Pickerel

Pickerel Lake is a 90-acre, class 37 lake located in the Mississippi River floodplain in Lilydale. The lake lies entirely within the Lilydale/Harriet Island Regional Park. During flood events the Mississippi River inundates this shallow, heavily-vegetated basin. Flooding has occurred as recently as the summer of 2010. Maximum depth is 11 feet, but most of the lake is five to six feet deep. The majority of the shoreline is undeveloped and The City of St. Paul has operated a winter aeration system (since 2005) near the carry-in boat access. Shore fishing is available along the northwest side of the lake and at some locations along the railroad tracks to north and east sides of the lake, the carry-in access is also available (electric motor only). Summertime vegetation often becomes very thick and may interfere with angling. The most abundant fish seen in 2015 were Gizzard Shad these fish are most likely the result of river flooding events that allowed Gizzard Shad to colonize Pickerel Lake. Panfish such as Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Green and Hybrid Sunfish were not found in great abundance during this survey. All these species were observed in below average numbers for lakes similar to Pickerel. Northern Pike were also seen in below average numbers. One bright spot for Pickerel Lake was the above average occurrence of Yellow Perch which was the most ever recorded for Pickerel Lake. One 19.7 inch long Channel Catfish was caught in the gill net. Other fish sampled in low abundance in 2015 were, Golden Shiner (N=6), Bowfin (N=3), Common Carp (N=1), Largemouth Bass (N=1), Freshwater Drum (N=1), and Silver Redhorse (N=1).

Pickerel Lake is a 90-acre, class 37 lake located in the Mississippi River floodplain in Lilydale. During flood events the Mississippi River inundates this shallow, heavily-vegetated basin. Flooding occurred in summer of 2010. The City of St. Paul operates a winter aeration system near the carry-in boat access. A fish contaminant analysis was scheduled but dropped due to completion of fish contaminant sampling in 2007. Due to time and staff constraints, only electrofishing, in conjunction with state fair fish collection, was conducted to assess the fish community in 2010. Largemouth bass lengths and weights were taken and a species observed list was created while electrofishing. Largemouth bass were sampled at low to moderate densities (21.0 bass/hr). Five of the seven fish sampled were immature and between 4.5 and 6.0 inches. Two adult bass measured approximately 14.0 inches and 1.6 pounds. Numerous bluegill, common carp, two northern pike, three bowfin, and one black crappie measuring nearly 11 inches were also observed.

Pickerel Lake is shallow lake located in Lilydale-Harriet Island Regional Park. Public shorefishing is available along the northwest shore. There is also a carry-in boat ramp - outboard motors are not allowed. A winter aeration system was installed in 2005. Follow fish consumption guidelines for Mississippi River.Bluegill are abundant, but small with and average length of 4.5 inches. Black crappie are present in low to moderate numbers with an average length of 6.5 inches and a few up to 11 inches. Northern pike are abundant and ranged in length from 19 to 30 inches, with a 24 inch average. Other species present in low numbers are pumpkinseed sunfish, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, carp, redhorse, freshwater drum, bowfin, black bullhead, yellow bullhead, and golden shiner.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye, and Green Sunfish in Pickerel. 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 Pickerel. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Pickerel has a maximum depth of 11 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Pickerel is from 2015. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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