Kitigan

The walleye catch in 2004 was average compared to other lakes in this class and typical of catches in other surveys in this lake. The size of walleye collected in this survey was good, with an average weight of 1.9 lb and fish weighing up to 3.4 lb. This is a small lake and overall the walleye population probably is not very large.Kitigan Lake has historically maintained a relatively high northern pike population and the catch in 2004 indicated numbers were still fairly high. The average size was 3.1 lb with fish up to 10.6 lb sampled. Most of the northern pike collected were between 21 and 25 inches.Yellow perch were sampled in above average numbers and averaged about 7.3 inches. Approximately 33% of the fish were between 8 and 9 inches, the size many anglers consider large enough to keep. Fish larger than 10 inches are not common in this lake.Bluegill were sampled in above average numbers and the catch included a good number of quality size fish. Average size of bluegill was 7.5 inches with fish up to 9.9 inches collected. Approximately 33% of the bluegill were larger than 8 inches.Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass were collected in the nets; however, these species are "net shy" making it difficult to evaluate the status of the populations. These species are best captured by electrofishing; however, it is not feasible to get this type of equipment into the lake. Only one smallmouth bass was collected, which weighed 1.7 lb. Largemouth bass ranged from 11 to 16 inches, with the largest weighing 2.7 lb.The fish population in Kitigan Lake is maintained through natural reproduction. No stocking of any kind has been done since 1990. The lake is connected to Mitawan Lake and small boats can travel between the lakes in years of normal water levels. There is no designated public access to either Kitigan Lake or Mitawan Lake.

The gillnet catch of Walleye increased from an all time low of 1.0/lift in 1989 to 5.0/lift in 1992. This was the highest catch since the peak year in 1982. The Northern Pike gillnet catch of 12.0/lift is near the all time high, and an average size near 3.0 pounds. Yellow Perch densities have decreased substantially. Historical gillnet catches have averaged over 90.0/lift, while the 1992 gillnet catch was only 14.0/lift. Trapnet catches of Bluegill have increased during the last two assessments, however there appears to be fewer Bluegill over 8.0 inches than in previous assessments. Age III and IV were the predominant year classes represented comprising nearly 83% of the aged sample. Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass are present, but they are not abundant.

Walleye net catches during the last two population assessments have declined from an average of 22/gillnet lift to 2.5/lift. High Walleye densities of a decade ago may be associated with fry stocking in adjoining Mitawan Lake. Bluegill trapnet catches have also declined from 6.8/lift to 1/lift while at the same time Northern Pike catches have been increasing. The changes in these net catches may be statistically insignificant because of the low number of nets used.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Bluegill, Northern Pike, Walleye, Yellow Perch, and Largemouth Bass in Kitigan. 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 Kitigan. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Kitigan has a maximum depth of 8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Kitigan is from 2004. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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