Lima

Lima is small 11-acre lake about 20 miles from Grand Marais and managed for brook trout. Public access is through a carry-in trail off an old logging road through a jack pine plantation southeast of the lake. It lies within the Lake Superior North watershed, draining to Lake Superior via an unnamed outlet stream to Fiddle Creek and the Brule River. The 2023 survey was conducted to update information on the brook trout population and evaluate stocking success. The 2023 survey was the first time that a combination of short term gill net sets and angling were used to determine the presence of stocked year classes while reducing mortality of brook trout. These methods were successful at capturing brook trout. Brook trout ranged from 8.9 to 14.9 inches with a mean of 12.3 inches. Aging results showed individuals from the 2022 stocked year class with a mean length of 6.2 inches and fish from the 2020 year class with a mean length of 12.3 inches. Growth rates were average compared to similar stocked brook trout lakes at about 3 inches per year. Lima Lake may interest anglers looking to target decent sized brook trout in the area. Cook County, Minnesota lakes continue to be susceptible to aquatic invasive species introductions. Invasive species have the potential to significantly alter fish communities and overall lake health. Anglers should clean watercraft and fishing gear, drain all water, and dispose of unused bait in the trash to prevent accidental introductions.

Brook trout were present in average numbers and above average sizes in the fall of 2004. Growth rates had been about average for the area, but survival of stocked fish to age 3 and age 4 had been good, resulting in good numbers of 14 to 16-inch fish. The most recent stocking (fingerlings in 2003) was apparently a complete failure; however, enough fish were present from earlier stockings to support a reasonably good fishery until fish stocked in 2004 and beyond become available.

Brook trout were present in average numbers, compared to other stream trout lakes in the area, but were unusually large for this area. Survival of recent stockings appeared to have been good, and growth of stocked brook trout had been somewhat faster than average for the area.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Brook Trout in Lima. 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 Lima. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Lima has a maximum depth of 25 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Lima is from 2004. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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