Wilkins Lake
Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. DNR lake ID 01010200.
Wilkins Lake is a 348.9-acre lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota, near Palisade. Its deepest point reaches 39 ft, and about 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 13.4 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.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 01010200 |
|---|---|
| County | Aitkin County, near Palisade |
| Surface area | 348.9 acres |
| Maximum depth | 39 ft |
| Mean depth | 20.0 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 30% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 13.4 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 67.0 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Eutrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2025) |
| 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 2025: clarity 13.4 ft, phosphorus 67.0 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Wilkins Lake rates as eutrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: murkier.
Fishing on Wilkins Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2019 (7 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 | 2.33 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.3 | 0.3 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 3.67 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 1.5 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 1.0 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Black crappie | gill | 1.89 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Black crappie | trap | 1.1 | 0.7 to 3.4 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.56 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 16.0 | 6.1 to 46.6 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 2.11 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.3 | 0.3 to 1.3 |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 1.4 | 2.0 to 8.5 |
| Rock bass | gill | 1.33 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.1 | 0.5 to 1.8 |
| Hybrid sunfish | trap | 0.2 | n/a |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Largemouth bass 14.0 in (2019), Walleye 27.0 in (2019), Northern pike 33.0 in (2019).
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
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
- Wilkins Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 6 trailer spaces. 10 miles west and north of McGregor on MN Highway #210 and CSAH #5 on the E shore of Wilkins Lake. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Fleming Lake 0.7 mi, Aitkin County
- Jenkins Lake 1.1 mi, Aitkin County
- Gun Lake 1.3 mi, Aitkin County
- Long Lake 2.1 mi, Aitkin County
- French Lake 2.5 mi, Aitkin County
- Townline Lake 3.0 mi, Aitkin County
- Turner Lake 4.9 mi, Aitkin County
- Portage Lake 5.3 mi, Aitkin County
Questions about Wilkins Lake
How deep is Wilkins Lake?
Wilkins Lake reaches a maximum depth of 39 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Wilkins Lake?
Wilkins Lake covers about 348.9 acres in Aitkin County, Minnesota.
How clear is Wilkins Lake?
Summer water clarity on Wilkins Lake averages 13.4 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is eutrophic.
Does Wilkins Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Wilkins 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 Wilkins Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, bowfin in Wilkins Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2019.
Where is the public boat access on Wilkins Lake?
Wilkins Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Wilkins Lake.
How is the walleye population on Wilkins Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1999 to 2019, walleye numbers on Wilkins 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 Wilkins Lake?
Homes on Wilkins 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 Wilkins Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Wilkins Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 30% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 13.4 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Wilkins Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Wilkins Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Wilkins 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 2019), 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.