Wilderness

Itasca County

Near Dunbar

DOW: 31090100

Yellow PerchAverage · 46Northern PikeAverage · 38

A 22-acre lake near Dunbar in Itasca County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1981.

Fish Species (3)

Yellow Perch

Average · 46

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1981

Last surveyed 1981 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.17 lbs

Catch rate: 1.5 per gill net · typical 1.9–19.1 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 26, 1981	7.00	-	0.26 lbs	Standard trap nets
Aug 26, 1981	1.50	-	0.17 lbs	Standard gill nets

Northern Pike

Average · 38

Typical numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 1981

Last surveyed 1981 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

1.18 lbs

Catch rate: 5.5 per gill net · typical 2.7–9.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 26, 1981	5.50	-	1.18 lbs	Standard gill nets
Aug 26, 1981	2.50	-	2.70 lbs	Standard trap 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.

Brown Bullhead

Good · 57

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 1981

Last surveyed 1981 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.44 lbs

Catch rate: 4.5 per trap net · typical 0.5–5.9 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 26, 1981	4.50	-	0.44 lbs	Standard trap nets
Aug 26, 1981	8.00	-	0.19 lbs	Standard gill 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").

Bullhead

100

Biologist Notes

August 26, 1981This lake has a simple fish species complex typical of a body of water which experiences low oxygen levels during severe winters.

This lake has a simple fish species complex typical of a body of water which experiences low oxygen levels during severe winters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Wilderness?

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

Is there public access at Wilderness?

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

How deep is Wilderness?

Wilderness has a maximum depth of 25 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Wilderness last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Wilderness is from 1981. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Wilderness have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Wilderness?

No — Wilderness 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.