Pickerel
A 29-acre lake near Dent in Otter Tail County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1972.
Fish Species (7)
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972
Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 345.0 per trap net · typical 5.7–40.5 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 1972 | 345.00 | - | 0.17 lbs |
| Jul 13, 1972 | 53.00 | - | 0.04 lbs |
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972
Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 5.0 per trap net · typical 0.5–3.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 1972 | 5.00 | - | 0.44 lbs |
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972
Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 6.0 per gill net · typical 2.8–8.7 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 1972 | 6.00 | - | 3.50 lbs |
| Jul 13, 1972 | 3.00 | - | 2.47 lbs |
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972
Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 48.0 per trap net · typical 1.3–6.3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 1972 | 2.00 | - | 0.05 lbs |
| Jul 13, 1972 | 48.00 | - | 0.12 lbs |
Average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972
Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 2.0 per trap net · typical 0.3–1.6 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 1972 | 2.00 | - | 0.60 lbs |
Typical numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972
Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 4.0 per gill net · typical 1.5–23 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 1972 | 4.00 | - | 0.12 lbs |
Other species in this lake (1)
Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.
Above-normal numbers · average-size fish
Trap-net survey · surveyed Jul 1972
Last surveyed 1972 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 5.0 per trap net · typical 0.5–2.2 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 1972 | 5.00 | - | 0.72 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)
Crappie
10 combined total
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").
Bullhead
100
Biologist Notes
July 13, 1972Test-netting indicated that Pickerel Lake contains a high-density population of small sunfish and high-density populations of bullheads, largemouth ba…
Test-netting indicated that Pickerel Lake contains a high-density population of small sunfish and high-density populations of bullheads, largemouth bass, and black crappies. The catch rate of northern pike was above average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Pickerel?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Bluegill, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, and Largemouth Bass in Pickerel. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Pickerel?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Pickerel. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Pickerel?
Pickerel has a maximum depth of 50 feet and a mean depth of 15 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Pickerel last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Pickerel is from 1972. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Pickerel have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Pickerel in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Pickerel?
No — Pickerel 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
- 28.74 acres
- Max Depth
- 50 ft
- Mean Depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 0.85 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed