Aspen Lake
About Aspen Lake
Aspen Lake is a 141-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 29 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.9 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2020.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service.
Plan Your Visit to Aspen Lake
- 141 acres, up to 29 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 7.9 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 141 acres
- Max depth
- 29 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 7.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 90 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2020
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Aspen Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Flour Lake
83 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais330 acres
1.4 miles away
Hungry Jack Lake
71 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais474 acres
1.5 miles away
Bearskin Lake
66 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais509 acres
1.8 miles away
East Bearskin Lake
77 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais593 acres
2.3 miles away
Daniels Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais509 acres
2.7 miles away
Leo Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais102 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Aspen Lake?
Aspen Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 141 acres and reaches 29 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Aspen Lake?
Aspen Lake covers 141 acres with about 3.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 29 feet.
What fish can you catch at Aspen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Aspen Lake?
Yes. Aspen Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Aspen Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Aspen Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Aspen Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Aspen Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.