Wakefield

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Wakefield Lake was conducted beginning on July 14th, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment (LBMA) program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Ten sampling stations were completed with backpack electrofishing. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample four stations, and a 15-foot seine was used at two stations. Four stations were not seined due to heavy vegetation and soft sediments. Nearshore sampling captured 12 species of fish (excluding Hybrid Sunfish). A concurrent summer trap net survey was also conducted by LBMA program staff. Nine trap nets were set along the shoreline in locations that encompassed multiple habitat types. Trap net sampling captured nine species of fish, including zero that are intolerant of disturbance. Bluegill and Black Crappie comprised a majority of the catch by number, whereas Bowfin and Bluegill comprised a majority by biomass. The nearshore and trap net data were combined with gill net data from an August 2022 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Mississippi River - Grand Rapids watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Wakefield Lake was conducted on August 2, 2022, by Aitkin Area Fisheries Staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all ten sampling stations, but three stations were sampled from the boat due to site conditions. Similarly, a 50-foot seine was used to sample three stations, a 15-foot seine was used at four stations and site conditions prevented the use of seines at three stations. Nearshore sampling captured 8 species of fish. The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from an August 2022 survey to describe the fish community and provide a Fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Data from this survey will contribute biological information about the health of the fish community to the Mississippi River-Grand Rapids Watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Wakefield Lake is a small, dark water and secluded lake located in northeastern Aitkin County. While about half the shoreline is in state ownership there is no developed public access, which means anglers must obtain access with permission through private property. The remote location and challenging access limit the amount of fishing pressure the lake receives. The fish community contains several naturally reproducing populations of popular game fish species including Black Crappie, Bluegill, Northern Pike, and Walleye. Although none are particularly abundant, each species has a population with favorable size characteristics. Largemouth Bass are also present, but at even lower densities. Yellow Perch have increased in abundance and are an important source of forage for predator species which may help their growth and survival. A couple of private stockings have occurred over the years but did not contribute to the fishery. The lake has soft water and low productivity, which results in slow growing fish populations that can be susceptible to increased fishing pressure. Anglers that appreciate solitude, tranquility, and natural beauty will not be disappointed on a trip to this lake and their effort can be rewarded with some quality fishing. Due to the small size of lake, selective harvest of smaller individuals is encouraged to maintain the quality size component in the fish populations.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch in Wakefield. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Wakefield. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Wakefield has a maximum depth of 69 feet and a mean depth of 13 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Wakefield is from 2025.

No invasive species are on record for Wakefield in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.