Hanks

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Hanks Lake was conducted on July 10-11, 2023, by Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) Program staff. Sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 50-foot seine. Nearshore sampling captured nineteen species of fish including eight species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Banded Killifish, Blackchin Shiner, Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Least Darter, Mimic Shiner, Pugnose Shiner, and Rock Bass). The nearshore data were combined with trap net and gill net data from a June 2023 survey to describe the fish community and provide a fish-based IBI (FIBI) score. The FIBI uses fish community data to measure a lake's health, and the types of fish species present can help identify any stressors that may be negatively affecting the lake environment. In Minnesota lakes, certain fish species cannot survive without clean water and a healthy habitat (e.g., Blackchin Shiner, Iowa Darter, and Rock Bass), while other species are tolerant of degraded conditions (e.g., Black Bullhead and Common Carp). The FIBI score, composed of several fish community diversity and composition metrics, indicates the overall health of a lake by comparing it to what is expected for a healthy lake. For additional information on the FIBI, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Results from this survey provide evidence that the fish community in Hanks Lake is healthy as indicated by an FIBI score that exceeds the exceptional use threshold determined for similar lakes. These results are similar to previous survey findings, which indicated that Hanks Lake fully supported aquatic life use based on the FIBI. The survey results will be considered when the biological health of the lake is assessed during the Mississippi River - Brainerd Watershed assessment process, which will be completed in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency.

Hanks Lake is a 161 acre lake located 5 miles northwest of Garrison in Crow Wing County. The lake reaches depths of 45', with areas 15' or less making up 30% of the lake. Water clarity is good with a secchi disk reading of 14'. Hanks can be reached through a channel from Crooked Lake. The Northern Pike gill net catch of 12.3/net was high when compared to similar lakes. Average length was 21.4", with 16% in the protected 22-26" slot. Northern Pike at least 26" in length made up 24% of the catch. Voluntary catch and release of these few larger fish can help create a more balanced population. Walleye stocking has been attempted in the past, but return has been poor and thus Walleyes are not currently stocked by the DNR into Hanks. However, Walleyes are stocked by the lake association under a DNR permit. The Walleye gill net catch of 1.0/net was below average when compared to similar lakes. The average length of 27.0" was impressive, with fish up to 30.9" sampled. High Northern Pike and low Yellow Perch numbers limit successful walleye management. Largemouth Bass were sampled by spring electrofishing at a rate of 160.0/hr run time. Average length was 11.9", with 44% at least 12" in length. Largemouth Bass were sampled in average numbers in gill nets at 0.5/net. Average length was 13.3". Black Crappie were sampled in average numbers in trap nets (2.0/net). Average length was 8.7" with 67% at least 8" in length. Fish up to 12.9" were sampled. Bluegills were sampled in average number at 16.7/trap net. Average length was 6.2", with 25% at least 7" in length. Tullibee (cisco) were sampled in extremely high numbers at 28.2/gill net. Average length was 11.4". Tullibee (cisco) are an important forage fish for larger Northern Pike and Walleyes. They can also provide a unique fishing opportunity. Most fishing for Tullibee (cisco) is done through the ice. Eurasian Watermilfoil has been discovered in Hanks Lake. Before and after launching, lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Hanks Lake is a 161 acre lake located 5 miles northwest of Garrison in Crow Wing County. The lake reaches depths of 45', with areas 15' or less making up 30% of the lake. Water clarity is good with a secchi disk reading of 13'. Hanks can be reached through a channel from Crooked Lake. The northern pike gillnet catch of 13.5/net was high when compared to similar lakes. Most northern pike were on the small side with an average length of 19.8". A few larger northern pike were present, with 20% at least 24" in length. Voluntary catch and release of these few larger fish can help create a more balanced population. Walleye stocking has been attempted in the past but return has been poor and thus walleyes are not currently stocked by the DNR into Hanks. However, walleyes have been stocked three times since 2008 by the lake association under a DNR permit. The walleye gillnet catch of 0.3/net was below average when compared to similar lakes. Average size was nice at 23.0". High northern pike and low yellow perch numbers limit successful walleye management. Tulibee (cisco) were sampled in extremely high numbers at 42.8/gillnet. Average length was 11.0". Tulibee (cisco) are an important forage fish for larger northern pike and walleyes. They can also provide a unique fishing opportunity. Most fishing for tulibee (cisco) is done through the ice. No invasive species have been discovered in Hanks Lake, but they are located in the area. Before and after launching lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike, Walleye, and Black Crappie in Hanks. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Hanks has a maximum depth of 45 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Hanks is from 2023.

Yes — Hanks has confirmed Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.