Miller Pit West
A 19-acre lake near Aurora in St. Louis County — best known for bass and panfish. Last surveyed 1990.
Fish Species (6)
Average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1988
Last surveyed 1988 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.5 per gill net · typical 0.3–0.8 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 15, 1988 | 1.50 | - | 0.63 lbs |
| Jul 25, 1985 | 0.50 | - | 0.10 lbs |
Typical numbers · average-size fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1988
Last surveyed 1988 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 0.8–9.4 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 15, 1988 | 1.00 | - | 0.15 lbs |
| Jul 25, 1985 | 1.50 | - | 0.30 lbs |
Below-normal numbers
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1985
Last surveyed 1985 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 0.5 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25, 1985 | 0.50 | - | 1.20 lbs |
Typical numbers · small fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jul 1985
Last surveyed 1985 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 1–3 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 25, 1985 | 1.00 | - | 0.40 lbs |
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 25, 1990 | 1.00 | - | 0.15 lbs |
| Jun 15, 1988 | 2.50 | - | 0.16 lbs |
| Jul 25, 1985 | 4.00 | - | 0.19 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.
Typical numbers · large fish
Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1990
Last surveyed 1990 — treat with caution
Catch rate: 2.0 per gill net · typical 1.5–10.4 for a lake like this
Survey History
| Date | Catch Rate | Avg Length | Avg Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 25, 1990 | 2.00 | - | 2.10 lbs |
| Jun 15, 1988 | 0.50 | - | 1.30 lbs |
| Jul 25, 1985 | 1.00 | - | 1.00 lbs |
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
Crappie
10 combined total
Sunfish
20 combined total
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
June 25, 1990Low numbers of white sucker and bluegill sunfish were captured in two gillnets. Northern pike, largemouth bass, and black crappie had been captured in…
Low numbers of white sucker and bluegill sunfish were captured in two gillnets. Northern pike, largemouth bass, and black crappie had been captured in previous assessments but were absent in this assessment, perhaps due to the limited sampling. Approximately 35 largemouth bass, about 8 observed cruising near submerged trees next to shore in the vicinity of one of the gillnet set.
June 15, 1988White sucker, bluegill, largemouth bass, and black crappie are present. Northern pike and rainbow trout, captured in the 1985 assessment, were not obs…
White sucker, bluegill, largemouth bass, and black crappie are present. Northern pike and rainbow trout, captured in the 1985 assessment, were not observed. Local residents report catching large (5 pound) walleye.
July 25, 1985Composed of low populations of rainbow trout, northern pike, sucker, and largemouth bass. Bluegill and black crappie are present in average or somewha…
Composed of low populations of rainbow trout, northern pike, sucker, and largemouth bass. Bluegill and black crappie are present in average or somewhat above average numbers. Fish are quite small in size with the exception of rainbow trout. Composed of low populations of rainbow trout, northern pike, sucker, and largemouth bass. Bluegill and black crappie are present in average or somewhat above average numbers. The fish are quite small in size with the exception of rainbow trout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in Miller Pit West?
Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Rainbow Trout, and Northern Pike in Miller Pit West. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.
Is there public access at Miller Pit West?
We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Miller Pit West. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.
How deep is Miller Pit West?
Miller Pit West has a maximum depth of 174 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.
When were the main sport fish in Miller Pit West last surveyed?
The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Miller Pit West is from 1990. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.
Does Miller Pit West have any invasive species?
No invasive species are on record for Miller Pit West in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.
Are there special fishing regulations on Miller Pit West?
No — Miller Pit West has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide crappie limit is: 10 combined total. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.
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Lake Details
- Surface Area
- 18.93 acres
- Max Depth
- 174 ft
- Shoreline
- 0.73 mi
- Public Access
- Not confirmed