Hatchet

Lake County

Near Prairie Portage

DOW: 38036900

Northern PikeGood · 60WalleyeGood · 53Yellow PerchAverage · 46

A 127-acre lake near Prairie Portage in Lake County — best known for pike and walleye. Last surveyed 1972.

Fish Species (4)

Northern Pike

Good · 60

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972

Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

3.36 lbs

Catch rate: 0.71 per gill net · typical 2–8.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 1972	0.71	-	3.36 lbs	Standard gill nets

Walleye

Good · 53

Typical numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972

Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.87 lbs

Catch rate: 8.6 per gill net · typical 2.2–10.5 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 1972	8.57	-	0.87 lbs	Standard gill nets

Yellow Perch

Average · 46

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972

Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.30 lbs

Catch rate: 0.57 per gill net · typical 2.5–14.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 1972	0.57	-	0.30 lbs	Standard 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

Good · 63

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972

Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

2.00 lbs

Catch rate: 5.6 per gill net · typical 1.6–8.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jul 17, 1972	5.57	-	2.00 lbs	Standard gill nets

See the best northern pike lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Walleye and Sauger

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20"

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 17, 1972Lots of small walleyes, but do not appear to be stunted. Enough food in stomachs; all small Minnows- 2

Lots of small walleyes, but do not appear to be stunted. Enough food in stomachs; all small Minnows- 2

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Hatchet?

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

Is there public access at Hatchet?

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

How deep is Hatchet?

Hatchet has a maximum depth of 40 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Hatchet last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Hatchet is from 1972. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Hatchet have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Hatchet?

No — Hatchet has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide walleye and sauger limit is: 6 combined, not more than one walleye over 20". Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.