---
type: lake
name: "Finger Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Tofte"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 204
max_depth_ft: 14
latitude: 47.72034
longitude: -90.99305
lake_score: 45
dnr_lake_id: "16064600"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/finger-lake
---

# Finger Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Tofte

- **Surface Area**: 204 acres
- **Max Depth**: 14 ft
- **Shoreline**: 2.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 6.4 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 45/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Finger Lake is a 204-acre lake near Tofte in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 14 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.4 feet. 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 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, black crappie, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. 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. 3 campgrounds 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**: 5
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Elbow Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elbow-lake) - 1.1 miles, 528 acres
- [Toohey Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/toohey-lake) - 1.8 miles, 369 acres
- [Frear Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/frear-lake) - 2.3 miles, 317 acres
- [Four Mile Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/four-mile-lake) - 2.3 miles, 593 acres
- [Timber Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/timber-lake) - 2.3 miles, 278 acres
- [Whitefish Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/whitefish-lake) - 2.3 miles, 346 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.72034,-90.99305)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16064600)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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