Pennington Mine

Pennington Lake is a former open pit iron ore mine pit located in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Rainbow Trout were first stocked in 1982 and are stocked annual as yearlings (15,000/year) into Pennington and connected Mahnomen. Temperature and oxygen conditions suitable for trout occurred from a depth of about 20' down to around 45' in July. Rainbow Trout provide for a popular fishery, especially early in the season. Rainbow Trout were sampled at 1.5/gillnet, with an average length of 11.4". Lake Trout were first stocked in Pennington in 2019 and are stocked biennially as yearlings (1,670/year). No Lake Trout were sampled in this survey, although there are reports of anglers catching a few. Tullibee (Cisco) were also stocked in 2019 to provide forage for the Lake Trout. Tullibee (Cisco) were sampled in average numbers, when compared to similar lakes, at 1.3/gill net. Bluegills were sampled in high numbers at 82.7/trap net. Most ran on the small side with an average length of 5.5" and only 9% at least 7.0" in length. Two Northern Pike were sampled, with an average length of 24.3". Pennington is a designated stream trout lake. Designated stream trout lakes have additional angling regulations. Be sure to consult the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations book for regulations, seasons, and possession limits before fishing designated trout waters. Zebra mussels are present in Pennington Lake. Before and after launching lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.

Pennington Mine Pit Lake is a former open pit iron mine that is a designated stream trout lake presently managed for rainbow trout. The dissolved oxygen and temperature profile was measured on August 22, 2011 to monitor habitat for trout. Optimal conditions for rainbow trout (11-19 C, greater than or equal to 5 ppm DO) occurred in about 10 vertical ft from a depth of about 17 ft down to about 26 ft. The TDO3 value was 6.2 C. Sufficient oxygen for salmonids (> 5 ppm) occurred down to a depth of about 44 ft where the temperature was 6.4 C.

Pennington Mine Pit Lake is a former open pit iron mine that is a designated stream trout lake presently managed for rainbow trout. The dissolved oxygen and temperature profile was measured on August 22, 2011 to monitor habitat for trout. Optimal conditions for rainbow trout (11-19 C, greater than or equal to 5 ppm DO) occurred in about 10 vertical ft from a depth of about 17 ft down to about 26 ft. The TDO3 value was 6.2 C. Sufficient oxygen for salmonids (> 5 ppm) occurred down to a depth of about 44 ft where the temperature was 6.4 C.

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Rock Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, and Largemouth Bass in Pennington Mine. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Pennington Mine. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

Pennington Mine has a maximum depth of 259 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Pennington Mine is from 2022.

Yes — Pennington Mine has confirmed zebra mussel. Clean, drain, and dry your equipment to avoid spreading invasives to other waters.

Yes — the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations list 1 special rule for Pennington Mine, covering lake trout. Special regulations override the statewide limits; see the fishing regulations section on this page. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.