Fishing Tank Lake

Tank Lake offers a quality splake fishery in a remote 36-acre setting with maximum depths reaching 50 feet. The 2008 survey found excellent conditions with splake comprising 96% of fish biomass, growing to 18 inches with 46% reaching legal size at 10 inches or larger. Growth rates are slightly below state average at -0.2, but fish survival and recruitment are strong with four year classes represented. The lake's deep central bowl with steep sides holds dissolved oxygen down to 30 feet in August, providing good cold-water habitat at 47°F. Shoal areas along the northwest shore and eastern bays comprise 60% of surface area, with submerged lake pondweeds providing structure in shallow bays. The fishery benefits from abundant forage - fathead minnows make up 61% of fish by number while brook stickleback and northern redbelly dace provide additional prey. Tank Lake has a dramatic management history, undergoing six chemical reclamations since 1950 to control recurring yellow perch infestations that competed with trout. The most recent treatment in 2002 successfully eliminated perch, creating the current clean fish community. Access requires carry-in boats or 4WD vehicles due to an overgrown two-track road with sharp corners and exposed roots. The lake receives limited pressure due to its isolation three miles west of Pretty Lakes Quiet Area. Anglers should focus on the drop-offs around the deep central basin and areas with downed woody structure along the south shoreline. Current regulations allow all bait types, but DNR is considering prohibiting minnows to prevent accidental perch reintroduction.