Waukenabo Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. DNR lake ID 01013600.
Waukenabo Lake is a 667.7-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. Its deepest point reaches 38 ft, and about 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 7.6 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 | 01013600 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Palisade |
| Surface area | 667.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 38 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 44% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 7.6 ft through 2020 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 44.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 13.8 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 1 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2020: clarity 7.6 ft, phosphorus 44.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 13.8 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Waukenabo Lake rates as eutrophic.
Fishing on Waukenabo 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 | 1.75 | 3.3 to 8.8 |
| Northern pike | gill | 2.42 | 2.8 to 9.0 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.67 | 7.0 to 46.3 |
| Black crappie | gill | 7.08 | 0.4 to 2.7 |
| Bluegill | gill | 2.42 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.42 | 0.3 to 1.4 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 0.08 | n/a |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.17 | 0.6 to 3.9 |
Walleye catch was below the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Walleye 22.0 in (2020), Largemouth bass 16.0 in (2020), Northern pike 35.0 in (2020).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, 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
- Waukenabo Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 9 trailer spaces. 21 miles south of Hil City on SW shore of Waukenabo Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Round Lake 1.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Esquagamah Lake 3.4 mi, Aitkin County
- White Elk Lake 6.6 mi, Aitkin County
- Starry Lake 7.0 mi, Aitkin County
- Moulton Lake 7.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Gun Lake 7.7 mi, Aitkin County
- Brown Lake 8.2 mi, Aitkin County
- Blind Lake 8.3 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Waukenabo Lake
How deep is Waukenabo Lake?
Waukenabo Lake reaches a maximum depth of 38 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 44% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Waukenabo Lake?
Waukenabo Lake covers about 667.7 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Waukenabo Lake?
Summer water clarity on Waukenabo Lake averages 7.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2020. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Waukenabo Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Waukenabo 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 Waukenabo Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, bowfin in Waukenabo Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2020.
Where is the public boat access on Waukenabo Lake?
Waukenabo Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Waukenabo Lake.
How is the walleye population on Waukenabo Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1990 to 2020, walleye numbers on Waukenabo 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 Waukenabo Lake?
Homes on Waukenabo 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 Waukenabo Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Waukenabo Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 44% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 7.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Waukenabo Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 10.
Ask us about Waukenabo 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.