Carlson
A 38-acre lake near Aitkin in Aitkin County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1990.
Fish Species (6)
Black Crappie
Above-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 4.0 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25, 1990 | 1.00 | - | 0.75 lbs |
| Jul 25, 1990 | 4.00 | - | 0.30 lbs |
Northern Pike
Below-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 2.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25, 1990 | 2.00 | - | 3.50 lbs |
| Jul 25, 1990 | 0.25 | - | - |
Bluegill
Below-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 4.3 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25, 1990 | 4.25 | - | 0.23 lbs |
Yellow Perch
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.25 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25, 1990 | 0.25 | - | 0.10 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.
Yellow Bullhead
Below-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.5 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25, 1990 | 0.50 | - | 0.90 lbs |
Brown Bullhead
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25, 1990 | 1.00 | - | 1.50 lbs |
Biologist Notes
July 25, 1990The gill net index for bowfin was above the lake class 20 third quartile (bowfin were not sampled in trap nets). Trap net indices for yellow bullhead…
The gill net index for bowfin was above the lake class 20 third quartile (bowfin were not sampled in trap nets). Trap net indices for yellow bullhead and bluegill were below the lake class 20 first quartiles. Northern pike sampled (2 of 2 aged) were four and seven years of age. Bluegill sampled (17 of 17 aged) ranged from three to six years of age with a strong year class in 1987. The growth rates were normal. Black crappie sampled (17 of 17 aged) ranged from one to seven years of age with strong year classes indicated for 1986 and 1987 with no fish sampled from 1984 or 1985. The growth rates were normal. Yellow perch sampled (1 of 1 aged) was three years of age. Growth rate was normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Carlson?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Northern Pike, and Bluegill in Carlson. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Carlson?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Carlson. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Carlson?
Carlson has a maximum depth of 23 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Carlson last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Carlson is from 1990. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Carlson have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Carlson in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
More lakes in Aitkin County
View all94 acres
Walleye · Hybrid Sunfish · Northern Pike
82 acres
Yellow Perch · Black Crappie · Bluegill
6,125 acres
Channel Catfish · Muskellunge · Bluegill
737 acres
Smallmouth Bass · Hybrid Sunfish · Rock Bass
520 acres
Northern Pike · Walleye · Rock Bass
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Yellow Perch · Northern Pike · Black Crappie
Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 37.83 acres
- Max Depth
- 23 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.7 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed