Rat Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. DNR lake ID 01007700.
Rat Lake is a 431.3-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. Its deepest point reaches 21 ft, and about 90% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 5.3 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.
Buying or selling on Rat 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 | 01007700 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Palisade |
| Surface area | 431.3 acres |
| Maximum depth | 21 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 90% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 5.3 ft through 2025 |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Clearer (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 5.3 ft. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Rat Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: clearer.
Fishing on Rat Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2022 (4 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 | 0.83 | 1.5 to 5.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.83 | 4.6 to 11.6 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.0 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 8.5 | 8.0 to 40.3 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 0.25 | 0.8 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | gill | 7.17 | 1.0 to 7.3 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.25 | 0.8 to 6.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 4.33 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 12.92 | 2.5 to 25.0 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.17 | 0.3 to 0.9 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.5 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.92 | 1.4 to 8.6 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.08 | n/a |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2022), Northern pike 30.0 in (2022), Walleye 21.0 in (2022).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Bowfin, White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead, Black bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 10. (DNR Quality Sunfish Initiative)
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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Sandy River 1.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Flowage 1.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Brown Lake 3.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Big Sandy Lake 4.3 mi, Aitkin County
- Minnewawa Lake 4.3 mi, Aitkin County
- Round Lake 5.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Davis Lake 5.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Anderson Lake 5.5 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Rat Lake
How deep is Rat Lake?
Rat Lake reaches a maximum depth of 21 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 90% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Rat Lake?
Rat Lake covers about 431.3 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Rat Lake?
Summer water clarity on Rat Lake averages 5.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Rat Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Rat 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 Rat Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, bowfin, white sucker in Rat Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2022.
How is the walleye population on Rat Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2022, walleye numbers on Rat Lake ran mostly below 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 Rat Lake?
Homes on Rat 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 Rat Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Rat Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 90% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 5.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Rat Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 10.
Ask us about Rat 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 2022), 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.