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Flour Lake

lakeCook County, Minnesota · near Grand Marais330 acres83 out of 100 Lake Score Lake Score

About Flour Lake

Flour Lake is a 330-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 75 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 8.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.4 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 8 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, lake trout, and tullibee (cisco). The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to smallmouth bass, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Flour Lake Campground and Golden Eagle Resort are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.

Plan Your Visit to Flour Lake

What to Know Before You Go
  • 330 acres, up to 75 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, yellow perch, lake trout, and tullibee (cisco)
  • Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
  • Average water clarity around 15.4 feet — very clear
  • Swim beach on or beside the lake
  • Camping close to the water at Flour Lake Campground and Golden Eagle Resort
  • Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
  • Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave

Access & Fees

Public access
1 public boat launch (concrete)
Launch fee
Free at DNR accesses
Managed by
US Forest Service
Wilderness permit
BWCAW permit required

Conditions

Surface area
330 acres
Max depth
75 ft
Shoreline
8.5 mi
Water clarity
15.4 ft
Shallows (under 15 ft)
115 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

Facilities

  • 1 public boat launch (concrete)
  • 3 portage accesses
  • Swim beach
  • Camping: Flour Lake Campground and Golden Eagle Resort
  • Picnic area

Best For

  • Walleye fishing
  • Swimming and beach days
  • Lakeside camping
  • Canoe tripping
  • Ice fishing
Know Before You Go
  • 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
6
Stocked
Yes
Last DNR survey
2025
Special regulations
Yes
Fishing pier
No
Ice fishing
Yes
Boat launch
Yes

Special regulations on this lake

  • Smallmouth Bass: All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.

Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.

Camping & Reservations

Flour Lake Campground and Golden Eagle Resort are mapped on or near Flour 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.

RV sites

Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.

Activities

FishingIce FishingBoatingPaddlingCanoe TrippingSwimmingCampingPicnicking

Amenities

Boat RampCarry-In AccessSwim BeachCampgroundPicnic Area

Fish Species

WalleyeNorthern PikeSmallmouth BassYellow PerchLake TroutTullibee (Cisco)Green SunfishWhite Sucker

Plan your trip to Flour Lake

Compare Flour Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Flour Lake?

Flour Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 330 acres and reaches 75 feet deep.

How big and how deep is Flour Lake?

Flour Lake covers 330 acres with about 8.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 75 feet.

What fish can you catch at Flour Lake?

Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, and Tullibee (Cisco). A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

Is there a public boat launch on Flour Lake?

Yes. Flour 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 Flour Lake?

Yes. A swim beach is mapped on or beside the lake. Most Minnesota beaches have no lifeguard, so swim at your own risk and check for beach advisories.

Is Flour Lake stocked?

Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Flour Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.

Are there special fishing regulations on Flour Lake?

Yes. All from 14-20" must be immediately released. One over 20" allowed in possession.

Can you camp at Flour Lake?

Yes. Flour Lake Campground and Golden Eagle Resort are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.

Does Flour Lake have invasive species?

Yes. The DNR lists Flour Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.