What is the Best Fishing Lake in Lake County?

With hundreds of lakes and rivers across Lake County, answering this question is not straightforward. From Two Harbors to Ely, there are countless solid fishing lakes in the region, and many of them could yield the limit. Surfing the web searching for the answer, I found a ton of different opinions. But the problem with opinions is that they are extremely biased, so how the heck was I supposed to know what the true answer was?

As a design engineer of jet engines, I enjoy data, especially when making important decisions like where to fish. So, instead of searching for an expert opinion, I decided to analyze the top lakes and rivers around Lake County using Minnesota’s DNR’s latest lake survey data from the Lake Finder tool. After an hour or so analyzing the data, I devised a method to rank the best fishing spots in Lake County.

Of the analyzed spots, my methodology ranks Pickerel Lake as the best fishing lake in Lake County. While Pickerel Lake is a solid lake, it is 181 acres and features a strong population of Walleye. For some, this is ideal, but many may prefer the other highly ranked fishing spots in the area, which have a more diverse fish population as discussed below.

Here is a summary of my analysis:

 

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What is a Gill Net Survey?

Minnesota’s DNR takes fish surveys across the thousands of lakes they manage. They use Gill Nets, which are approximately 250 feet long, to capture fish. The fish are counted, weighed, measured, and then released. The DNR takes multiple samples across each lake, which provides them data about whether the lakes are weak, healthy, or thriving fisheries. This data can also be used by anglers to determine which lake might be the perfect spot to catch the next state record!

My Methodology of Ranking the Best Fishing Spots in Lake County

Most anglers target Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Crappie, Smallmouth or Largemouth Bass. These are the species I used to rank the top lakes and rivers in Lake County. The DNR takes multiple Gill Net samples when they complete a survey. For bigger lakes, they take more samples in order to accurately understand the health of the lake. For this reason, I could not merely count the number of fish the Gill Nets produced in each lake. Instead, I took the average number of Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Crappie, Smallmouth, and Largemouth Bass the Gill Net captured per sample. Different locations on different lakes may yield more or less, but the hope is that all the samples averaged together would provide an accurate picture of how healthy the lake or river is. This allows me to compare small lakes to large lakes and get a sense of which ones are hot.

But if you are like me, then you do not just want to catch a ton of fish; you want to catch a ton of BIG fish. When analyzing lake and river fish surveys, it is important to find spots with big fish. I consider BIG FISH as Walleyes 20″ or larger, Northern Pike 30″ or larger, Bass 15″ or larger, Muskie of any size, and Crappie 10” or larger. For each fish species, I calculated the percentage of BIG FISH captured. Then, I multiplied the CPUE (catch per Gill Net sample) by the percent BIG FISH. Then I added the total amount of BIG FISH per every Gill Net. This gave me the total amount of BIG game fish per Gill Net. I used this to rank the best fishing spots in Lake County.

The Top 13 Fishing Lakes in Lake County

1. Pickerel Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 6.7
• Location: 8 miles E and 1 mile N of Ely
• Area: 181.77 acres
• Max Depth: 13 feet
• Key Species: Big Walleye (6.2 per net), Big Smallmouth Bass, Big Northern Pike

Pickerel Lake is a favorite among anglers, known for its healthy Walleye population and consistent catches. Its shallow depth makes it easy to fish, and the surrounding wilderness provides a peaceful fishing experience.

2. Basswood Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 4.7
• Location: 7 miles N and 5 miles E of Ely
• Area: 25,952.96 acres
• Max Depth: 111 feet
• Key Species: Big Walleye, Big Crappie (1.5 per net)

Basswood Lake is a massive body of water and a premier fishing destination. It offers anglers abundant opportunities for Walleye and Crappie fishing, with scenic views that make the experience unforgettable. This lake is in the BWCAW. It is my personal favorite lake to fish. To access the lake, you will need a BWCAW permit. The best way to start fishing Basswood is to get a guided trip.

3. Indiana Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 4.3
• Location: Prairie Portage
• Area: 143.04 acres
• Max Depth: 31 feet
• Key Species: Big Smallmouth Bass, Big Largemouth Bass

Indiana Lake is ideal for anglers targeting bass, with both Smallmouth and Largemouth populations thriving. The compact size of the lake makes it easy to cover and perfect for a day trip. This lake is in the heart of the BWCAW. You can only access this lake via canoe and a BWCAW permit. I have always seen this lake on the map, but prefer to fish Basswood. Now that I have analyzed the MN DNR data, I may need to make a canoe trip to Indiana soon!

4. Skull Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 4.3
• Location: 9 miles N and 19 miles E of Ely
• Area: 28.94 acres
• Max Depth: 38 feet
• Key Species: Big Largemouth Bass (4.3 per net)

Skull Lake is also in the Boundary Waters and requires a permit. The lake can be accessed through Newfound Lake only by canoe or kayak. This lake is ranked number 4 because of a good sample of Largemouth Bass in 2017. The Largemouth were measured between 15-19 inches. The lake did not have any other game fish surveyed. If you have a trout stamp, Skull Lake does have Brook Trout. Being difficult to get to, I imagine this lake is only for Largemouth and BWCAW enthusiasts.

5. Delay Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 4.0
• Location: 2.5 miles east of Isabella
• Area: 101.7 acres
• Max Depth: 18 feet
• Key Species: Big Walleye, Big Smallmouth Bass

Delay Lake is actively managed for Walleye. The DNR surveys show a good Smallmouth population and an opportunity to catch some larger pike. The lake is 2.5 miles east of Isabella and is remote. I have never fished Delay. The DNR says the lake can be accessed off of 172, Waneless Rd. The DNR asks to use caution backing a trailer into the lake access because of the twists and turns. Using a small boat or canoe is encouraged.

6. Birch Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 3.3
• Location: 21 miles E and 10 miles N of Ely
• Area: 836.35 acres
• Max Depth: 34 feet
• Key Species: Big Northern Pike, Big Walleye

Birch Lake is a well-rounded fishery with strong Northern Pike and Walleye populations. Its scenic surroundings and productive waters make it a must-visit destination for anglers. When I took a guided trip to Basswood, I asked my guide what the best fishing lake outside of the BWCAW is. He responded, “Birch.” Birch is an excellent fishery, I highly recommend this lake. According to DNR data, this lake is ranked number 7.

7. Stewart Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 3.2
• Location: 10.7 miles north-northwest of Two Harbors
• Area: 237.72 acres
• Max Depth: 20 feet
• Key Species: Big Walleye, Big Crappie

Stewart Lake is known for its consistent Walleye catches and a decent population of Crappie. Anglers often report steady action throughout the year. It is a smaller, remote lake near Two Harbors and one worth checking out.

8. Boot Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 3.0
• Location: Prairie Portage
• Area: 197.07 acres
• Max Depth: 83 feet
• Key Species: Big Smallmouth Bass, Big Largemouth Bass

Boot Lake is another BWCAW lake and a top choice for bass fishing, with Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass thriving in its deep, clear waters. It’s a favorite among bass enthusiasts. Most access the lake via Snowbank. You will need a canoe or kayak and a BWCAW permit.

9. Bald Eagle Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 2.7
• Location: Silver Rapids
• Area: 1,243.44 acres
• Max Depth: 36 feet
• Key Species: Big Crappie (1.7 per net), Big Northern Pike

Bald Eagle Lake is a large and diverse fishery, with Crappie and Northern Pike populations that consistently produce good catches. It is another BWCAW lake that requires a permit and canoe or kayak for entry.

10. Triangle Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 2.6
• Location: 13 miles N and 2 miles E of Ely
• Area: 299.9 acres
• Max Depth: 43 feet
• Key Species: Big Walleye, Big Smallmouth Bass

Triangle Lake offers excellent opportunities for Walleye and Smallmouth Bass fishing. Its clear waters and deep structure provide ideal conditions for big fish. It is not an easy lake to get to. It is outside of the BWCAW so you do not need a permit. But the only way to access Triangle is via portage so it feels like a BWCAW lake. You can roller portage from Ojibway. It is a beautiful lake and has a few campsites, which I have camped on many years ago.

11. Good Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 2.3
• Location: Prairie Portage
• Area: 175.22 acres
• Max Depth: 51 feet
• Key Species: Big Smallmouth Bass, Big Walleye

Good Lake lives up to its name, providing solid fishing for both Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. It’s a popular BWCAW spot for local anglers. Off the beaten path of Basswood, you will need a permit and a canoe or kayak to access.

12. Farm Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 2.2
• Location: 6 miles E of Ely
• Area: 1,291.92 acres
• Max Depth: 56 feet
• Key Species: Big Smallmouth Bass, Big Northern Pike

Farm Lake is one of the larger lakes on this list and offers plenty of opportunities for big catches. The Northern Pike population is especially noteworthy. Farm lake is a system of 3-lakes: Garden, White Iron, and Farm. All three are popular fishing destinations. My grandfather caught a 12-pound walleye long long ago in White Iron lake. A few years ago, I rented a pontoon and cruised around with the family. We dropped a line in Farm and picked up a Walleye. The lake seems like it has great opportunities and easy access compared to many of the top Lake County lakes.

13. Hare Lake

• Big Game Fish Metric: 2.1
• Location: 4 miles north and 7 miles west of Schroeder
• Area: 48.29 acres
• Max Depth: 22 feet
• Key Species: Big Walleye, Big Crappie

Hare Lake is a very small lake with primitive access via an easement on private property. If you enjoy smaller waters for walleye and perch, then this is your lake. I think 9 out of 10 anglers will pass this lake by.

Conclusion

Lake County is a fishing paradise with diverse opportunities to catch trophy-sized game fish. Whether you’re targeting Walleye, Northern Pike, or Bass, these 13 lakes offer something special for every angler. Pack your gear and explore the pristine waters of Lake County for an unforgettable fishing adventure.

Happy Fishing!

References

Fisheries, M. a. (2024, January 26). Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved from LakeFinder: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html