Hickory Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Aitkin. DNR lake ID 01017900.
Hickory Lake is a 211.6-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Aitkin. Its deepest point reaches 32 ft, and about 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 11.4 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring. The DNR lists it for zebra mussel. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Hickory Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01017900 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Aitkin |
| Surface area | 211.6 acres |
| Maximum depth | 32 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 52% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 11.4 ft through 2025 (satellite estimate) |
| Invasive species | zebra mussel |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 11.4 ft.
Fishing on Hickory Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2015 (11 years ago). Catch per net is compared with the DNR’s typical range for lakes of the same type.
| Species | Net | Catch per net | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | gill | 1.0 | 0.5 to 3.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 12.83 | 4.8 to 12.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.33 | 2.0 to 21.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.83 | 1.0 to 4.8 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.33 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.17 | 0.3 to 1.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 18.0 in (2015), Walleye 21.0 in (2015), Northern pike 31.0 in (2015).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: zebra mussel (listed 2023).
Public boat access
- Hickory Lake: carry-in or shore access, 3 trailer spaces. 5.5 miles south of Aitkin on US Highway #169, on the west shore of Hickory lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Little Pine Lake 0.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Spirit Lake 1.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Dummer Lake 1.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Mallard Lake 2.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Farm Island Lake 2.3 mi, Aitkin County
- Bachelor Lake 2.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Diamond Lake 2.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Hanging Kettle Lake 2.6 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Hickory Lake
How deep is Hickory Lake?
Hickory Lake reaches a maximum depth of 32 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 52% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Hickory Lake?
Hickory Lake covers about 211.6 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Hickory Lake?
Summer water clarity on Hickory Lake averages 11.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025.
Does Hickory Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Hickory Lake for zebra mussel.
What fish are in Hickory Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Hickory Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2015.
Where is the public boat access on Hickory Lake?
Hickory Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Hickory Lake.
How is the walleye population on Hickory Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2015, walleye numbers on Hickory Lake ran mostly within the typical range for similar lakes. Nets measure how many fish a lake holds, not where they’re biting, so local guides are the best source for current fishing.
Are there lake homes for sale on Hickory Lake?
Homes on Hickory Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Hickory Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Hickory Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 52% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 11.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Hickory Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Hickory Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Hickory Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Aitkin County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2015), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.