Bower Trout Lake
About Bower Trout Lake
Bower Trout Lake is a 133-acre lake near Maple Hill in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 6 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 3 feet, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Bower Trout Lake
- 133 acres, up to 6 feet deep, near Maple Hill
- Public access on record — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5 feet
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Public access on record
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
Conditions
- Surface area
- 133 acres
- Max depth
- 6 ft
- Average depth
- 3 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 133 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
- Camping (2 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
2 campgrounds are mapped on or near Bower Trout Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Bower Trout Lake
Compare Bower Trout Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Bower Trout Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Bower Trout Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Bower Trout Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Bower Trout Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Ram Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais68 acres
1.1 miles away
Little Trout Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais127 acres
2.2 miles away
Ball Club Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais206 acres
2.8 miles away
Kemo Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais189 acres
3 miles away
West Twin Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais134 acres
3.4 miles away
Swan Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais199 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bower Trout Lake?
Bower Trout Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Maple Hill. It covers 133 acres and reaches 6 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Bower Trout Lake?
Bower Trout Lake covers 133 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 6 feet and its average depth is about 3 feet.
What fish can you catch at Bower Trout Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Bower Trout Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: public access on record.
Can you swim at Bower Trout Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Bower Trout 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 Bower Trout Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Bower Trout Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Bower Trout Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.