Little Pine Lake

Little Pine is the easternmost lake on the Whitefish Chain. At about 330 acres it is one of the smaller lakes, with six miles of shore and a maximum depth of 36 feet. Well over half of it is 15 feet deep or less.

Average clarity is about 8.8 feet, lower than the deep lakes, which is typical of shallower, more fertile water. There is no public launch; boats come in through Daggett Lake.

Where it sits on the chain

Little Pine sits at the far eastern end of the chain, reached by channel from Daggett, which connects to Cross Lake. That makes it one of the quietest corners of the chain.

It is a lake for slow evenings, pontoon cruises and fishing close to home rather than long runs on open water.

Fishing: what the DNR found

Northern pike were abundant in 2024 (7.0 per net), averaging 22.2 inches; 14% were over 26 inches and the largest was nearly 34 inches. Walleye were few but averaged a solid 20.6 inches.

Panfish are the draw. Crappie and bluegill were caught in high numbers in gill nets, and 27% of bluegill were 7 inches or longer. The chain-wide limit of five sunfish and five crappie a day applies here.

What it is like to own here

Little Pine suits owners who want a quieter lake with easy family fishing. Shallow, weedier water means docks may need to be longer to reach boating depth, and swimming areas are often a matter of choosing the right spot.

Expect warmer water earlier in summer than on the deep lakes, and look closely at the bottom type at each lot.

Getting on the water

No public launch. Little Pine is reached by channel from Daggett Lake, using launches elsewhere on the chain.

Rules every owner on the chain should know

• Panfish limits: since 2021 the Whitefish Chain has a special daily limit of 5 sunfish and 5 crappie, to protect panfish size.
• Northern pike: the chain is in the DNR's north-central pike zone. All pike from 22 to 26 inches must be released right away, and you may keep no more than 2 over 26 inches (possession limit 10). Check the current regulations each season.
• Aquatic invasive species: zebra mussels are present in the chain. Before you leave any access, remove plants and animals from boats and trailers, pull the plug and drain all water, including bilges, livewells and bait wells. Plan to check docks, lifts and boat hulls when equipment comes out each fall.
• Building, docks and septic: shoreland setbacks, impervious-surface limits, vegetation and septic rules are set by Crow Wing County. Confirm what a specific lot allows with the county before you buy or plan a project.

Buying on Little Pine Lake: what to check

• Depth off the dock. This is a shallower lake, so ask how long the dock is and how deep the water is at the end of it in late summer.
• Bottom type at the waterline: sand, rock, or soft bottom with plants. It decides how you will use the shore.
• Which way the frontage faces and how exposed it is to wind and wakes; west-facing lots get the sunsets.
• Boat access. There is no public launch on this lake, so plan where you will launch or keep a boat at your dock.
• Dock, lift and boat condition, including zebra mussel buildup, and what stays with the sale.
• Septic compliance, well, and what Crow Wing County allows for additions, garages or a new build on the lot.

Selling on Little Pine Lake

Lake homes sell on the water as much as on the house: frontage, bottom, depth off the dock, exposure and the view all move the price, and so does how the home is presented. If you are thinking about selling, start with a private valuation. It stays between us, and you decide how far the sale travels from there.

Questions about Little Pine Lake

More lakes on the chain