Hill Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Hill City. DNR lake ID 01014200.
Hill Lake is a 794-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Hill City. Its deepest point reaches 48 ft, and about 45% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.0 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the eutrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01014200 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Hill City |
| Surface area | 794 acres |
| Maximum depth | 48 ft |
| Mean depth | 21.8 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 45% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.0 ft through 2016 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 104.8 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 9.9 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 2 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2016: clarity 9.0 ft, phosphorus 104.8 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 9.9 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Hill Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Hill Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2020 (6 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 | 3.17 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.25 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.5 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.83 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 4.58 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.17 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 9.75 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.75 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 3.92 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 16.25 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.25 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.25 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.42 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.83 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 17.0 in (2020), Walleye 25.0 in (2020), Northern pike 32.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Brook trout, Bowfin, Shorthead redhorse, 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
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
- Hill Lake (N): 2 concrete slab launch ramps, 1 dock, 7 trailer spaces. NE end of Hill City in City Park on W shore. Directions
- Hill Lake (S): 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 11 trailer spaces. In Hill City, E. on MN Highway 200. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Previs Lake 0.9 mi, Aitkin County
- Chamberlin Lake 1.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Bible Lake 2.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Maple Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Dinner Pail Lake 2.8 mi, Itasca County
- Taylor Lake 3.7 mi, Aitkin County
- Mountain Ash Lake 3.8 mi, Itasca County
- Washburn Lake 6.2 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Hill Lake
How deep is Hill Lake?
Hill Lake reaches a maximum depth of 48 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 45% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Hill Lake?
Hill Lake covers about 794 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Hill Lake?
Summer water clarity on Hill Lake averages 9.0 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2016. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Hill Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Hill Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
What fish are in Hill Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, brook trout in Hill Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Hill Lake?
Hill Lake has 2 public water access sites on DNR record: Hill Lake (N); Hill Lake (S).
How is the walleye population on Hill Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2020, walleye numbers on Hill 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 Hill Lake?
Homes on Hill 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 Hill Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Hill Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 45% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.0 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Hill Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Hill Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Hill 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 2020), 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.