Handle
A 14-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 1975.
Fish Species (3)
Northern Pike
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1975
Last surveyed 1975 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 12.0 per gill net · typical 2.8–8.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 1975 | 12.00 | - | 1.38 lbs |
Yellow Perch
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1975
Last surveyed 1975 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 2–16 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 1975 | 1.00 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Other species in this lake (1)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
White Sucker
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1975
Last surveyed 1975 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 12.0 per gill net · typical 4–14.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 1975 | 12.00 | - | 2.50 lbs |
Biologist Notes
July 1, 1975Handle Lake has good population of N Pike and Sucker with a few Perch present.
Handle Lake has good population of N Pike and Sucker with a few Perch present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Handle?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike and Yellow Perch in Handle. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Handle?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Handle. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Handle?
Handle has a maximum depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Handle last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Handle is from 1975. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Handle have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Handle in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
More lakes in Cook County
View allLake Details
- Surface Area
- 14.39 acres
- Max Depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.23 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed