East Pike

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in East Pike Lake on August 8th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 19.1 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 30.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 11.2 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 9.5 degrees C (49.1 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 1969 and 2023 also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in East Pike Lake on August 8th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 19.1 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 30.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 11.2 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 9.5 degrees C (49.1 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 1969 and 2023 also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

Temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements were collected from the deepest basin in East Pike Lake on August 8th, 2025, to evaluate the quantity and quality of cold, oxygenated water (i.e., oxythermal habitat) available to Lake Whitefish, the most sensitive coldwater species present in this lake (Cisco, also known as 'Tullibee', are also present). During the summer, Lake Whitefish require a layer of oxythermal habitat that contains water temperatures below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) and dissolved oxygen concentrations above 3.0 mg/L. Based on the profile from the deepest basin, the water temperature decreased below 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) at 19.1 feet and the dissolved oxygen concentration decreased to 3.0 mg/L at 30.3 feet at the time of sampling. The thickness of this layer of water in the water column was 11.2 feet, indicating that oxythermal habitat was present for Lake Whitefish. Further, the temperature at which dissolved oxygen decreased to 3.0 mg/L (i.e., TDO3, a single variable to characterize oxythermal habitat) was 9.5 degrees C (49.1 degrees F). TDO3 values cooler than 17.2 degrees C (63.0 degrees F) indicate that oxythermal conditions were suitable for Lake Whitefish at the time of the survey. Data collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources during the late summer period of maximum oxythermal stress (July 26th to Aug 24th) in 1969 and 2023 also indicate suitable oxythermal habitat in all years surveyed. When inadequate oxythermal habitat is available, Lake Whitefish are squeezed into unfavorable, warmer water conditions and experience higher levels of stress.

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

East Pike has a maximum depth of 40 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in East Pike is from 2002. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

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

No — East Pike has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide muskellunge limit is: 1, minimum size 54". Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.