Pickerel

Pickerel is a 53-acre lake located three miles east of Nickerson in northern Pine County. The Nemadji State Forest encompasses the lake. A public access is located within the adjoining State Forest campground. Competition for campsites is high on weekends in the summer. Pickerel Lake is managed primarily for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Black Crappie. Anglers can expect light fishing pressure, mainly from campground users. A standard lake survey was conducted on Pickerel Lake during the week of August 29, 2022 to evaluate the current status of the fish population. Evaluation of the fish population utilized two gill nets and nine trap nets. Only seven northerns were captured in the gill nets and trap nets, measuring between 20.0 to 34.0 inches. Black Crappie abundance was average for similar lakes in the area at 5.1 per trap net lift. Crappie lengths were 3.8 to 14.8 inches with a 7.3 inch average. Bluegill abundance was normal compared to similar lakes. Although the average size was only 5.2 inches bluegill exceeding 7 inches were present. Yellow Perch were also present in the survey and measured 5.4 to 7.1 inches with an average size of 6.2 inches

Pickerel is a 53 acre lake located three miles east of Nickerson in northern Pine county. The Nemadji State Forest encompasses the lake. A public access is located within the adjoining State Forest campground. Competition for campsites is high on weekends in the summer. Pickerel Lake is managed primarily for northern pike, largemouth bass, and black crappie. Anglers can expect light fishing pressure, mainly from campground users. Compared to past assessments and similar lakes, the largemouth bass population is in good shape and should provide plenty of angling opportunity. Bass were abundant with half the catch exceeding 15 inches. Only three northerns were captured in the gill netting, all just under 24 inches. Black crappie were larger but less abundant than in past assessments. Crappie over 10 inches were present. Bluegill abundance, while normal compared to similar lakes, has decreased with only a slight increase in size. Although the average size was only 5.2 inches bluegill exceeding 8 inches were present.

Pickerel is a 53 acre lake located three miles east of Nickerson in northern Pine county. The Nemadji State Forest encompasses the lake. A public access is located within the State Forest campground that adjoins the lake. Competition for campsites is high on weekends in the summer. Pickerel Lake is managed primarily for northern pike, largemouth bass, and black crappie. Anglers can expect light fishing pressure, mainly from campground users. Compared to past assessments and similar lakes, the northern pike population is in good shape. Northerns near 30 inches were netted with most of the sample between 20 and 22 inches. Largemouth bass should provide plenty of angling opportunity. Bass were more abundant than in 1999 with half the catch exceeding 12 inches. Black crappie were at normal levels and were similar to the 1999 numbers. Crappie over 11 inches were present but most were between 7 and 8 inches. Bluegill adundance was high compared to similar lakes and past net catches on Pikerel Lake. Although the average size was only 5.3 inches 20% of the catch surpassed 6.5 inches and may be acceptable to some anglers.

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

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

Pickerel has a maximum depth of 10 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Pickerel is from 2022.

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.