Dunn Lake
About Dunn Lake
Dunn Lake is a 101-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.4 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. 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 3 fish species here, including lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2013.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Dunn Lake
- 101 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: lake trout
- Average water clarity around 12.4 feet — very clear
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 101 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 43 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
- A trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 portage access
Best For
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 3
- Game fish
- 1
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2013
- 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 Dunn Lake
Compare Dunn Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Birch Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais236 acres
1.2 miles away
Partridge Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais118 acres
1.3 miles away
South Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill1,145 acres
1.7 miles away
Moss Lake
52 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais254 acres
2 miles away
North Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais2,349 acres
2.3 miles away
Duncan Lake
54 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais477 acres
2.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dunn Lake?
Dunn Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 101 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Dunn Lake?
Dunn Lake covers 101 acres with about 2.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet.
What fish can you catch at Dunn Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Lake Trout. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Dunn Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Dunn Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Dunn 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 Dunn Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Dunn Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.