Rainy Lake vs St. Louis River Estuary
Two of the top-scoring lakes in St. Louis County, Minnesota, side by side.
Rainy Lake is the larger of the two at 210,200 acres against 10,255 for St. Louis River Estuary. On our rankings, St. Louis River Estuary comes out ahead for fishing, Rainy Lake comes out ahead for swimming, Rainy Lake comes out ahead for boating, Rainy Lake comes out ahead for camping, St. Louis River Estuary comes out ahead for paddling, and Rainy Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Rainy Lake | St. Louis River Estuary |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 89 / 100 | 82 / 100 |
| Nearest town | International Falls | Duluth |
| Surface area | 210,200 acres | 10,255 acres |
| Max depth | 161 ft | 55 ft |
| Shoreline | 2176.3 mi | 195.5 mi |
| Water clarity | 9.2 ft | — |
| Public access | 7 public boat launches (concrete) | 4 public boat launches (concrete) |
| Fish species | 15 | 33 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Sauger, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass | Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass |
| Stocked | No | Yes |
| Special regulations | Yes | No |
| Swim beach | Yes | Yes |
| Camping | Yes | Yes |
| Invasive species | spiny waterflea, zebra mussel | None listed |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingSt. Louis River Estuary
- SwimmingRainy Lake
- BoatingRainy Lake
- CampingRainy Lake
- PaddlingSt. Louis River Estuary
- Ice FishingRainy Lake
The lakes
More comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Rainy Lake or St. Louis River Estuary?
Rainy Lake is bigger at 210,200 acres; St. Louis River Estuary covers 10,255 acres.
Which is deeper, Rainy Lake or St. Louis River Estuary?
Rainy Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 161 feet against 55 feet.
Is Rainy Lake or St. Louis River Estuary better for fishing?
St. Louis River Estuary ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Rainy Lake lists 15 species and St. Louis River Estuary lists 33.