Barker Lake
About Barker Lake
Barker Lake is a 149-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 15 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.6 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2018.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Barker Lake
- 149 acres, up to 15 feet deep, near Lutsen
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 149 acres
- Max depth
- 15 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 149 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 carry-in access
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 4
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2018
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Barker Lake
Compare Barker Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Christine Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen184 acres
2.8 miles away
White Pine Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen346 acres
3.6 miles away
Caribou Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen721 acres
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Mistletoe Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen145 acres
5.5 miles away
Clara Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen388 acres
5.8 miles away
Holly Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen76 acres
6.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Barker Lake?
Barker Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen. It covers 149 acres and reaches 15 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Barker Lake?
Barker Lake covers 149 acres with about 2.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 15 feet.
What fish can you catch at Barker Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Barker Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Barker Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Barker 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 Barker Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Barker Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.