Pickerel Lake
Itasca County, Minnesota, near Effie. DNR lake ID 31033900.
Pickerel Lake is a 240.7-acre lake in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Effie. Its deepest point reaches 70 ft, and about 22% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 10.6 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill.
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Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 31033900 |
|---|---|
| County | Itasca County, near Effie |
| Surface area | 240.7 acres |
| Maximum depth | 70 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 22% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 10.6 ft through 2024 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 19.1 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 7.6 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Clarity trend | Murkier (2016 to 2024) |
| 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 2024: clarity 10.6 ft, phosphorus 19.1 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 7.6 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Pickerel Lake rates as mesotrophic. Summer clarity trend 2016 to 2024: murkier.
Fishing on Pickerel Lake
The most recent DNR standard fish survey was in 2018 (8 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 | 1.5 | 1.3 to 5.5 |
| Walleye | trap | 0.11 | 0.2 to 0.7 |
| Northern pike | gill | 5.67 | 3.1 to 8.5 |
| Northern pike | trap | 0.44 | n/a |
| Yellow perch | gill | 0.17 | 2.5 to 24.2 |
| Yellow perch | trap | 1.0 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | gill | 0.83 | 0.5 to 2.7 |
| Black crappie | trap | 0.33 | 0.7 to 3.2 |
| Bluegill | gill | 1.17 | n/a |
| Bluegill | trap | 8.11 | 5.6 to 42.3 |
| Largemouth bass | gill | 0.83 | 0.3 to 1.2 |
| Largemouth bass | trap | 0.33 | 0.3 to 1.1 |
| Tullibee (cisco) | gill | 0.17 | 0.7 to 6.5 |
| Pumpkinseed | gill | 1.17 | n/a |
| Pumpkinseed | trap | 0.11 | 1.7 to 8.2 |
| Rock bass | gill | 0.5 | 0.3 to 2.0 |
| Rock bass | trap | 0.22 | 0.6 to 2.5 |
Walleye catch was within the typical range for similar lakes in that survey.
Largest fish measured in recent DNR samples: Smallmouth bass 6.0 in (2013), Northern pike 33.0 in (2018), Walleye 23.0 in (2018), Largemouth bass 15.0 in (2018).
Game and panfish documented since 2005: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Black crappie, Bluegill, Yellow perch, Pumpkinseed, Hybrid sunfish, Rock bass, Tullibee (cisco), White sucker, Yellow bullhead, Brown bullhead.
Fishing regulations
- Sunfish daily limit 5. (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
- Pickerel Lake: 1 concrete slab launch ramp, 1 dock, 4 trailer spaces. 14 mi E of Effie on Mn Hwy 1, then 1.5 mi N on Cnty Rd 533 to W shore. Directions
DNR water access records (2023). Confirm current conditions with the DNR.
Nearby lakes
- Battle Lake 0.8 mi, Itasca County
- Deer Lake 1.3 mi, Itasca County
- Poplar Lake 1.9 mi, Itasca County
- Erskine Lake 2.0 mi, Itasca County
- Little Bass Lake 2.4 mi, Itasca County
- Tank Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Sucker Lake 2.5 mi, Itasca County
- Island Lake 2.7 mi, Itasca County
Questions about Pickerel Lake
How deep is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake reaches a maximum depth of 70 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 22% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake covers about 240.7 acres in Itasca County, Minnesota.
How clear is Pickerel Lake?
Summer water clarity on Pickerel Lake averages 10.6 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2024. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Pickerel Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Pickerel 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 Pickerel Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys document walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass in Pickerel Lake. The most recent standard survey was in 2018.
Where is the public boat access on Pickerel Lake?
Pickerel Lake has 1 public water access site on DNR record: Pickerel Lake.
How is the walleye population on Pickerel Lake?
In Minnesota DNR net surveys from 1992 to 2018, walleye numbers on Pickerel 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 Pickerel Lake?
Homes on Pickerel 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 Pickerel Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Pickerel Lake?
Small, quiet water suited to paddling and fishing, about 22% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 10.6 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pickerel Lake?
Yes. Sunfish daily limit 5.
Ask us about Pickerel Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Itasca County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest 2018), 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.