Home / Lakes / Aitkin Aitkin Aitkin County, Minnesota — DOW #01004000
201 Surveys
Special Regulations for Aitkin
This lake has regulations that differ from statewide defaults. Always check before fishing.
Daily limit five. (Including connected waters: Aitkin Lake including area known as Aitkin Flowage, Davis Lake including bay known as Steamboat Lake, Flowage Lake, Sandy River Lake, Prairie River from confluence with Tamarack River downstream to confluence with Big Sandy Lake, Sandy River from State Highway 210 downstream to confluence with the Mississippi River, and West Savanna River from County Highway 14 downstream to confluence with the Prairie River.) All less than 14" or greater than 18" must be immediately released. One over 26" allowed in possession. (Including connected waters: Aitkin Lake including area known as Aitkin Flowage, Davis Lake including bay known as Steamboat Lake, Flowage Lake, Sandy River Lake, Prairie River from confluence with Tamarack River downstream to confluence with Big Sandy Lake, Sandy River from State Highway 210 downstream to confluence with the Mississippi River, and West Savanna River from County Highway 14 downstream to confluence with the Prairie River.) DNR Fish Surveys
Catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) data from Minnesota DNR fish population assessments on Aitkin.
Green = above normal range. Red = below normal.
Black Bullhead Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 5.1 (normal) 0.5 – 11.3 0.66 lb 41 1988-07-11 Standard gill nets 60.3 (above normal) 1.0 – 38.0 0.65 lb 181 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 11.3 0.35 lb 2 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.5 – 11.3 0.38 lb 5 1977-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.0 – 38.0 0.50 lb 1 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 11.3 0.67 lb 3 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.0 – 38.0 0.76 lb 5
Brown Bullhead Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.9 (normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.94 lb 7 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 6.3 (above normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.60 lb 76 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.5 (normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.60 lb 3 1977-06-22 Standard gill nets 82.7 (above normal) 0.7 – 4.5 0.29 lb 248 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.82 lb 2 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.5 1.23 lb 3 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 1.1 (normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.71 lb 10 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 3.0 (normal) 0.7 – 4.5 0.84 lb 18 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.3 0.86 lb 3 1998-06-22 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 0.7 – 4.5 1.73 lb 9 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 4.3 1.70 lb 3 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.5 1.46 lb 2
Yellow Perch Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 5.0 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.27 lb 40 1988-07-11 Standard gill nets 9.3 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.20 lb 28 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 4.8 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.31 lb 57 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.20 lb 6 1977-06-22 Standard gill nets 36.0 (above normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.23 lb 108 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 16.5 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.20 lb 99 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.27 lb 2 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 5.7 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.19 lb 34 2016-07-13 Backpack electrofishing 3.6 — — 5 2016-07-13 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 1.9 (normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.21 lb 17 1993-07-12 Survey seining 50.0 — — 150 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 15.3 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.17 lb 92 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 9.0 — — 10 2016-08-15 15-ft beach seine 7.0 — — 35 2016-08-15 50-ft beach seine 37.0 — — 111 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 5.7 (above normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.30 lb 51 1998-06-22 Standard gill nets 16.2 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.27 lb 97 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.5 – 3.3 0.16 lb 3 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 14.3 (normal) 3.8 – 22.8 0.18 lb 86
Yellow Bullhead Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.75 lb 2 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 3.9 (normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.71 lb 31 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 7.5 (above normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.55 lb 90 1977-06-22 Standard gill nets 3.7 (normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.45 lb 11 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 3.2 (normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.52 lb 19 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.6 – 7.0 1.47 lb 1 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.74 lb 3 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 2.9 (normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.93 lb 26 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.59 lb 1 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.70 lb 3 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 0.9 — — 1 1998-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.6 – 7.0 0.42 lb 4 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 1.3 (below normal) 1.4 – 5.0 0.92 lb 12 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.6 – 7.0 1.72 lb 1 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.4 – 5.0 1.06 lb 6
Northern Pike Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard gill nets 3.3 (below normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.38 lb 10 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.5 — 0.82 lb 4 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 1.3 — 0.90 lb 16 1977-06-22 Standard gill nets 6.7 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 0.77 lb 20 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 1.5 — 0.36 lb 9 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 6.2 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.72 lb 37 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 4.3 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.47 lb 26 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 1.1 — 1.63 lb 10 2016-07-13 Backpack electrofishing 0.7 — — 1 2016-07-13 15-ft beach seine 0.3 — — 3 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 8.7 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 0.90 lb 52 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.7 — 0.97 lb 6 1993-07-12 Survey seining 2.0 — — 6 2016-08-15 50-ft beach seine 0.7 — — 2 1998-06-22 Standard gill nets 5.8 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 0.75 lb 35 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 1.0 — 0.81 lb 9 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 4.8 (normal) 3.6 – 11.0 1.40 lb 29 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.4 — 1.11 lb 4
Shorthead Redhorse Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 1.90 lb 2 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.0 3.00 lb 1 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.0 1.80 lb 1 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 1.43 lb 2 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 2.59 lb 2 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.2 – 2.2 2.09 lb 4
Walleye Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.0 – 3.2 1.20 lb 2 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.3 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 4.00 lb 2 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 1.0 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 2.29 lb 12 1977-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.0 – 3.2 0.75 lb 2 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 1.16 lb 5 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 1.0 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 2.18 lb 6 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.3 (below normal) 1.0 – 3.2 3.46 lb 2 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 2.62 lb 2 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 1.0 – 3.2 2.48 lb 4 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.3 – 1.1 1.59 lb 1 1998-06-22 Standard gill nets 1.2 (normal) 1.0 – 3.2 1.54 lb 7 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 3.47 lb 3 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.8 (below normal) 1.0 – 3.2 2.34 lb 5 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.4 (normal) 0.3 – 1.1 2.82 lb 4
White Sucker Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard gill nets 3.0 (normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.14 lb 9 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 3.50 lb 1 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 2.70 lb 1 1977-06-22 Standard gill nets 3.3 (normal) 0.7 – 3.5 1.95 lb 10 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.8 (normal) 0.7 – 3.5 1.88 lb 5 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.76 lb 4 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 1.4 3.41 lb 2 1998-06-22 Standard gill nets 1.5 (normal) 0.7 – 3.5 2.88 lb 9 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 0.42 lb 1 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.7 (below normal) 0.7 – 3.5 1.92 lb 4 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 1.4 2.75 lb 1
Largemouth Bass Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.6 0.10 lb 1 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.6 1.40 lb 1 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 2.44 lb 3 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.19 lb 2 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.6 2.37 lb 3 2016-07-13 Backpack electrofishing 7.1 — — 10 2016-07-13 15-ft beach seine 1.4 — — 15 1993-07-12 Survey seining 1.7 — — 5 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.3 – 0.9 1.57 lb 1 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 19.0 — — 21 2016-08-15 15-ft beach seine 2.0 — — 10 2016-08-15 50-ft beach seine 8.3 — — 25 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.2 (normal) 0.2 – 0.6 0.08 lb 2 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 0.9 2.17 lb 2 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.1 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.6 0.14 lb 1
Pumpkinseed Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 9.8 (above normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.21 lb 78 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 14.1 (above normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.24 lb 169 1977-06-22 Standard gill nets 2.0 — 0.30 lb 6 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 2.3 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.23 lb 14 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.5 — 0.33 lb 3 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.8 — 0.14 lb 5 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 2.8 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.31 lb 25 2016-07-13 Backpack electrofishing 9.3 — — 13 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.3 — 0.26 lb 2 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 5.2 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.32 lb 47 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 7.2 — — 8 2016-08-15 15-ft beach seine 0.2 — — 1 2016-08-15 50-ft beach seine 4.7 — — 14 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 3.7 (normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.43 lb 33 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.15 lb 4 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 1.2 (below normal) 1.5 – 6.8 0.22 lb 11
Bluegill Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 9.1 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.22 lb 73 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 8.0 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.30 lb 96 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.10 lb 1 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.7 — 0.46 lb 4 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 1.0 — 0.40 lb 6 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 9.8 (normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.42 lb 88 2016-07-13 Backpack electrofishing 5.7 — — 8 2016-07-13 15-ft beach seine 0.4 — — 4 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 0.66 lb 1 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 1.6 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.50 lb 14 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 49.7 — — 55 2016-08-15 15-ft beach seine 9.2 — — 46 2016-08-15 50-ft beach seine 36.7 — — 110 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.55 lb 5 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 1.2 — 0.72 lb 7 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 3.4 (below normal) 4.0 – 28.1 0.24 lb 31
Bowfin Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 1.1 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 6.19 lb 9 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 1.2 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 — 14 1977-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 5.20 lb 1 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.7 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 3.92 lb 4 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.3 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 4.85 lb 2 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 8.71 lb 1 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 2.7 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.2 4.73 lb 24 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 7.41 lb 1 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 6.63 lb 7 1998-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.2 – 0.7 7.89 lb 1 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.3 (normal) 0.3 – 1.2 5.21 lb 3 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.7 (normal) 0.2 – 0.7 2.93 lb 4 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 1.2 (above normal) 0.3 – 1.2 4.38 lb 11
Black Crappie Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1988-07-11 Standard trap nets 1.8 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.61 lb 14 1989-07-11 Standard trap nets 1.3 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.58 lb 15 1977-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.2 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.40 lb 1 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.25 lb 3 2008-07-14 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.21 lb 8 2008-07-14 Standard trap nets 0.6 (below normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.34 lb 5 2016-07-13 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — — 1 1993-07-12 Standard gill nets 1.3 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.21 lb 8 1993-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.54 lb 7 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 7.2 — — 8 2016-08-15 50-ft beach seine 183.3 — — 550 1998-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.5 (below normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.64 lb 3 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 3.4 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.75 lb 31 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 2.7 (normal) 1.0 – 10.5 0.26 lb 16 2016-07-12 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.7 – 4.3 0.35 lb 7
Channel Catfish Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 2023-07-10 Standard gill nets 0.8 — 3.68 lb 5 2016-07-12 Standard gill nets 0.2 — 5.35 lb 1
FND Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch 2016-07-13 15-ft beach seine 0.1 — 1
Iowa Darter Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch 2016-07-13 Backpack electrofishing 0.7 — 1 2016-08-15 15-ft beach seine 0.2 — 1 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 1.8 — 2
Johnny Darter Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch 2016-07-13 Backpack electrofishing 3.6 — 5 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 4.5 — 5
Tadpole Madtom Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch 2016-07-13 Backpack electrofishing 0.7 — 1 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 2.7 — 3
CNM Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch 2016-07-13 Backpack electrofishing 5.7 — 8 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 6.3 — 7
OTM Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch 1993-07-12 Survey seining 14.7 — 44
Common Shiner Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch 2016-08-15 15-ft beach seine 0.6 — 3 2016-08-15 50-ft beach seine 3.0 — 9 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 0.9 — 1
Golden Shiner Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 2016-08-15 50-ft beach seine 61.3 — — 184 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 24.4 — — 27 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.8 (normal) 0.3 – 0.8 0.05 lb 7
BNS Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Total Catch 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 0.9 — 1
Hybrid Sunfish Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 2016-08-15 Backpack electrofishing 0.9 — — 1 1998-06-22 Standard trap nets 0.3 — 0.41 lb 3
Tullibee (Cisco) Date Gear CPUE Normal Range Avg Weight Total Catch 1998-06-22 Standard gill nets 0.5 (normal) 0.3 – 3.0 2.38 lb 3
Showing 14 nearby bait & tackle shops on the map.
Fish Species Species known to inhabit Aitkin. Click any species for a full fishing guide.
Fishing Guides Near Aitkin Other Lakes in Aitkin County
Data sourced from Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife. Last verified: March 19, 2026.
Learn how we maintain this data.