Erickson

St. Louis County

Near Winton

DOW: 69007200

Northern PikeGood · 51Largemouth BassGood · 50Smallmouth BassGood · 50

A 97-acre lake near Winton in St. Louis County — best known for pike and bass. Last surveyed 2014.

Fish Species (4)

Northern Pike

Good · 51

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2014

Last surveyed 2014 — treat with caution

Avg Size

20.4"

Avg Weight

2.01 lbs

Catch rate: 3.2 per gill net · typical 2–8.5 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike17% keeper-size (24"+)

14–23" · 83%Largest sampled 26"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Sep 2, 2014	3.17	20.4"	2.01 lbs	Standard gill nets

Largemouth Bass

Good · 50

Large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2014

Last surveyed 2014 — treat with caution

Avg Size

12.2"

Avg Weight

1.03 lbs

Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 0.3–2.3 for a lake like this

Size of catchable largemouth bass50% keeper-size (12"+)

8–11" · 50%Largest sampled 15"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Sep 2, 2014	1.00	12.2"	1.03 lbs	Standard gill nets

Smallmouth Bass

Good · 50

Large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2014

Last surveyed 2014 — treat with caution

Avg Size

9.4"

Avg Weight

0.53 lbs

Catch rate: 1.3 per gill net · typical 1.6–3.5 for a lake like this

Size of catchable smallmouth bass33% keeper-size (12"+)

7–11" · 67%Largest sampled 15"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Sep 2, 2014	1.33	9.4"	0.53 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

Average · 39

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Sep 2014

Last surveyed 2014 — treat with caution

Avg Size

19.0"

Avg Weight

3.03 lbs

Catch rate: 0.33 per gill net · typical 1.6–8.4 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Sep 2, 2014	0.33	19.0"	3.03 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.

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).

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Season: Mar 1, 2026 – May 8, 2026

Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.

Catch-and-release only

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

Largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Northeast zone, north and east of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls and Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County.

6 combined total largemouth or smallmouth

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

September 2, 2014Erickson Lake is located approximately 10 miles N of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. Lake levels at the time of the assessment were approximatel…

Erickson Lake is located approximately 10 miles N of Ely and is entirely within the BWCAW. Lake levels at the time of the assessment were approximately 1.5 feet below average and the shoreline was defined by woody debris with exposed boulders and muck. Access is by a 180 rod portage from North Hegman Lake. There are 3 designated USFS campsites on the lake. Campsite use appears to be low compared to other lakes in the area. Fish sampling during the 2014 population assessment consisted of 6 gill nets. The catch was comprised of northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and white sucker. Northern pike numbers in 2014 (3.2/gill net) were slightly below average when compared to other similar area lakes. Pike were 21 inches long on average but the largest pike was nearly 27 inches. Smallmouth bass numbers in 2014 (1.3/gill net) were below average when compared to similar lakes. Smallmouth averaged about 10 inches long and 6 years old. The largest smallmouth sampled was nearly 16 inches long and 9 years old. Largemouth bass numbers in 2014 (1.0/gill net) were slightly above average when compared to other similar area lakes. The average largemouth was 12 inches long and about 4 years old. The largest largemouth was 15 inches long and about 14 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Erickson?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass in Erickson. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Erickson?

Minnesota DNR records list public access for Erickson. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for the launch type and directions before you go.

When were the main sport fish in Erickson last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Erickson is from 2014. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Erickson have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Erickson?

No — Erickson has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.