Split Hand

Split Hand Lake is a large, productive lake that supports a diverse fish community and popular fishing opportunities. The lake's water chemistry and fertility are well-suited for fish growth, although water clarity is typically limited, with visibility usually around three to four feet. Overall, the lake continues to function as a healthy warm-water system with some cool and cold-water species present. Walleye remains the primary management focus on Split Hand Lake, and the population is in good condition. The 2025 fisheries survey found walleye numbers to be at or above management targets and similar to what has been observed historically. Fish ranged from small juveniles to adults up to 25 inches, with many fish in the 17-20 inch range. The protected slot limit (20-24 inches) continues to provide good protection for mid-sized spawning fish while still allowing harvest opportunities. Larger walleye are present at levels consistent with past surveys. Walleye reproduction is occurring naturally and consistently, with most of the population coming from natural spawning rather than stocking. Fry stocking continues to supplement the population, but survey results show no clear advantage of stocked fish over naturally produced fish. Growth and maturity rates have remained stable for nearly two decades, indicating a balanced and sustainable walleye population. Northern Pike abundance remains low to moderate, which is typical for this lake type and meets management objectives. Most pike sampled were in the low- to mid-20 inch range, with relatively few larger fish present. The limited number of older, larger pike suggests that harvest is modest. Anglers and spearers are encouraged to harvest smaller pike (under 22 inches) to help improve size structure over time. Black Crappie were abundant in Split Hand Lake, with catch rates higher than expected for similar lakes. Many fish were of harvestable size, and growth rates were good. However, the population was dominated by younger fish, with few older individuals present. This pattern is consistent with heavy fishing pressure, particularly during the winter season. Recruitment appears frequent but variable, meaning strong year-classes occur periodically rather than every year. Bluegill numbers were higher than expected during the 2025 survey, and the population included a good mix of sizes. Many bluegills were in the 7-8-inch range, providing quality angling opportunities. Size structure suggests successful recruitment in recent years. Tullibee, a cold-water species that can be sensitive to warm summer conditions, continue to persist in Split Hand Lake at expected levels. While their numbers were much higher several decades ago, the population has stabilized in recent years. Most tullibee sampled were moderate to large, though recruitment appears inconsistent from year to year. Yellow Perch catches were very low in the 2025 survey and continues a declining trend observed since 2012. Most perch sampled were small and unlikely to be targeted by anglers. Although not a primary sport fish, perch are an important food source for walleye and other predators, and their decline is a concern for the overall balance of the fish community. Additional species observed include largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, bullheads, bowfin, white sucker, and several forage fish species. This diversity reflects a complex and productive lake ecosystem. Overall, Split Hand Lake continues to support a strong Walleye fishery and robust panfish populations, particularly Black Crappie and Bluegill. Natural reproduction plays a major role in sustaining the fish community, and current regulations appear to be effective. The primary concern moving forward is the continued decline in Yellow Perch, which may have long-term implications for predator-prey balance in the lake.

Split Hand Lake is an ecological class 27 lake located 11 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, MN, in the Mississippi River Watershed. The lake is 1,420 acres and has a maximum depth of 34 feet. Nearshore fish species sampling began on 14 July 202. Area Fisheries staff conducted a standard survey setting 12 gill nets and 12 trap nets on 25 August 2025. Nearshore catches will be used with the data from the standard survey to calculate a fish-based Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) score which is indicative of lake health. The surveys will assist the watershed assessment process in coordination with MN Pollution Control Agency. Nearshore sampling included 18 sites (100 feet long) evenly spaced around the lake, sampling a variety of habitat types. Each site is sampled by backpack electrofishing and seining with a 15-ft or 50-ft 1/8th inch mesh seine, depending on habitat condition. Shoreline seining was conducted at 12 sites using the 15-ft seine and 11 sites with the 50-ft seine. Backpack electrofishing was completed at all 18 sites. Nearshore sampling captured 18 different species: 16 species by seining and 10 species by backpack electrofishing. Though nearshore sampling captured 18 species an additional eight species were observed in the gill nets and trap nets (Bigmouth Buffalo, Brown Bullhead, Common Shiner, Hybrid Sunfish, Tullibee, Walleye, White Sucker and Yellow Bullhead). The species can be found in the gear-specific catch tables in this report.

Split Hand Lake is located about 10 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, MN with one access on the west side. The lake has a history of producing a quality panfish fishery. The management plan describes catch rate and size structure goals for both species that intend to maintain or improve the quality fishery. To attain management goals, a five sunfish and a five crappie daily bag limit regulation(s) were implemented in spring 2012. The 2023 targeted survey was one of five targeting Bluegill and Black Crappie since 2010 and the second assessing the ten-year evaluation period. The Bluegill catch was the high compared to past spring surveys. Fish ranged from 3.2 to 10.2 inches and averaged 5.8 inches. Many quality sized fish were sampled, but the number and proportion was lower than previous surveys and below management goals. The reduced proportion of larger fish was influenced by a brief period of strong recruitment. Fish less than 6 inches comprised 70% of the sample. Ages 2 to 10 were present with ages 3 and 4 comprising two thirds of sample. Bluegill averaged about 7 inches by age 6. Spring crappie netting can be difficult to interpret as fish can transition relatively fast in and out of shallow water, remaining for only a short duration. The 2023 catch was the highest, while the 2022 catch was the lowest. Lengths ranged from 2.8 to 13.4 inches with an average length of 7.6 inches. Scale analysis identified ages 2 to 8 present. Age 3 appeared robust, comprising 58% of the sample. Growth was similar to the statewide average with crappie averaging over 10 inches by age 5. Bigmouth Buffalo are a unique, native species found in Split Hand Lake. They are considered rough fish and only minimal data is ever collected despite being occasionally caught. There is little known about them and their function in Splithand Lake. Night bowfishing was authorized statewide in 2009 and has steadily increased in popularity since. Nine fish were caught in the 2012 survey compared to only one sampled since 2018. It is unknown how decreased numbers of the Buffalo may affect the fish community. Other species sampled included Brown and Yellow Bullhead, Bowfin, Hybrid Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumkinseed Sunfish, Rockbass, Shorthead Redhorse, Walleye, White Sucker and Yellow Perch. Painted Turtles and Snapping Turtles were also observed.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, and Bluegill in Split Hand. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

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

Split Hand has a maximum depth of 34 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

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

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