Remote

Remote Lake is 133 acres and has an average depth of 6 feet. A targeted panfish survey was conducted on 5/5/2025. A total of 126 Bluegill were sampled, resulting in a trap net catch rate of 21.0 per net, which was similar to the previous standard assessment in 2014. Bluegill averaged 7.2 inches with fish up to 8.5 inches observed. Fish ranged from 2 to 7 years old with all age-classes observed. The most frequent age in the sample was 5 (2020 year-class) and made up 63 percent of the Bluegill catch. Bluegill averaged 6.7 inches in 4 years and was greater than previous growth rates observed for the lake (historic average was 4.5 inches at age 4). A total of 46 Black Crappie were sampled for a trap net catch rate of 7.6 per net. Crappie averaged 8.7 inches with fish up to 12.0 inches observed. Fish ranged from 2 to 7 years old with age 4 (2021 year-class) fish being absent from the sample. Crappie averaged 7.9 inches in 4 years and appeared better than historical growth rates for this lake (historical average was 5.8 inches at age 4). Other species observed during the assessment included Brown Bullhead, Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike, and Yellow Bullhead.

A special assessment targeting near shore fish species was conducted on August 21, 2014. This survey was completed in addition to the standard resurvey conducted the week of August 18, 2014. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake (10 stations) and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Species information was gathered as part of a statewide project to evaluate the fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) for Minnesota lakes. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 10 stations, but three sites were sampled from the boat due to unstable footing. A 50-foot seine was not used, a 15-foot seine was used at 4 stations, and site conditions prevented the use of seines at 6 sites. Nearshore sampling captured few fish species including bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow bullhead. Remote Lake falls within lake class 39 based on the Schupp lake classification used by MnDNR and within Group 5 lakes for evaluating IBI data. IBI scores range from 0 to 100 and the preliminary draft impairment threshold for this group of lakes is 24 (90% CI 9-39) and the preliminary potential exceptional quality level is set at 61. The IBI score, using standard gill net and trap net data from the 2014 resurvey, and nearshore components calculated from this survey was 52.

Remote Lake is a soft water lake located in northern Aitkin County and is within the Remote Lake Solitude Area and Savanna Portage State Park. Access to the lake can be gained from an unimproved carry in access on the north side of the lake. Most of the lake's shoreline is in state ownership and remains undeveloped, which offers a unique experience to anglers who seek solitude and isolation from the crowds. There are three primitive island campsites on the lake that have become increasingly popular with campers and anglers over the years. Remote Lake anglers can expect to find northern pike, black crappie, bluegill and an occasional yellow perch in this fishery. The northern pike population is in favorable condition for lakes of this type and has remained relatively stable over the years. The 2014 catch (4.8/gill net) was the lower than 2004 catch (9.7/gillnet), and is within the normal range for this type of lake. The largest pike sampled was 29.6" and the average length was 23.1" with 42% longer than 24". Northern pike had an average weight of 2.8 pounds. Anglers are strongly encouraged to release pike over 24" to help maintain the integrity of the population size structure. Black crappie abundance has also remained stable over the years, but the present size structure remains below average due to the lower productivity of the lake, and possibly from angler harvest of larger crappie. Only two black crappie over 10" were sampled in 2004 and only four in 2014. The size structure of the bluegill population in Remote Lake has declined over the past few decades. The initial survey in 1971 documented the mean size of bluegill to be 7.4" and over time the average length has decreased. Trap net indices displayed a significant rise in abundance increasing from 37 per net in 1999 to 83 per net in 2004, which is considered very high for this type of lake. Ten years later, in 2014, there was a significant decrease in bluegill catches (21.1/trap net). Decreased catches may be due to partial winterkill or simply seasonal variations in recruitment. A lower density population may help improve the size structure.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Hybrid Sunfish in Remote. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Remote. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Remote has a maximum depth of 47 feet and a mean depth of 6 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Remote is from 2014. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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