Peary

A targeted survey of nearshore fish species in Peary Lake, was conducted on July 14 -July 18, 2025, by Lake Biological Monitoring and Assessment Program staff. Nearshore sampling sites were evenly spaced around the lake, and each was sampled by backpack electrofishing, mini-fyke nets, and seining with a 50-foot or 15-foot seine, where possible. Backpack electrofishing and 1/8" mesh mini-fyke net sampling were completed at ten sampling stations. Additionally, a 15-foot seine was used at all ten stations. Nearshore sampling captured eleven species of fish, including four species that are intolerant of disturbance (i.e., Blacknose Shiner, Iowa Darter, Northern Sunfish, and Rock Bass) and no species that are tolerant of disturbance. Supplemental open water angling targeting Northern Pike was completed for a total of 16.0 angler hours (2 anglers for 8 total hours). 100 fish were caught and released, three above 27 inches, 3 between 15-16 inches, the rest were all between 20-22 inches. The nearshore data along with gill net and standard trap net data will be used to develop fish community models for Minnesota's Boreal Shield lakes to measure lake health in this region. These models may function similarly to fish index of biological integrity (IBI) models developed for lakes across much of the rest of the state. For additional information, search for "lake index of biological integrity" on the mndnr.gov website. Peary Lake, located within Voyageurs National Park, can be protected by visitors using designated access points, avoiding disturbance of shoreline vegetation, and cleaning, draining, and drying gear to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Peary is a 112 acre lake located in the interior of Voyageurs National Park; approximately 30 miles southeast of International Falls, MN. The entire lake is 15 feet deep or less. Peary Lake has a relatively simple fish community dominated by Northern Pike. Historically, Northern Pike have been numerous and offer anglers a good fishing opportunity. In 2018, gillnet abundance was 13.67 Northern Pike per set, which was twice as high as the top end of the range normally seen in similar lakes. Average weight was 1.64 pounds, which was within the expected range for this lake type. Maximum length observed in the sample was 25.5 inches. Black Crappie and Yellow Perch were sampled and are normally appealing to anglers. However, their abundances were low and sizes were small.

Peary is a small lake located in the interior of Voyaguers National Park accessible by portage (0.2 miles) from Rainy Lake. The park service has a motor restriction on Peary Lake. The 2003 lake survey showed high numbers of small northern pike and very few other species available to anglers. Northern pike average length was 18.8 inches and average weight was 1.5 pounds. The largest northern pike taken during the 2003 survey was 23.4 inches.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rock Bass, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Green Sunfish, and Yellow Perch in Peary. 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 Peary. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

Peary has a maximum depth of 15 feet and a mean depth of 8 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Peary is from 2018. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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