Hanson
A 46-acre lake near Ottertail in Otter Tail County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1976.
Fish Species (8)
Above-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1976
Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 47.5 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 1976 | 47.50 | - | 0.12 lbs |
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1976
Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 10.5 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 1976 | 10.83 | - | 0.08 lbs |
| Jun 23, 1976 | 10.50 | - | 0.12 lbs |
Below-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1976
Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.5 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 1976 | 1.50 | - | 6.42 lbs |
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1976
Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.33 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 1976 | 0.33 | - | 0.75 lbs |
Other species in this lake (4)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1976
Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 11.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 1976 | 11.00 | - | 0.06 lbs |
| Jun 23, 1976 | 0.83 | - | 0.03 lbs |
Above-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1976
Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 22.3 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 1976 | 4.50 | - | 0.11 lbs |
| Jun 23, 1976 | 22.33 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Above-normal numbers
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1976
Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 17.2 per trap net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 1976 | 0.50 | - | 0.33 lbs |
| Jun 23, 1976 | 17.17 | - | 0.28 lbs |
Above-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1976
Last surveyed 1976 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 2.5 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 1976 | 2.50 | - | 2.50 lbs |
| Jun 23, 1976 | 0.50 | - | 2.50 lbs |
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).
Largemouth Bass
Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 22, 2026
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
Catch-and-release only
Largemouth Bass
Season: May 23, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027
Largemouth bass in the Southern and North-central zones
6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth (when smallmouth season is open)
Sunfish
20 combined total
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
June 23, 1976Golden shiners, bullheads, yellow perch, and bluegills make up the bulk of the fish population. Largemouth bass and bluegills are the fish species mos…
Golden shiners, bullheads, yellow perch, and bluegills make up the bulk of the fish population. Largemouth bass and bluegills are the fish species most sought after by anglers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Hanson?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Northern Pike in Hanson. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Hanson?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Hanson. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Hanson?
Hanson has a maximum depth of 65 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Hanson last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Hanson is from 1976. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Hanson have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Hanson in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Hanson?
No — Hanson has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide sunfish limit is: 20 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 45.8 acres
- Max Depth
- 65 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.18 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed