---
type: lake
name: "Frear Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Sawbill Landing"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 317
max_depth_ft: 17
latitude: 47.74996
longitude: -91.0154
lake_score: 42
dnr_lake_id: "16080600"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/frear-lake
---

# Frear Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Sawbill Landing

- **Surface Area**: 317 acres
- **Max Depth**: 17 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 7.5 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 42/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Frear Lake is a 317-acre lake near Sawbill Landing in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.5 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 4 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2016.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 2 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**: 4
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2016
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Timber Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/timber-lake) - 0.8 miles, 278 acres
- [Elbow Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elbow-lake) - 1.4 miles, 528 acres
- [Finger Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/finger-lake) - 2.3 miles, 204 acres
- [Windy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/windy-lake) - 2.9 miles, 456 acres
- [Whitefish Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/whitefish-lake) - 3 miles, 346 acres
- [Hog Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/hog-lake) - 3.2 miles, 128 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.74996,-91.0154)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16080600)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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