---
type: compare
title: "Rainy Lake vs St. Louis River Estuary"
county: "St. Louis"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/compare/rainy-lake-vs-st-louis-river-estuary
---

# Rainy Lake vs St. Louis River Estuary

Two of the top-scoring lakes in St. Louis County, Minnesota, side by side.

| | [Rainy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/rainy-lake) | [St. Louis River Estuary](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/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 |

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/compare/rainy-lake-vs-st-louis-river-estuary)*