Aspen

Itasca County

Near Bigfork

DOW: 31069000

Yellow PerchGood · 64Northern PikeAverage · 45

A 73-acre lake near Bigfork in Itasca County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1980.

Fish Species (4)

Yellow Perch

Good · 64

Typical numbers

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.28 lbs

Catch rate: 4.8 per gill net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 8, 1980	1.50	-	0.42 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jul 8, 1980	4.75	-	0.28 lbs	Standard gill nets

Northern Pike

Average · 45

Typical numbers

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.39 lbs

Catch rate: 4.5 per gill net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 8, 1980	4.50	-	2.39 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 8, 1980	0.25	-	1.00 lbs	Standard trap nets

Other species in this lake (2)

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

White Sucker

Excellent · 98

Above-normal numbers

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.62 lbs

Catch rate: 5.0 per gill net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 8, 1980	5.00	-	1.62 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 8, 1980	0.25	-	1.50 lbs	Standard trap nets

Black Bullhead

Good · 50

Typical numbers

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1980

Last surveyed 1980 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.00 lbs

Catch rate: 0.5 per trap net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 8, 1980	3.25	-	0.40 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jul 8, 1980	0.50	-	1.00 lbs	Standard trap 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

North-central zone

Angling: 10 (not more than 2 over 26". All from 22-26" 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

North-central zone

Darkhouse spearing: 10 (only 1 between 22-26" and 1 over 26"; or, only 2 over 26").

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

no limit

Bullhead

100

Biologist Notes

July 8, 1980N Pike and Blk Bullhead pop. are slightly over local medians. Other fish species are normal for this type of lake.

N Pike and Blk Bullhead pop. are slightly over local medians. Other fish species are normal for this type of lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Aspen?

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

Is there public access at Aspen?

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

How deep is Aspen?

Aspen has a maximum depth of 26 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Aspen last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Aspen is from 1980. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Aspen have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Aspen?

No — Aspen 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.