Porcupine
A 50-acre lake near Dads Corner in Aitkin County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 2025.
Fish Species (7)
Northern Pike
Below-normal numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 2025
Catch rate: 1.5 per gill net · typical 2–8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2025 | 1.50 | 27.3" | 5.67 lbs |
Black Crappie
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2025
Catch rate: 17.2 per trap net · typical 1–6.1 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2025 | 5.00 | 4.5" | 0.08 lbs |
| Jun 16, 2025 | 17.17 | 4.5" | 0.05 lbs |
Pumpkinseed
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2025
Catch rate: 0.67 per trap net · typical 1.1–4.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2025 | 0.67 | 4.5" | 0.11 lbs |
Yellow Perch
Small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2025
Catch rate: 0.33 per trap net · typical 0.3–0.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2025 | 0.33 | 4.5" | 0.07 lbs |
Bluegill
Below-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2025
Catch rate: 4.0 per trap net · typical 7.9–37.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2025 | 4.00 | 4.3" | 0.08 lbs |
Other species in this lake (2)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Black Bullhead
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2025
Catch rate: 7.5 per trap net · typical 0.3–1.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2025 | 33.00 | 5.8" | 0.13 lbs |
| Jun 16, 2025 | 7.50 | 5.8" | 0.14 lbs |
Golden Shiner
Small fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 2025
Catch rate: 0.83 per trap net · typical 0.4–2 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 16, 2025 | 0.83 | 5.2" | 0.07 lbs |
Biologist Notes
June 16, 2025The first standard survey at Porcupine Lake was conducted the week of 6/16/2025 to sample the fish community. Porcupine Lake is located in the Solana…
The first standard survey at Porcupine Lake was conducted the week of 6/16/2025 to sample the fish community. Porcupine Lake is located in the Solana State Forest, about 4 miles northwest of Pliny Township (Dad's Corner). Porcupine Lake is 50 acres in size with a maximum depth of 21feet. A public access is located on the south end of the lake and the forest road is well maintained. Porcupine Lake anglers can expect to catch quality Northern Pike and small panfish species. The Northern Pike catch rate was low (1.5 per gill net) when compared to lakes with similar habitat however, the size of Northern Pike exceeded the lake class average. Northern Pike averaged 27.6 inches in length with fish up to 31.1 inches observed. Black Crappie were abundant but displayed poor size structure. Black Crappie catch rates were high (5.0 per gill net & 17.7 per trap net) when compared to similar lakes, but the size of Black Crappie was below the lake class average. Black Crappie ranged in length from 3.9 to 7.0 inches, with an average of 4.8 inches. Growth rates appeared normal up to age 4 before slowing down considerably. Most Black Crappie sampled were age 2 (2023 year class), and the oldest fish captured was age 10. Bluegill and Pumpkinseed relative abundance appeared low when compared to lakes with similar habitats. Sizes of Bluegill and Pumpkinseed averaged 4.7 and 5.0 inches, respectively. The largest Bluegill and Pumpkinseed observed were 5.6 and 5.8 inches, respectively. Only two age classes of Bluegill were sampled (age 4 and 5), and growth rates appeared normal when compared to Aitkin County averages. Other species observed during the assessment included Black Bullhead, Golden Shiners, and Yellow Perch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Porcupine?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Bluegill in Porcupine. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Porcupine?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Porcupine. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Porcupine?
Porcupine has a maximum depth of 21 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Porcupine last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Porcupine is from 2025.
Does Porcupine have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Porcupine in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 50.48 acres
- Max Depth
- 21 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.15 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed