Gunflint Lake vs Saganaga Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Cook County, Minnesota, side by side.
Saganaga Lake is the larger of the two at 18,767 acres against 4,009 for Gunflint Lake. On our rankings, Saganaga Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Gunflint Lake comes out ahead for swimming, Saganaga Lake comes out ahead for boating, Gunflint Lake comes out ahead for camping, Gunflint Lake comes out ahead for paddling, and Saganaga Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Gunflint Lake | Saganaga Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 86 / 100 | 79 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Grand Marais | Grand Marais |
| Surface area | 4,009 acres | 18,767 acres |
| Max depth | 200 ft | 280 ft |
| Shoreline | 39.2 mi | 277 mi |
| Water clarity | 16.3 ft | 12.8 ft |
| Public access | 1 public boat launch (concrete) | 3 public boat launches (concrete) |
| Fish species | 11 | 11 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch | Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | No | Yes |
| Swim beach | Yes | No |
| Camping | Yes | Yes |
| Invasive species | spiny waterflea | spiny waterflea |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingSaganaga Lake
- SwimmingGunflint Lake
- BoatingSaganaga Lake
- CampingGunflint Lake
- PaddlingGunflint Lake
- Ice FishingSaganaga Lake
The lakes
More comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Gunflint Lake or Saganaga Lake?
Saganaga Lake is bigger at 18,767 acres; Gunflint Lake covers 4,009 acres.
Which is deeper, Gunflint Lake or Saganaga Lake?
Saganaga Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 280 feet against 200 feet.
Is Gunflint Lake or Saganaga Lake better for fishing?
Saganaga Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Gunflint Lake lists 11 species and Saganaga Lake lists 11.