St. Louis County Lakes - Lake Vermilion Fishing

Lake Notes: Known as the World’s Largest Freshwater Lake. Specializing in Walleye, Salmon, Whitefish and Lake Trout. Over 2900 miles of amazing shoreline. Very deep lake with a maximum depth of 1,335 ft.

Lake Vermilion

Lake Vermilion Map

Closest Town: Tower

Lake Size: 40,557 Acres

Public Boat Access: Many located around lake including: 1 on Hoodoo point off State Hwy. 169 & Co. Rd. 697, 1 on West shore of Head of Lakes Bay off Co. Rd. 24, 1 on Everett Bay off Co. Rd. 77, 1 on North side of Rice Bay off Co. Rd. 408.

Lake Notes: One of the most Beautiful Lakes in Minnesota specializing in Walleye, Bluegill and Crappie. Northern Pike, Muskie, Sunfish, Rock and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Maximum depth of 78 ft.

Kabetogama Lake

Kabetogama Lake Map

Closest Town: Kabetogama

Lake Size: 25,760 Acres

Public Boat Access: 1 on South shore off Co. Hwy. 523, 1 on East shore off Co. Hwy. 693, 1 on Southeast corner off Meadwood Rd.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye and Northern Pike. Bluegill, Crappie, Rock and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located within Voyageurs National Park. Maximum depth of 82 ft.

Rainy Lake

Rainy Lake Map

Closest Town: International Falls

Lake Size: 220,800 Acres

Public Boat Access: Many located around lake including: Tilson Bay, Dove Island, Kettle Falls, Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

Lake Notes: World Class Fishing, Specializing in Walleye and Northern Pike. Bluegill, Crappie, Rock, Large and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located within Voyageurs National Park. Over 1,600 islands & 920 miles of amazing shoreline and wilderness. Maximum depth of 163 ft.

Birch Lake

Closest Town: Babbitt

Lake Size: 5,628 Acres

Public Boat Access: Many located around lake including: Off State Hwy. 1 at Campground, at Kawishiwi River Bridge off State Hwy. 1, 1 off Co. Rd. 623.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Crappie. Bluegill, Large & Smallmouth Bass also caught. Maximum depth of 27 ft.

Birch Lake Map

Burntside Lake

Burntside Lake Map

Closest Town: Ely

Lake Size: 7,139 Acres

Public Boat Access: Many located around lake including: 1 off Co. Rd. 88, 1 off Co. Rd. 803, 1 off Co. Rd. 644, 1 off Co. Rd. 404.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Rock Bass and Northern Pike. Bluegill, Crappie, Large & Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located within Burntside State Forest. Maximum depth of 127 ft.

Crane Lake

Crane Lake Map

Closest Town: Crane Lake

Lake Size: 3,088 Acres

Public Boat Access: 1 on South side of lake off Co. Hwy. 425, 1 on West shore off Co. State Hwy. 24 at Voyageurs National Park.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Crappie. Bluegill, Rock Bass and Muskie also caught. Part of Namakan Reservoir and entry point into Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park. Maximum depth of 82 ft.

Pelican Lake

Pelican Lake Map

Closest Town: Orr

Lake Size: 10,945 Acres

Public Boat Access: Many located around lake including: 1 on Northwest shore, 1 on Southeast shore, 1 on Northeast shore, 1 on South end off Co. Rd. 23.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Crappie and Bluegill. Walleye, Rock, Large & Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located within Kabetogama State Forest. Over 50 miles of beautiful shoreline with 45+ islands. Maximum depth of 39 ft.

Namakan Lake

Closest Town: Ray

Lake Size: 25,130 Acres

Public Boat Access: Through Rainy, Crane and Kabetogama Lakes.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye and Northern Pike. Bluegill, Crappie, Rock and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Deep lake with a maximum depth of 152ft. Part of Namakan Reservoir and located within Voyageurs National Park.

Namakan Lake Map

White Iron Lake

Closest Town: Ely

Lake Size: 3,429 Acres

Public Boat Access: 1 on North shore off Co. Rd. 447, 1 on West shore off Co. Rd. 655

Lake Notes: Part of the White Iron chain of lakes. Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Rock Bass. Bluegill, Crappie and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located about 5 miles east of Ely. Maximum depth of 48 ft.

White Iron Lake Map

Armstrong Lake

Closest Town: Ely

Lake Size: 389 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on West end of lake off Co. State Hwy. 128

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Largemouth, Smallmouth and Rock Bass also caught. Located about 10 miles west of Ely. Maximum depth of 34 ft.

Ash Lake

Closest Town: Orr

Lake Size: 669 Acres

Public Boat Access: 1 on Northeast side of lake, 1 on Southeast side of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Walleye and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located about 10 miles north of Orr. Maximum depth of 27 ft.

Bear Head Lake

Closest Town: Tower

Lake Size: 674 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northwest side of lake at Bear Head Lake State Park

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill. Crappie and Largemouth Bass also caught. Maximum depth of 47 ft.

Bear Island Lake

Closest Town: Babbitt

Lake Size: 2,351 Acres

Public Boat Access: 1 on Southwest shore off Co. Rd. 490, 1 on Northeast end off Co. Rd. 684

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Bluegill and Rock Bass. Northern Pike and Crappie also caught. Located about 4 miles north of Babbitt. Maximum depth of 63 ft.

Big Lake

Closest Town: Hoyt Lakes

Lake Size: 805 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on West end of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Walleye and Rock Bass. Maximum depth of 32 ft.

Big Rice Lake

Closest Town: Tower

Lake Size: 1,782 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on North shore of lake off State Forest Rd. 256

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike and Bluegill. Walleye, Crappie and Largemouth Bass also caught.

Black Duck Lake

Closest Town: Orr

Lake Size: 1,185 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on North side of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Bluegill and Crappie. Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located about 9 miles north of Orr in Kabetogama State Forest. Maximum depth of 31 ft.

Boulder Lake Reservoir

Closest Town: Duluth

Lake Size: 3,881 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Southwest end of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Crappie. Bluegill, Large & Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located about 12 miles north of Duluth. Maximum depth of 19 ft.

Cadotte Lake

Closest Town: Fairbanks

Lake Size: 325 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on West side of lake at Campground

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill. Crappie and Largemouth Bass also caught. Located within Superior National Forest. Maximum depth of 19 ft.

Caribou Lake

Closest Town: Duluth

Lake Size: 546 Acres

Public Boat Access: 1 on Southeast side of lake off Co. Rd. 885, 1 on Southwest side off Co. Rd. 859

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Walleye and Sunfish also caught. Maximum depth of 23 ft.

Lake Colby

Closest Town: Hoyt Lakes

Lake Size: 539 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on South shore of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike and Bluegill. Walleye and Crappie also caught. Maximum depth of 32 ft.

Dark Lake

Closest Town: Buhl

Lake Size: 232 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on West side of lake off Co. Rd. 663

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Walleye and Sunfish also caught. Located about 7 miles north of Buhl. Maximum depth of 31 ft.

Dinham Lake

Closest Town: Melrude

Lake Size: 206 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northeast side of lake off Co. Rd. 542

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Crappie and Bluegill. Walleye and Sunfish also caught. Located about 2 miles south of Melrude. Maximum depth of 26 ft.

Echo Lake

Closest Town: Buyck

Lake Size: 1,054 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on South side of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Crappie. Bluegill, Large & Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located about 4 miles north of Buyck within the Kabetogama State Forest. Maximum depth of 12 ft.

Elbow Lake

Closest Town: Gheen

Lake Size: 1,659 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Southwest end of lake off Co. Rd. 426

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill. Crappie and Rock Bass also caught. Located about 7 miles southeast of Orr within the Kabetogama State Forest. Maximum depth of 62 ft.

Elephant Lake

Closest Town: Orr

Lake Size: 742 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Southeast side of lake off State Forest Rd. 203

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye and Crappie. Northern Pike, Bluegill and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located about 10 miles northeast of Orr. Maximum depth of 32 ft.

Lake Elliot

Closest Town: Eveleth

Lake Size: 398 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on West side of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike and Bluegill. Walleye, Crappie and Largemouth Bass also caught. Located about 1 mile northeast of Central Lakes. Maximum depth of 14 ft.

Lake Ely

Closest Town: Eveleth

Lake Size: 673 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northeast corner of lake off Co. Rd. 629

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Bluegill and Crappie. Northern Pike, Largemouth and Rock Bass also caught. Located about 2 miles east of Eveleth. Maximum depth of 72 ft.

Embarrass Lake

Closest Town: Biwabik

Lake Size: 442 Acres

Public Boat Access: 1 on West shore of lake off Hwy. 135, 1 on North shore off Hwy. 135

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Walleye and Bluegill. Rock Bass and Crappie also caught. Maximum depth of 21 ft.

Grand Lake

Closest Town: Twig

Lake Size: 1,592 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on North shore of lake off Co. Rd. 7

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Walleye and Crappie. Bluegill and Largemouth Bass also caught. Maximum depth of 26 ft.

Island Lake

Closest Town: Goodland

Lake Size: 227 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northeast shore of lake off State Hwy. 73

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Walleye and Largemouth Bass

also caught. Maximum depth of 67 ft.

Island Lake Reservoir

Closest Town: Duluth

Lake Size: 8,111 Acres

Public Boat Access: Many located around lake including: 1 on East side of Main Basin off Co. Rd. 4, 1 on North side of East basin off Co. Rd. 4, 1 at Cloquet River Dam off Co. Rd. 275.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Rock Bass. Smallmouth Bass and

Crappie also caught. Located about 10 miles north of Duluth. Maximum depth of 96 ft.

Kjostad Lake

Closest Town: Buyck

Lake Size: 397 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northeast shore of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Bluegill and Northern Pike. Crappie, Smallmouth and

Rock Bass also caught. Located within Kabetogama State Forest. Maximum depth of 52 ft.

Lake Leora

Closest Town: Cotton

Lake Size: 269 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on South side of lake off Co. Rd. 49

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Crappie. Largemouth Bass and Bluegill also caught. Maximum depth of 37 ft.

Little Johnson Lake

Closest Town: Crane Lake

Lake Size: 481 Acres

Public Boat Access: Through Johnson River from Johnson Lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye and Northern Pike. Bluegill, Smallmouth and Rock Bass also caught. Connects to Johnson and Spring Lakes via Johnson River. Located about 10 miles northwest of Crane Lake within Superior National Forest. Maximum depth of 29 ft.

Little Stone Lake

Closest Town: Two Harbors

Lake Size: 181 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on South end of lake off Drummond Rd.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike and Bluegill. Walleye, Crappie and Largemouth Bass also caught. Located about 15 miles north of Two Harbors.

Little Sturgeon Lake

Closest Town: Chisholm

Lake Size: 266 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northeast shore of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike and Bluegill. Walleye, Crappie and Rock Bass also

caught. Located about 14 miles northwest of Chisholm. Maximum depth of 24 ft.

Long Lake

Closest Town: Makinen

Lake Size: 395 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northwest side of lake off Co. Rd. 108

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Crappie.

Loon Lake

Closest Town: Aurora

Lake Size: 290 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Southwest shore of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Largemouth Bass. Walleye, Rock Bass and Crappie also caught.

Lost Lake

Closest Town: Tower

Lake Size: 768 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on South side of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Bluegill and Crappie. Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass also caught. Maximum depth of 22 ft.

Moose Lake

Closest Town: Orr

Lake Size: 978 Acres

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Walleye, Sunfish and Largemouth Bass also caught. Located about 3 miles northeast of Orr within Kabetogama State Forest. Maximum depth of 12 ft.

Mukooda Lake

Closest Town: Crane Lake

Lake Size: 754 Acres

Public Boat Access: Portage trail from Sand Point Lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Lake Trout. Walleye, Bluegill and Crappie also caught. Located about 5 miles north of Crane Lake within Voyageurs National Park. Maximum depth of 79 ft.

Lake Murphy

Closest Town: Central Lakes

Lake Size: 395 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on East shore of lake off Co. Rd. 327

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Walleye and Largemouth Bass also caught. Maximum depth of 26 ft.

Myrtle Lake

Closest Town: Orr

Lake Size: 889 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on South shore of lake off Co. Rd. 23

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Walleye, Rock and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Maximum depth of 22 ft.

Lake Nichols

Closest Town: Payne

Lake Size: 413 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on North end of lake off Co. Rd. 232

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Walleye and Largemouth Bass also caught. Located about 18 miles northwest of Duluth. Maximum depth of 33 ft.

One Pine Lake

Closest Town: Ely

Lake Size: 363 Acres

Public Boat Access: 1 on Southwest corner of lake, 1 on North end of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Crappie. Rock Bass and Bluegill also caught. Located about 7 miles south of Ely. Maximum depth of 15 ft.

Perch Lake

Closest Town: Chisholm

Lake Size: 339 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northwest corner of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Smallmouth Bass. Walleye and Crappie also caught. Maximum depth of 32 ft.

Pike Lake

Closest Town: Hermantown

Lake Size: 494 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on East side of lake off Co. Rd. 13

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye and Bluegill. Rock Bass, Northern Pike and Crappie also caught. Maximum depth of 64 ft.

Pleasant Lake

Closest Town: Eveleth

Lake Size: 345 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on North shore of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Bluegill and Crappie. Largemouth and Rock Bass also caught. Located about 5 miles south of Eveleth. Maximum depth of 35 ft.

Prairie Lake

Closest Town: Floodwood

Lake Size: 848 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located off State Hwy. 73 on East Bay of lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye and Crappie. Northern Pike, Bluegill and Rock Bass also caught. Located about 9 miles south of Floodwood. Maximum depth of 49 ft.

Sand Point Lake

Closest Town: Crane Lake

Lake Size: 8,869 Acres

Public Boat Access: Through channel from Crane Lake

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Crappie. Rock, Large and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Part of Namakan Reservoir and located within Voyageurs National Park. Maximum depth of 186 ft.

Seven Beaver Lake

Closest Town: Fairbanks

Lake Size: 1,410 Acres

Public Boat Access: Portage through St. Louis River

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill. Crappie and Largemouth Bass also caught. Located within Superior National Forest. Maximum depth of 7 ft.

Side Lake

Closest Town: Chisholm

Lake Size: 372 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on West shore of lake at McCarthy Beach State Park

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike and Bluegill. Walleye, Crappie and Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located about 12 miles northwest of Chisholm. Maximum depth of 34 ft.

St. Louis Bay

Closest Town: Duluth

Lake Size: 11,500 Acres

Public Boat Access: Many located around lake including: 1 on Park Point, 1 on Rice’s Point off Garfield Ave., 1 at Munger Landing off Grand Ave., 1 at Boy Scout Landing off Commonwealth Ave.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Rock Bass. Muskie, Bluegill, Lake Sturgeon and Crappie also caught. Maximum depth of 28 ft.

Strand Lake

Closest Town: Cotton

Lake Size: 334 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on North side of lake off Co. Rd. 973

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye and Crappie. Northern Pike and Bluegill also caught. Maximum depth of 18 ft.

Sturgeon Lake

Closest Town: Chisholm

Lake Size: 1,664 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on East shore of lake at McCarthy Beach State Park

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike and Bluegill. Walleye, Crappie and Rock Bass also caught. Maximum depth of 82 ft.

Twin Lake

Closest Town: Ely

Lake Size: 239 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on North side of West Twin Lake off Co. Rd. 451

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass. Walleye, Bluegill and Crappie also caught. Located about 3 miles south of Ely.

West Two Rivers Reservoir

Closest Town: Mt. Iron

Lake Size: 713 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located off Co. Rd. 761

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike, Crappie and Bluegill. Large & Smallmouth Bass also caught. Located about 5 miles southwest of Mt. Iron.

Whiteface Reservoir

Closest Town: Markham

Lake Size: 5,600 Acres

Public Boat Access: on East side of North Peninsula off Co. Rd. 618 at campground, on East side of South Peninsula off Co. Rd. 265.

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Bluegill and Northern Pike. Crappie and Rock Bass also caught. Maximum depth of 37 ft.

Whitewater Lake

Closest Town: Hoyt Lakes

Lake Size: 1,210 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northeast side of lake at campground

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill. Rock Bass, Crappie and Sunfish also caught. Located about 1 mile west of Hoyt Lakes. Maximum depth of 74 ft.

Wild Rice Lake

Closest Town: Duluth

Lake Size: 2,127 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located off Co. Rd. 247

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill. Rock Bass and Crappie also caught. Maximum depth of 12 ft.

Winchester Lake

Closest Town: Orr

Lake Size: 360 Acres

Lake Notes: Specializing in Bluegill and Rock Bass. Walleye, Crappie and Sunfish also caught. Located about 12 miles east of Orr. Maximum depth of 52 ft.

Wolf Lake

Closest Town: Two Harbors

Lake Size: 467 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on South end of lake off Co. Rd. 547

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Crappie. Located about 15 miles northwest of Two Harbors within the Superior National Forest and the Cloquet Valley State Forest. Maximum depth of 14 ft.

Wolf Lake

Closest Town: Ely

Lake Size: 299 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located off Co. Rd. 404

Lake Notes: Specializing in Northern Pike and Bluegill. Walleye and Rock Bass also caught. Located about 8 miles west of Ely. Maximum depth of 29 ft.

Wynne Lake

Closest Town: Aurora

Lake Size: 279 Acres

Public Boat Access: Located on Northwest corner of lake off Co. Rd. 416

Lake Notes: Specializing in Walleye, Northern Pike and Bluegill. Rock Bass and Crappie also caught. Located about 2 miles west of Aurora. Maximum depth of 54 ft.