Status of the Fishery

Lake Hubert measures 1,287 acres with a maximum depth of 83 feet and is located just southeast of the town of Nisswa in west-central Crow Wing County. 

Hubert is one of the few lakes in the area that has smallmouth bass available for anglers to catch. In 2005, a 12" maximum length (fish larger than 12" must be immediately released) regulation on largemouth and smallmouth bass was put in place to try and maintain and enhance bass populations. Based on survey results, this regulation appears to be doing what it intended.  A night electrofishing survey was conducted on 25 May 2022 to sample the bass population. Largemouth Bass were sampled at a rate of 75.4/hr of run time. Past catch rates have ranged from 56.0/hr (2007) to 118.2/hr (2013). Average length was 14.5", with 48% at least 15.0" in length. Smallmouth Bass were sampled at a rate of 25.1/hr of run time, the highest catch rate to date. Past rates have ranged from 11.0/hr (2007) to 21.3/hr (2010). Average length was 15.3", with 64% at least 14.0" in length. 

Lake Hubert walleyes also catch the attention of anglers. Walleyes are stocked as fall fingerlings every third year (240 lbs), which appears to be working favorably in creating a decent walleye fishery. Walleyes were sampled at a rate of 4.3 per gill net, which is average compared to similar lakes. They also had a nice average length of 18.4”.

Northern Pike were caught in average numbers (3.3/gill net). Average length was 22.4" and fish above the 22"-26" protected slot made up 13% of the catch. Anglers are encouraged to keep the smaller Northern Pike under 22" to maintain a balanced Northern Pike population and put less pressure on the forage base in the lake, allowing continued survival of Walleye fingerlings that are stocked.

Please note that lakes in this part of the state have a new northern pike regulation enacted in 2018: possession limit of 10 with not more than 2 over 26". All from 22"-26" must be immediately released. Please refer to the current Minnesota Fishing Regulations for additional information.

Other fish present in Lake Hubert include Black Crappie, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Hybrid Sunfish, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Bullhead, and White Sucker.

Zebra Mussels are present in Lake Hubert. Lake users are required to inspect and remove any aquatic plants and animals from their watercraft and trailers, as well as pull the plug and drain all water from the watercraft, including bilges, livewells and baitwells.