Minnesota · Itasca County
North Twin Lake Fishing guide
North Twin Lake sits in Itasca County, Minnesota, and covers 239 acres, reaching 42 ft at its deepest point. Average water clarity runs about 11.3 ft. The Minnesota DNR has surveyed the lake 4 times, most recently in 2008, with walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike and bluegill in the nets. That survey is 18 years old now.
DNR survey data
Fish species
Largemouth bassGood numbers67per hr (electrofishing)11"Typical16"Biggest
Lengths measured · 80 fish
Recent · 2008Lengths measured · 80 fish
2008Lengths measured · 29 fish
1999Northern pikeFair numbers6.5per gill net19"Typical36"Biggest
Lengths measured · 41 fish
Recent · 2008Lengths measured · 41 fish
2008Lengths measured · 62 fish
1999BluegillJust a few12.7per trap net4"Typical8"Biggest
Lengths measured · 168 fish
Recent · 2008Lengths measured · 168 fish
2008Lengths measured · 157 fish
1999CrappieJust a few1per trap net6"Typical10"Biggest
Lengths measured · 44 fish
Recent · 2008Lengths measured · 44 fish
2008Lengths measured · 86 fish
1999Rock bassGood numbers1.2per gill net8"Typical9"Biggest
Lengths measured · 10 fish
Recent · 2008Lengths measured · 10 fish
2008Lengths measured · 18 fish
1999Rates come from standard DNR survey gear (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing), judged against statewide benchmarks for the same gear, so the same number of fish per net can read differently for two species. Where the standard gear can't count a species reliably, only presence and size are listed. Typical is the middle fish of those measured. Open a row for the full length spread, survey by survey.
How to fish North Twin Lake through the year
Largemouth bass
- Spring
- Largemouth are moving up into the warming bays and flats, staging around wood, docks and new weeds to spawn. At 11.3 ft of clarity, fish them deeper and lighter than usual.
- Early summer
- Largemouth are on the shallow spawning flats and protected bays, where beds go on firm bottom next to isolated cover.
- Summer
- Largemouth are in and along the weeds: cabbage and milfoil edges, matted cover and shade. On a lake that drops to 42 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Largemouth are chasing bait back onto the flats and into the remaining green weeds, feeding hard and shallow before the freeze.
Northern pike
- Spring
- Pike are in the shallow bays and along new weed growth. At 11.3 ft of clarity, fish them deeper and lighter than usual.
- Early summer
- Pike are on the outside weed edge and points.
- Summer
- Pike are on the deep weed edge and points near the coolest water they can find. On a lake that drops to 42 ft, check the deep edge of that structure too.
- Fall
- Pike are on the last green weeds and the breaks beside them, feeding heavily as the water drops.
Season patterns for each species. Open the live map for today's wind, light and water temp.
Size history
Biggest fish by survey year
| Survey year | Largemouth bass | Northern pike | Walleye |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 16" | 36" | 23" |
| 1999 | 19" | 27" | 14" |
Longest fish measured by DNR survey crews in each year's nets. Survey gear samples the population, so the lake usually holds larger fish than any survey measured.
Suggested tackle
What to bring
Top presentations for this lake's structure and clarity:
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Free Rig
Creature bait or magnum finesse worm
Largemouth bass · Soft plastics
Hover Shot
3–4" soft jerkbait minnow nose-rigged on a 90°-eye hover head so it hangs dead level
Northern pike · Soft plastics
Paddletail Swimbait on Jighead
4–5" paddletail swimbait on a ball-head swimbait jighead
Northern pike · Muskie & pike
Soft Rubber (Bull Dawg / Medusa)
10" soft rubber body bait
Walleye · Live bait
Live-Bait (Lindy) Rig + Leech/Crawler
jumbo leech or half a nightcrawler
Walleye · Trolling
Leadcore Line + Crankbaits
4–5" mid-diving crankbait behind a long leadcore run
Full setups, including hooks, weights and line, are on the live map. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
MN DNR · in their words
From the 2008 survey
North Twin Lake is a small, relatively clear lake in central Itasca County near Marble, Minnesota. The lakeshore has moderate levels of municipal and residential development. North Twin supports a relatively diverse aquatic plant community. Unfortunately, three exotic, invasive plants are present. Exotic aquatic plants are detrimental to the native aquatic plant community and often interfere with recreation. Eurasian water milfoil is present but appears to be limited in distribution at this time. Purple loosestrife and flowering rush are more widespread around the lake and appear to have displaced some other native, emergent plant species. Anglers should take care to remove all plant materials from boats, motors, trailers, and other gear. Despite the invasion by exotic plants and moderate levels of shoreline disturbance, North Twin Lake supports adequate fish habitat for a variety of species. The lake is connected to the Swan River via the outlet to South Twin Lake. This connectivity has resulted in a diverse fish community that offers anglers good opportunity for a variety of fish species. The lake is managed for northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish.
A population assessment was conducted in August of 2008 to assess the status and characteristics of the fish community. Bluegill were the most common fish in both the trap nets and the gill nets. The trap net catch rate was within the expect range in comparison to similar lakes and was similar to previous assessments conducted on North Twin. North Twin Lake has a history of producing relatively small bluegill and small average size may limit the popularity of the fishery. In 2008, the size structure was poor, as most individuals did not exceed 7 inches. Lakes with characteristics similar to North Twin rarely produce fast growing bluegill and growth of bluegill from North Twin was average, with individuals typically obtaining 6 inches in seven years. The 2001 year-class appeared relatively strong and may provide some quality fishing as individuals from that year-class averaged nearly seven inches at the time of capture.
Read the full DNR narrative
Northern pike were the second most common fish in the gill net. The gill net catch rate was within the expected range for this type of lake. Size structure was relatively poor as most individuals were did not exceed 21 inches. A few large individuals remain present, however, as one fish exceeding 36 inches was sampled. Growth was near the statewide average and individuals typically exceeded 21 inches in 5 years. Only 15% of the sampled individuals exceeded age 5, suggesting high angler exploitation of older, larger fish. Anglers should consider releasing northern pike exceeding 24 inches to increase the number of large fish in the lake.
Black crappie were captured in relatively high numbers from the gill net. Size structure was poor as few individuals exceeded the quality size of 8 inches. Black crappie gill net catches have historically been high in North Twin. Growth was near the statewide average and individuals typically exceeded 8 inches at age 5. Only 4% of individuals exceeded age 5, however. Reproduction and recruitment of black crappies is often variable and one or two year-classes may dominate a fishery resulting in inconsistent angler success. In North Twin, recruitment appeared inconsistent, as the 2005 year-class comprised 73% of the sample. Poor recruitment of black crappie prior to 2005, high angler exploitation of older, larger individuals, or a combination of the factors appears to have resulted in the poor size and age structure. If the 2005 year-class continues to dominate the fishery, good angling opportunity may exist in the near future.
Largemouth bass were sampled with nighttime boat electrofishing in June. Electrofishing resulted in a catch of 67/hour, indicating relatively high abundance. Size structure was favorable and most fish were of a quality size. Growth was near the statewide average and individuals typically exceeded 12 inches by age 5. Given the lakes characteristics, relative abundance, and favorable size structure, excellent angling opportunities should exist for this species.
Yellow perch are an important prey species in many lakes. Yellow perch catches have been low from North Twin in most assessments. In 2008, the gill net catch remained quite low. High predator density may limit the yellow perch population.
Walleye were captured at a rate of 0.7/gill net, indicating low abundance. Despite frequent stocking efforts until 1990, walleye catches remained low in comparison to similar lakes. A lack of spawning substrate, limited prey base, and an abundance of competing predators greatly limit walleye in North Twin Lake.
Other species present include bigmouth buffalo, bowfin, black bullhead, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse, white sucker, and yellow bullhead.
The protection of water quality and habitat is critical in maintaining or improving fish and wildlife populations. Unfortunately, human activities often negatively impact our lakes. Fertilized turf-grass lawns and failing septic systems along with the removal of shoreline and aquatic vegetation, mowing to the shore, and installing sand blanket beaches result in destabilized shorelines, uncontrolled erosion, and increased run-off, contributing excess nutrients and sediment to the lake and degrading water quality and habitat. By understanding the cumulative impacts of our actions and taking steps to avoid or minimize them, we can help insure our quality water resources can be enjoyed well into the future.
Narrative text from the Minnesota DNR lake survey.
Recent reports
North Twin Lake fishing reports
Recent reports on North Twin Lake from guides, tournaments and regular anglers. Anything posted in the last two weeks also bumps the matching spots on the live map, so you'll see a "matches a recent report" tag on them.
Public water access
Getting on the water
- Twin Lake (trailer launch)
- Twin Lakes Fishing Pier (fishing pier)
DNR bathymetry
North Twin Lake depth map
Within 30 miles
Nearby lakes
- South Twin Lake · 141 ac · 0.6 mi
- Holman Lake · 149 ac · 1.6 mi
- Upper Panasa Lake · 148 ac · 2.5 mi
- Lower Panasa Lake · 248 ac · 3.2 mi
- Snowball Lake · 145 ac · 4.2 mi
- Little Sand Lake · 210 ac · 4.3 mi
- Canisteo Pit · 1,458 ac · 4.5 mi
- Lammon Aid Lake · 63 ac · 5.1 mi
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
How deep is North Twin Lake?
North Twin Lake reaches 42 ft at its deepest point; about 31% of the lake is littoral (15 ft or shallower).
How big is North Twin Lake?
North Twin Lake covers 239 acres with about 3.6 miles of shoreline.
How clear is the water in North Twin Lake?
DNR Secchi readings on North Twin Lake average 11.3 ft of visibility, clear water for a Minnesota lake.
What fish are in North Twin Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys (most recently 2008) record walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, rock bass.
Is North Twin Lake stocked?
No stocking is on record for North Twin Lake in the DNR's stocking database.
Does North Twin Lake have a public access?
Yes. North Twin Lake has 2 public access sites, including Twin Lake (trailer launch).
How big do largemouth bass get in North Twin Lake?
The biggest largemouth bass measured in recent DNR surveys taped 16"; the size-history table on this page tracks the biggest fish in each survey back to 1999.
When was North Twin Lake last surveyed?
The Minnesota DNR last surveyed North Twin Lake in 2008, the most recent of 4 surveys on record. A survey that old is a starting point, not a current reading.
Page updated .
Featured guide spot
Your guide service here
One featured guide per lake, with your photo, your writeup and a link straight to your booking page. Free through December 31, 2026.
Then $20 a month from January. Cancel any time.
The live map adds today's conditions and ranked spots for North Twin Lake, plus a trip plan you can share:
Open North Twin Lake on the live map → Fished it lately? Write a report