---
type: lake
name: "Gillis Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 616
max_depth_ft: 180
latitude: 48.05556
longitude: -90.93024
lake_score: 57
dnr_lake_id: "16075300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gillis-lake
---

# Gillis Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 616 acres
- **Max Depth**: 180 ft
- **Average Depth**: 16 ft
- **Shoreline**: 11.3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 16.8 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 57/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Gillis Lake is a 616-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 180 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 16 feet, and has roughly 11.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.8 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 yellow perch, lake trout, and burbot. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 8 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 4
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [French Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/french-lake) - 1 miles, 121 acres
- [Crooked Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/crooked-lake) - 1.1 miles, 244 acres
- [Elm Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elm-lake) - 2.1 miles, 109 acres
- [Peter Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/peter-lake) - 2.3 miles, 282 acres
- [Mora Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/mora-lake) - 2.4 miles, 210 acres
- [Tuscarora Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/tuscarora-lake) - 2.4 miles, 805 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.05556,-90.93024)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16075300)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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