Wonder
A 80-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 2008.
Fish Species (3)
Northern Pike
Above-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2008
Last surveyed 2008 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 10.7 per gill net · typical 2–6 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 11, 2008 | 0.17 | 15.5" | 0.60 lbs |
| Aug 11, 2008 | 10.67 | 15.5" | 1.26 lbs |
Yellow Perch
Below-normal numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2008
Last surveyed 2008 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 2.7 per gill net · typical 4.7–15.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 11, 2008 | 0.33 | 4.5" | - |
| Aug 11, 2008 | 2.67 | 4.5" | 0.07 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
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2008
Last surveyed 2008 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 13.3 per gill net · typical 3–11 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 11, 2008 | 13.33 | 15.2" | 1.81 lbs |
Biologist Notes
August 11, 2008The northern pike population in Wonder Lake was above average for the lake class. The average length sampled was 16 inches; the largest northern pike…
The northern pike population in Wonder Lake was above average for the lake class. The average length sampled was 16 inches; the largest northern pike in the sample was 39.2 inches. The present northern pike population should provide an opportunity for campers to catch a meal, with a chance to catch a trophy pike. Yellow perch are present in low numbers; the fish are typically less than 7 inches. Wonder Lake is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The BWCAW is administered by the U.S. Forest Service, there is a fee for overnight camping and a day-use permit is required for shorter trips. Access to Wonder Lake is a portage trail (220 rods) from the south end of Alton Lake; there are two campsites on the lake. The U.S. Forest Service offices can provide information and maps regarding the Wonder Lake and Alton Lake areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Wonder?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike and Yellow Perch in Wonder. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Wonder?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Wonder. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Wonder?
Wonder has a maximum depth of 10 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Wonder last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Wonder is from 2008. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Wonder have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Wonder 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
- 79.69 acres
- Max Depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.03 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed