Hopkins

St. Louis County

Near Winton

DOW: 69010100

Largemouth BassGood · 50Northern PikeAverage · 32

A 18-acre lake near Winton in St. Louis County — best known for bass and pike. Last surveyed 2015.

Fish Species (4)

Largemouth Bass

Good · 50

Large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

14.0"

Avg Weight

1.74 lbs

Catch rate: 0.5 per gill net · typical 0.6–4.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 3, 2015	0.50	14.0"	1.74 lbs	Standard gill nets

Northern Pike

Average · 32

Above-normal numbers · small fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Aug 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

18.1"

Avg Weight

1.23 lbs

Catch rate: 16.0 per gill net · typical 3.9–9.4 for a lake like this

Size of catchable northern pike0% keeper-size (24"+)

14–23" · 100%Largest sampled 22"

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 3, 2015	16.00	18.1"	1.23 lbs	Standard gill nets

Bluegill

Insufficient

Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Catch rate: 0.5 per trap net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 3, 2015	0.50	-	-	Minnow traps

Yellow Perch

Insufficient

Trap-net survey · surveyed Aug 2015

Last surveyed 2015 — treat with caution

Avg Size

1.3"

Catch rate: 6.0 per trap net

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Aug 3, 2015	6.00	1.3"	-	Minnow traps

See the best largemouth bass 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

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

Northeast zone

Darkhouse spearing: 2 (Not more than 1 over 26").

Biologist Notes

August 3, 2015Hopkins Lake is located approximately 13 miles N of Ely in the BWCAW. This remote lake is characterized by it's densely forested shorelines of black s…

Hopkins Lake is located approximately 13 miles N of Ely in the BWCAW. This remote lake is characterized by it's densely forested shorelines of black spruce and other conifers. Small outcrops of ledgerock can be found and a prominent ledgerock bluff is located on the west side. Hopkins Lake appears to have very little use. A primitive, poorly maintained portage from Holy Lake was used to gain access. There are no designated USFS campsites. Small northern pike were found in good numbers in 2015. Pike abundance (16.0/gill net) was well above average compared to other similar lakes in the area. The average pike sampled was 18.6 inches long and the largest pike sampled was only 22.0 inches long. One 14.8 inch largemouth bass was sampled in the gill nets. There is a connection from the outlet to Little Bass Lake where largemouth bass have been established for some time. Small yellow perch and bluegill were sampled in baited minnow traps. Perch were also observed in northern pike stomach samples.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Hopkins?

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

Is there public access at Hopkins?

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

How deep is Hopkins?

Hopkins has a maximum depth of 11 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Hopkins last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Hopkins is from 2015. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Hopkins have any invasive species?

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

Are there special fishing regulations on Hopkins?

No — Hopkins 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.