---
type: lake
name: "Duncan Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 477
max_depth_ft: 130
latitude: 48.08039
longitude: -90.4662
lake_score: 54
dnr_lake_id: "16023200"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/duncan-lake
---

# Duncan Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 477 acres
- **Max Depth**: 130 ft
- **Average Depth**: 47 ft
- **Shoreline**: 7.6 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 17.8 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 54/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Duncan Lake is a 477-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 130 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 47 feet, and has roughly 7.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.8 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including smallmouth bass and lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Duncan Lake #1 and Duncan Lake #3 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 4
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Duncan Lake #1
- Duncan Lake #3
- Duncan Lake #4
- Duncan Lake #9

## Fish Species

Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout, Green Sunfish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Partridge Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/partridge-lake) - 1.1 miles, 118 acres
- [Moss Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/moss-lake) - 1.1 miles, 254 acres
- [Leo Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/leo-lake) - 1.8 miles, 102 acres
- [Rose Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/rose-lake) - 2 miles, 1,410 acres
- [Hungry Jack Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/hungry-jack-lake) - 2.1 miles, 474 acres
- [Bearskin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/bearskin-lake) - 2.1 miles, 509 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.08039,-90.4662)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16023200)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/duncan-lake)*