Howard

Cook County

Near Tofte

DOW: 16078900

Lake TroutPoor · 21

A 166-acre lake near Tofte in Cook County — best known for trout. Last surveyed 1993.

Fish Species (3)

Lake Trout

Poor · 21

Small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1993

Last surveyed 1993 — treat with caution

Avg Size

16.8"

Avg Weight

1.92 lbs

Catch rate: 2.3 per gill net

Size of catchable lake trout5% keeper-size (22"+)

14–21" · 95%Largest sampled 23"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 2, 1993	2.33	16.8"	1.92 lbs	Shallow gill nets
Aug 2, 1993	2.80	16.8"	1.73 lbs	Deep gill nets

Northern Pike

Insufficient

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1993

Last surveyed 1993 — treat with caution

Avg Size

17.5"

Avg Weight

1.27 lbs

Catch rate: 0.67 per gill net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 2, 1993	0.67	17.5"	1.27 lbs	Shallow 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

Insufficient

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1993

Last surveyed 1993 — treat with caution

Avg Size

14.9"

Avg Weight

1.65 lbs

Catch rate: 5.0 per gill net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 2, 1993	5.00	14.9"	1.65 lbs	Shallow gill nets

See the best lake trout 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).

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 2, 1993Howard Lake supported a healthy native lake trout population. Lake trout were abundant, but generally small (most under 18 in) and slow-growing. North…

Howard Lake supported a healthy native lake trout population. Lake trout were abundant, but generally small (most under 18 in) and slow-growing. Northern pike were present in small numbers, but no other gamefish were collected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Howard?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Lake Trout in Howard. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Howard?

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

How deep is Howard?

Howard has a maximum depth of 125 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Howard last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Howard is from 1993. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Howard have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Howard?

No — Howard has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.