Pig Lake

Pig Lake covers about 196 acres with under three miles of shore and a maximum depth of 56 feet. Only about a third of it is 15 feet deep or less, and average clarity is about 15.8 feet.

The DNR describes Pig as feeling more like a large bay of Whitefish than a separate lake. It is reached by channel from Lower Whitefish.

Where it sits on the chain

Pig opens off Lower Whitefish, in the middle of the chain. Owners get a protected, bay-like lake at home and quick access to the big water.

With so little shoreline, private frontage is limited.

Fishing: what the DNR found

Northern pike were moderate in number (8.0 per net), averaging 23.1 inches; 19% were over 26 inches, with fish to nearly 33 inches. Walleye were fewer but averaged a large 20 inches.

Bluegill were small in the June survey, and only three crappie were caught, so the DNR suggests panfish anglers look elsewhere on the chain.

What it is like to own here

Pig suits buyers who want deep, clear water in a sheltered setting close to the center of the chain. Deeper water near shore is common, so look at the slope to the lake.

Limited frontage means listings are infrequent.

Getting on the water

Reached by channel from Lower Whitefish. An old township road access on the south shore is used by the Ideal Fire Department and gated; the DNR says the gate is opened for winter access.

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 Pig Lake: what to check

• Shore slope and stairs. Deep lakes often mean steeper lots; walk from the cabin to the dock before you fall for the view.
• 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.
• 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 Pig 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 Pig Lake

More lakes on the chain