Caribou Lake
About Caribou Lake
Caribou Lake is a 721-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 30 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.2 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. West Lake Agnes and East Lake Agnes are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. Ice typically goes out around May 5, based on 34 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Caribou Lake
- 721 acres, up to 30 feet deep, near Lutsen
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Average water clarity around 8.2 feet
- Camping close to the water at West Lake Agnes and East Lake Agnes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 721 acres
- Max depth
- 30 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 8.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 439 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)
- Camping: West Lake Agnes and East Lake Agnes
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- 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
- 8
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- May 5
- Years of record
- 34
- Earliest
- April 3, 2012
- Latest
- May 19, 1996
- Most recent
- May 5, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
West Lake Agnes and East Lake Agnes are mapped on or near Caribou 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 Caribou Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Deer Yard Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen343 acres
3 miles away
Christine Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen184 acres
3.6 miles away
Barker Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen149 acres
4.2 miles away
Mistletoe Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen145 acres
4.5 miles away
Pike Lake
65 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais814 acres
4.8 miles away
Holly Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen76 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Caribou Lake?
Caribou Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen. It covers 721 acres and reaches 30 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Caribou Lake?
Caribou Lake covers 721 acres with about 10.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 30 feet.
What fish can you catch at Caribou Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Caribou Lake?
Yes. Caribou Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Caribou Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Caribou 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 Caribou Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Caribou Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
When does the ice go out on Caribou Lake?
The median ice-out date is May 5, from 34 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 3, 2012 and the latest is May 19, 1996.
Can you camp at Caribou Lake?
Yes. West Lake Agnes and East Lake Agnes are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.