Hanks Lake
Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. DNR lake ID 18004400.
Hanks Lake is a 164.7-acre lake in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, near Garrison. Its deepest point reaches 45 ft, and about 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 12.7 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. The DNR lists it for Eurasian watermilfoil. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch.
Buying or selling on Hanks 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 | 18004400 |
|---|---|
| County | Crow Wing County, near Garrison |
| Surface area | 164.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 45 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 30% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 12.7 ft through 2025 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 12.7 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 3.3 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Steady (2016 to 2025) |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2025: clarity 12.7 ft, phosphorus 12.7 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 3.3 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Hanks Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2025: steady.
Fishing on Hanks 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 | gill | 0.33 | 1.3 to 5.0 |
| Northern pike | gill | 13.5 | 3.5 to 10.5 |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.17 | 3.4 to 43.6 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.33 | 0.6 to 3.5 |
| Bluegill | gill | 0.17 | n/a |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.7 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 42.83 | 0.5 to 4.8 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.67 | 0.3 to 1.9 |
| Hybrid sunfish | gill | 0.17 | 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 (2016), Northern pike 33.0 in (2016), Walleye 23.0 in (2016).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), 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
On the Minnesota DNR infested waters list for: Eurasian watermilfoil (listed 2019).
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Portage Lake 0.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Crooked Lake 1.0 mi, Crow Wing County
- Rice Lake 1.2 mi, Crow Wing County
- Horseshoe Lake 1.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Scott Lake 2.3 mi, Crow Wing County
- Clearwater Lake 2.7 mi, Crow Wing County
- Butternut Lake 2.8 mi, Crow Wing County
- Miller Lake 3.0 mi, Crow Wing County
Questions about Hanks Lake
How deep is Hanks Lake?
Hanks Lake reaches a maximum depth of 45 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 30% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Hanks Lake?
Hanks Lake covers about 164.7 acres in Crow Wing County, Minnesota.
How clear is Hanks Lake?
Summer water clarity on Hanks Lake averages 12.7 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2025. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Hanks Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
The Minnesota DNR infested waters list includes Hanks Lake for Eurasian watermilfoil.
What fish are in Hanks Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, tullibee (cisco) in Hanks Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2016.
How is the walleye population on Hanks Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1994 to 2016, walleye numbers on Hanks 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 Hanks Lake?
Homes on Hanks 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 Hanks Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Hanks Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 30% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 12.7 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Hanks Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Hanks Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Hanks Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Crow Wing 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.