Lower Cone

Cook County

Near Maple Hill

DOW: 16039300

Northern PikeGood · 57Smallmouth BassGood · 50WalleyeAverage · 45

A 70-acre lake near Maple Hill in Cook County — best known for pike and bass. Last surveyed 1987.

Fish Species (4)

Northern Pike

Good · 57

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1987

Last surveyed 1987 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

3.08 lbs

Catch rate: 0.6 per gill net · typical 2–8.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 28, 1987	0.60	-	3.08 lbs	Standard gill nets

Smallmouth Bass

Good · 50

Large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1987

Last surveyed 1987 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.22 lbs

Catch rate: 1.6 per gill net · typical 1.6–3.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 28, 1987	1.60	-	2.22 lbs	Standard gill nets

Walleye

Average · 45

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1987

Last surveyed 1987 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.69 lbs

Catch rate: 0.8 per gill net · typical 2.2–10.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 28, 1987	0.80	-	2.69 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

Average · 46

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1987

Last surveyed 1987 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.50 lbs

Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 1.6–8.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 28, 1987	1.00	-	2.50 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Walleye and Sauger

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20"

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).

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 8, 2026

Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.

Catch-and-release only

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.

6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth

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

July 28, 1987WALLEYE ARE PRESENT IN LOW NUMBERS, WITH FAIR AVERAGE SIZE. WALLEYE ABUNDANCE HAS APPARENTLY NOT CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE 1971. SMALLMOUTH BASS ABU…

WALLEYE ARE PRESENT IN LOW NUMBERS, WITH FAIR AVERAGE SIZE. WALLEYE ABUNDANCE HAS APPARENTLY NOT CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE 1971. SMALLMOUTH BASS ABUNDANCE AND AVERAGE SIZE ARE GOOD, AND HAVE BOTH IMPROVED SINCE 1971. FORAGE FOR GAMEFISH APPEARS TO BE LIMITED TO MINNOWS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Lower Cone?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye in Lower Cone. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Lower Cone?

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

How deep is Lower Cone?

Lower Cone has a maximum depth of 21 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Lower Cone last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Lower Cone is from 1987. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Lower Cone have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Lower Cone?

No — Lower Cone has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide walleye and sauger limit is: 6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20". Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.