Handle
A 14-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County — best known for pike and panfish. Last surveyed 1975.
Fish Species (3)
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1975
Last surveyed 1975 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 12.0 per gill net · typical 2.8–8.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 1975 | 12.00 | - | 1.38 lbs |
Below-normal numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1975
Last surveyed 1975 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 2–16 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 1975 | 1.00 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Other species in this lake (1)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1975
Last surveyed 1975 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 12.0 per gill net · typical 4–14.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 1975 | 12.00 | - | 2.50 lbs |
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
July 1, 1975Handle Lake has good population of N Pike and Sucker with a few Perch present.
Handle Lake has good population of N Pike and Sucker with a few Perch present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Handle?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike and Yellow Perch in Handle. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Handle?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Handle. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Handle?
Handle has a maximum depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Handle last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Handle is from 1975. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Handle have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Handle in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Handle?
No — Handle 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.
More lakes in Cook County
View allLake Details
- Surface Area
- 14.39 acres
- Max Depth
- 7 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.23 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed