Whale

Cook County

Near Maple Hill

DOW: 16029100

Yellow PerchAverage · 41Northern PikeAverage · 39

A 25-acre lake near Maple Hill in Cook County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1973.

Fish Species (3)

Yellow Perch

Average · 41

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1973

Last surveyed 1973 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.10 lbs

Catch rate: 3.5 per gill net · typical 2–23 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 27, 1973	3.50	-	0.10 lbs	Standard gill nets

Northern Pike

Average · 39

Typical numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1973

Last surveyed 1973 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.06 lbs

Catch rate: 5.0 per gill net · typical 3.9–9.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 27, 1973	5.00	-	1.06 lbs	Standard gill nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

White Sucker

Good · 74

Above-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1973

Last surveyed 1973 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.67 lbs

Catch rate: 23.5 per gill net · typical 2.6–17.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 27, 1973	23.50	-	1.67 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best yellow perch lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Northern Pike

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Angling: 2 (not more than 1 over 40" in possession. All from 30-40" must be immediatley released).

Perch

20 daily and 40 in possession

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Northeast zone

Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").

Bowfin, buffalo, carp, carpsuckers, freshwater drum, goldeneye, redhorse, and suckers

no limit

Biologist Notes

August 27, 1973Whale Lake has a fair population of N Pike, mostly of a small size. Rough fish include a very large population of Suckers of all sizes and a small num…

Whale Lake has a fair population of N Pike, mostly of a small size. Rough fish include a very large population of Suckers of all sizes and a small number of Perch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Whale?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch and Northern Pike in Whale. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Whale?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Whale. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Whale?

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

When were the main sport fish in Whale last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Whale is from 1973. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Whale have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Whale?

No — Whale has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.