Brule Lake
About Brule Lake
Brule Lake is a 4,327-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 78 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 35 feet, and has roughly 63.1 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 2 among the 171 Cook County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.2 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. 22 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Brule Lake
- 4,327 acres, up to 78 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, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 16.2 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 4,327 acres
- Max depth
- 78 ft
- Average depth
- 35 ft
- Shoreline
- 63.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,431 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)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping (22 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- 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
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2023
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
22 campgrounds are mapped on or near Brule 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 Brule Lake
Compare Brule Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Brule Lake ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Brule Lake ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Brule Lake ranks among camping lakes nearby.
See how Brule Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Brule Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Juno Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen216 acres
2.3 miles away
Star Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen107 acres
2.4 miles away
Homer Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen434 acres
2.5 miles away
Echo Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill121 acres
2.9 miles away
Vern Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen123 acres
3.5 miles away
East Pipe Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen105 acres
3.7 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Brule Lake?
Brule Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 4,327 acres and reaches 78 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Brule Lake?
Brule Lake covers 4,327 acres with about 63.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 78 feet and its average depth is about 35 feet.
What fish can you catch at Brule Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Brule Lake?
Yes. Brule 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 Brule Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Brule 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 Brule Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Brule Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Brule Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.