Christine

Christine Lake is a 184-acre lake with a maximum depth of 7.0 feet located 6 miles northwest of Lutsen. There is a small boat access with a concrete ramp and dock located on the west side of the lake. With relatively shallow waters and an abundance of aquatic vegetation, Christine Lake hosts quality habitat for northern pike and bluegill. Northern pike have always been present within the lake, but bluegill were stocked twice in the early 1990's to establish a population. Since then, northern pike and bluegill have been the primary management species within Christine Lake and in 2025, a standard survey was conducted to monitor their populations. Northern pike catches and sizes were good during the 2025 survey and met management goals. The 2025 catch rate from gillnets was 6.3 fish/net, which was a slight decrease from the past two surveys. Northern pike lengths ranged from 8.0 to 35.9 inches, with an average length of 20.8 inches. Approximately one-third of the catch was greater than 21.0 inches, providing anglers with the opportunity to catch quality sized northern pike. Size distributions of northern pike revealed many size classes that indicate relatively good natural reproduction. Anglers looking to target northern pike in Christine Lake can expect to high catches of medium sized fish with a chance at a memorable sized fish. Bluegill catch rates from trap nets in 2025 were the highest observed for the lake at 17.6 fish/net and far exceeded the management goal. Bluegill lengths ranged from 3.0 to 10.0 inches, with an average length of 4.9 inches. Quality and preferred sizes of bluegill were found with 38% of fish exceeding 6.0 inches and 7% exceeding 8.0 inches. Age analysis found seven age classes that were all naturally reproduced, with the oldest fish aged at eight years old. Growth of bluegill in Christine Lake was moderate, taking four years to reach 6.0 inches on average. Anglers looking to target bluegill in Christine Lake can expect good catch rates with the opportunity to catch large sized fish. Other game species encountered during the 2025 standard survey on Christine Lake were walleye, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. Walleye were caught in low abundance and ranged between 12.2 and 28.1 inches long. The nine-walleye caught were all naturally reproduced and were made up of age-2, age-3, age-4, and age-9-year-old fish. Growth of walleye was considered good for Christine Lake, with three-year-old fish averaging 14.3 inches in length. It appears that natural reproduction of walleye in Christine Lake is sufficient to sustain a small population, but anglers should not expect to catch many fish. Pumpkinseed catch rates were similar to previous surveys but provided good size structure with fish found up to 8 inches sampled. Yellow perch catches remained high at 21.7 fish/net and continue to provide quality forage for northern pike and walleye within the lake. Yellow perch lengths ranged from 5.3 to 11.8 inches, with an average length of 7.5 inches. Sizes of both pumpkinseed and yellow perch provide an additional angling opportunity for anglers looking to target panfish within the Grand Marais area. Minnesota Lakes within Cook County 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.

Christine Lake had a fairly high population of northern pike that included some large individuals. A naturally produced walleye population of small-to-moderate size was present. Walleye growth rates were about average, but a few large individuals were present. Yellow perch were abundant and provided forage for northern pike and walleye. The perch population exhibited consistent reproduction, a wide range of sizes, and some large individuals.Bluegill abundance was about average for lakes of this class. Reproduction had been inconsistent, and at the time of the survey most bluegill were young, so average size was small. A few fish over 6 inches were present. Pumpkinseed sunfish were abundant, but also exhibited inconsistent reproductive success. As a result, average size can be expected to vary over the years. The largest individuals exceeded 6.5 inches.

The bluegill catch in this assessment was about average for lakes of this class. A few large fish were taken, but most of the fish present appeared to be from a strong 1994 year class, which averaged only 3.5 inches in length by mid-summer. Bluegill stockings in the early-1990's may have contributed to the number of larger bluegill present in the lake, but some were also produced naturally. Large numbers of pumpkinseed sunfish were also collected, and a few were large enough to be of interest to anglers.Northern pike were abundant and some large fish had been produced. Northern pike growth was about average for the area, despite their high numbers. The walleye catch was about average for lakes of this class, but some large fish were also produced. Most, if not all, of the walleye collected had been produced naturally. Yellow perch were abundant, and provided an excellent forage base for northern pike and walleye, as well as providing some fish large enough to interest anglers.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Walleye, and Pumpkinseed in Christine. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Christine has a maximum depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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