 within-system score · 101.2 lake-scale opportunity index · 0.6 fish/net set · 1977 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 35.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 101.2 (0.6 fish/net set × 169 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 0.6 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1977
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard trap nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 0.5-2.2 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  3. Ranked within standard summer august mn class 23 standard trap nets normal 7 7 to 43 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    165.0system score
    638 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Big Pine Lake

    available
    46.36, -93.77638 acres | 78 ft maxVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    65.0 within-system score · 2,022.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 3.17 fish/net set · 2021 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 65.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 2,022.5 (3.17 fish/net set × 638 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 3.17 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2021
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard trap nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 7.7-43.4 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  4. 235.0system score
    169 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Ball Bluff Lake

    available
    46.93, -93.28169 acres | 78 ft maxVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    35.0 within-system score · 944.4 lake-scale opportunity index · 5.6 fish/net set · 1977 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 35.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 944.4 (5.6 fish/net set × 169 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 5.6 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1977
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard trap nets, lake class 23, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 23 normal range 7.7-43.4 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  5. Ranked within standard summer august mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 2 5 to 24 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    190.0system score
    794 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Hill Lake

    limited
    47.01, -93.59794 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    90.0 within-system score · 36,921.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 46.5 fish/net set · 1985 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 90.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 36,921.5 (46.5 fish/net set × 794 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 46.5 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1985
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 25, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 25 normal range 2.5-24.2 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  6. 210.0system score
    1,726 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Cedar Lake

    limited
    46.50, -93.801,726 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    10.0 within-system score · 86.3 lake-scale opportunity index · 0.05 fish/net set · 2024 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 10.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 86.3 (0.05 fish/net set × 1,726 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 0.05 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2024
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard gill nets, lake class 25, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 25 normal range 2.5-24.2 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  7. Ranked within standard summer august mn class 25 standard trap nets normal 0 7 to 3 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    1100.0system score
    1,726 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Cedar Lake

    limited
    46.50, -93.801,726 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    100.0 within-system score · 2,019.2 lake-scale opportunity index · 1.17 fish/net set · 2021 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 100.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 2,019.2 (1.17 fish/net set × 1,726 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1.17 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2021
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard trap nets, lake class 25, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 25 normal range 0.7-3.2 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  8. 20.0system score
    794 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Hill Lake

    limited
    47.01, -93.59794 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    0.0 within-system score · 857.5 lake-scale opportunity index · 1.08 fish/net set · 1985 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 0.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 857.5 (1.08 fish/net set × 794 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 1.08 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1985
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard trap nets, lake class 25, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 25 normal range 0.7-3.2 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  9. Ranked within standard summer august mn class 25 standard trap nets normal 5 6 to 42 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1

    1100.0system score
    1,726 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Cedar Lake

    limited
    46.50, -93.801,726 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    100.0 within-system score · 14,600.3 lake-scale opportunity index · 8.46 fish/net set · 2021 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 100.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 14,600.3 (8.46 fish/net set × 1,726 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 8.46 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 2021
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard trap nets, lake class 25, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 25 normal range 5.6-42.3 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
  10. 20.0system score
    794 acres

    Aitkin County, MN

    Hill Lake

    limited
    47.01, -93.59794 acresVerified public accessblack crappie, bluegill

    0.0 within-system score · 659 lake-scale opportunity index · 0.83 fish/net set · 1985 DNR survey

    How this within-system rank was determined
    • Within-system score: 0.0/100
    • Lake scale (55%): opportunity index 659 (0.83 fish/net set × 794 acres; not a fish count)
    • Survey rate (35%): 0.83 fish/net set
    • Survey recency (10%): 1985
    • Survey method: Minnesota DNR standard trap nets, lake class 25, standard summer august
    • Minnesota DNR lake class 25 normal range 5.6-42.3 fish/net set
    • DNR abundance label: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • DNR fisheries survey evidence: Recorded in DNR fisheries survey (black crappie)
    • Species fishing reports: not covered by this ranking dataset
    • Stocking history: not covered by this ranking dataset
RankLakeCountyAcresSystem scorePrimary score signalSurvey measurementMetric yearFishing reportDNR statusPanfish stocking
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 7 to 46 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Esquagamah LakeAitkin842100.0index 36,207.743 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
2Dam LakeAitkin5980.0index 2,737.34.58 fish/net set1994No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 27 standard trap nets normal 0 4 to 2 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Esquagamah LakeAitkin842100.0index 4,631.25.5 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
2Dam LakeAitkin5980.0index 1,153.51.93 fish/net set1994No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer august mn class 27 standard trap nets normal 4 4 to 49 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Esquagamah LakeAitkin842100.0index 8,984.610.67 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
2Dam LakeAitkin5980.0index 6,275.410.5 fish/net set1994No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 7 1 to 33 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Big Sandy LakeAitkin6,12590.0index 56,899.99.29 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
2Farm Island LakeAitkin2,00510.0index 661.70.33 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 22 standard trap nets normal 0 3 to 1 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Big Sandy LakeAitkin6,125100.0index 5,818.60.95 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
2Farm Island LakeAitkin2,0050.0index 4010.2 fish/net set2013No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 22 standard trap nets normal 3 7 to 42 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Big Sandy LakeAitkin6,12555.0index 24,193.23.95 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
2Farm Island LakeAitkin2,00545.0index 11,630.15.8 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 7 to 46 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Esquagamah LakeAitkin84290.0index 9,826.611.67 fish/net set1992No · 0% signalNo record—
2Dam LakeAitkin59810.0index 346.60.58 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 27 standard trap nets normal 0 4 to 2 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Esquagamah LakeAitkin84290.0index 6,6697.92 fish/net set1992No · 0% signalNo record—
2Dam LakeAitkin59810.0index 848.71.42 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 27 standard trap nets normal 4 4 to 49 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Esquagamah LakeAitkin84290.0index 18,735.422.25 fish/net set1992No · 0% signalNo record—
2Dam LakeAitkin59810.0index 3,538.15.92 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 29 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 4 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hay LakeAitkin12990.0index 4733.67 fish/net set2013No · 0% signalNo record—
2Clear LakeAitkin57410.0index 97.50.17 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 29 standard trap nets normal 8 3 to 50 1 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Clear LakeAitkin574100.0index 36,658.163.92 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
2Hay LakeAitkin1290.0index 3,036.423.56 fish/net set2013No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 3 4 to 43 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hanging Kettle LakeAitkin31865.0index 794.92.5 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
2French LakeAitkin14935.0index 771.75.17 fish/net set1981No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 31 standard trap nets normal 0 7 to 3 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hanging Kettle LakeAitkin31865.0index 5311.67 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
2French LakeAitkin14935.0index 485.13.25 fish/net set1981No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer july mn class 31 standard trap nets normal 6 1 to 46 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hanging Kettle LakeAitkin318100.0index 5,545.417.44 fish/net set2019No · 0% signalNo record—
2French LakeAitkin1490.0index 820.95.5 fish/net set1981No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 1 5 to 13 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lone LakeAitkin433100.0index 723.91.67 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
2Ball Bluff LakeAitkin1690.0index 28.70.17 fish/net set2021No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 23 standard trap nets normal 0 5 to 2 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lone LakeAitkin433100.0index 385.80.89 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
2Ball Bluff LakeAitkin1690.0index 42.20.25 fish/net set2021No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 23 standard trap nets normal 7 7 to 43 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Lone LakeAitkin43365.0index 6,116.514.11 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
2Ball Bluff LakeAitkin16935.0index 2,593.715.38 fish/net set2021No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 29 standard gill nets normal 2 to 21 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hickory LakeAitkin21290.0index 281.41.33 fish/net set2010No · 0% signalNo record—
2Hay LakeAitkin12910.0index 128.91 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 29 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 4 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hay LakeAitkin129100.0index 344.12.67 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
2Hickory LakeAitkin2120.0index 46.50.22 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 29 standard trap nets normal 8 3 to 50 1 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hickory LakeAitkin21290.0index 1,997.39.44 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
2Hay LakeAitkin12945.0index 1,216.69.44 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 3 4 to 43 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hanging Kettle LakeAitkin318100.0index 8492.67 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
2Little Pine LakeAitkin2260.0index 113.20.5 fish/net set2006No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 31 standard trap nets normal 0 7 to 3 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Hanging Kettle LakeAitkin318100.0index 508.81.6 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
2Little Pine LakeAitkin22610.0index 185.60.82 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Ranked within standard summer june mn class 31 standard trap nets normal 6 1 to 46 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — ranks restart at 1
1Little Pine LakeAitkin226100.0index 5,904.226.09 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
2Hanging Kettle LakeAitkin31810.0index 4,54714.3 fish/net set2023No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 20 standard gill nets normal 1 5 to 18 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Blue LakeAitkin54——1.5 fish/net set1987No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 20 standard trap nets normal 7 9 to 37 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Blue LakeAitkin54——62.25 fish/net set1987No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 22 standard gill nets normal 7 1 to 33 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Farm Island LakeAitkin2,005——0.27 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 22 standard trap nets normal 0 3 to 1 7 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Farm Island LakeAitkin2,005——0.07 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 22 standard trap nets normal 3 7 to 42 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Farm Island LakeAitkin2,005——8.27 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 1 5 to 13 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Big Pine LakeAitkin638——3.09 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 31 standard gill nets normal 3 4 to 43 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—French LakeAitkin149——1.33 fish/net set2004No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 31 standard trap nets normal 0 7 to 3 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—French LakeAitkin149——1.33 fish/net set2004No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 31 standard trap nets normal 6 1 to 46 6 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—French LakeAitkin149——8.56 fish/net set2004No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 32 standard gill nets normal 1 to 10 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hammal LakeAitkin376——0.5 fish/net set2012No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 32 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hammal LakeAitkin376——1.33 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 32 standard trap nets normal 9 5 to 57 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hammal LakeAitkin376——8.67 fish/net set2022No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 39 standard gill nets normal 8 to 40 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fleming LakeAitkin319——100.67 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 39 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 6 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fleming LakeAitkin319——12.22 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 39 standard trap nets normal 2 5 to 25 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fleming LakeAitkin319——20.56 fish/net set2017No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 41 standard gill nets normal 3 to 22 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake MinnewawaAitkin2,351——15.56 fish/net set1982No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 41 standard trap nets normal 1 to 12 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake MinnewawaAitkin2,351——4.5 fish/net set1982No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer august mn class 41 standard trap nets normal 1 to 14 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake MinnewawaAitkin2,351——28.2 fish/net set1982No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 23 standard gill nets normal 1 5 to 13 8 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Ball Bluff LakeAitkin169——5 fish/net set1993No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 23 standard trap nets normal 0 5 to 2 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Ball Bluff LakeAitkin169——0.33 fish/net set1993No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 23 standard trap nets normal 7 7 to 43 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Ball Bluff LakeAitkin169——32 fish/net set1993No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 25 standard gill nets normal 2 5 to 24 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hill LakeAitkin794——13.67 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 25 standard trap nets normal 0 7 to 3 2 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hill LakeAitkin794——1 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 25 standard trap nets normal 5 6 to 42 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hill LakeAitkin794——6.83 fish/net set2025No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 29 standard gill nets normal 2 to 21 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Clear LakeAitkin574——4.33 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 32 standard gill nets normal 1 to 10 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hanson LakeAitkin143——0.33 fish/net set2006No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 32 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hanson LakeAitkin143——2.67 fish/net set2006No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 32 standard trap nets normal 9 5 to 57 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hanson LakeAitkin143——22.67 fish/net set2006No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 39 standard gill nets normal 8 to 40 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fleming LakeAitkin319——64 fish/net set2003No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 39 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 6 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fleming LakeAitkin319——15.78 fish/net set2003No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 39 standard trap nets normal 2 5 to 25 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Fleming LakeAitkin319——25.78 fish/net set2003No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 41 standard gill nets normal 3 to 22 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake MinnewawaAitkin2,351——8.6 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 41 standard trap nets normal 1 to 12 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake MinnewawaAitkin2,351——1.07 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer july mn class 41 standard trap nets normal 1 to 14 9 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Lake MinnewawaAitkin2,351——11.73 fish/net set2024No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 27 standard gill nets normal 7 to 46 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Dam LakeAitkin598——24.25 fish/net set1990No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 27 standard trap nets normal 0 4 to 2 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Dam LakeAitkin598——0.86 fish/net set1990No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 27 standard trap nets normal 4 4 to 49 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Dam LakeAitkin598——41.29 fish/net set1990No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 32 standard gill nets normal 1 to 10 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hanson LakeAitkin143——4.17 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 32 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 4 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hanson LakeAitkin143——1.56 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 32 standard trap nets normal 9 5 to 57 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Hanson LakeAitkin143——13.11 fish/net set2016No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 39 standard gill nets normal 8 to 40 3 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Blind LakeAitkin304——8 fish/net set2018No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 39 standard trap nets normal 0 8 to 6 5 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Blind LakeAitkin304——3.67 fish/net set2018No · 0% signalNo record—
Comparable standard summer june mn class 39 standard trap nets normal 2 5 to 25 catch per effort (fish per net set) — one lake recorded, no peer rank
—Blind LakeAitkin304——8.89 fish/net set2018No · 0% signalNo record—
Documented species evidence — unranked and alphabetical
—Blackface LakeAitkin192————No · 0% signalNo record—
—Elm Island LakeAitkin520————No · 0% signalNo record—
—Gun LakeAitkin712————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 panfish ranking.

FAQ

Aitkin County panfish fishing FAQ

Which panfish lakes receive a numeric county rank?

15 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 Aitkin County.

How many Aitkin County lakes have panfish?

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

Best panfish lakes statewideBest musky in Aitkin CountyBest walleye in Aitkin CountyBest smallmouth bass in Aitkin CountyBest largemouth bass in Aitkin CountyBest northern pike in Aitkin CountyAll Aitkin 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.