Sheriff Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Lawler. DNR lake ID 01002700.
Sheriff Lake is an 88.4-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Lawler. Its deepest point reaches 80 ft, and about 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 8.4 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 Sheriff 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 | 01002700 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Lawler |
| Surface area | 88.4 acres |
| Maximum depth | 80 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 50% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 8.4 ft through 2017 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 27.6 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 14.0 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| 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 2017: clarity 8.4 ft, phosphorus 27.6 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 14.0 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Sheriff Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Sheriff Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2016 (10 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 | trap | 0.67 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 7.75 | 2.0 to 8.0 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.67 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 7.5 | 1.5 to 18.5 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.33 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Black crappie | gill | 2.75 | 0.5 to 4.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.89 | 1.0 to 6.1 |
| Bluegill | trap | 13.11 | 7.9 to 37.7 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 1.5 | 0.5 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.89 | 0.5 to 2.0 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.0 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 4.0 | 1.1 to 4.7 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.22 | n/a |
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 25.0 in (2016), Northern pike 29.0 in (2016), Largemouth bass 13.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Yellow bullhead, Brown 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
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Starvation Lake 3.3 mi, Aitkin County
- Nelson Lake 5.4 mi, Aitkin County
- Douglas Lake 5.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Mandy Lake 7.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Round Lake 7.9 mi, Aitkin County
- Bass Lake 8.8 mi, Aitkin County
- Minnewawa Lake 9.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Horseshoe Lake 9.3 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Sheriff Lake
How deep is Sheriff Lake?
Sheriff Lake reaches a maximum depth of 80 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 50% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Sheriff Lake?
Sheriff Lake covers about 88.4 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Sheriff Lake?
Summer water clarity on Sheriff Lake averages 8.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2017. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Sheriff Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Sheriff 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 Sheriff Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead in Sheriff Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
How is the walleye population on Sheriff Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2014, walleye numbers on Sheriff 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 Sheriff Lake?
Homes on Sheriff 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 Sheriff Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Sheriff Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 50% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 8.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Sheriff Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Sheriff Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Sheriff 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 2016), 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.