Gunflint Lake
About Gunflint Lake
Gunflint Lake is a 4,009-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 200 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 39.2 miles of shoreline. By surface area it ranks No. 3 among the 171 Cook County lakes in this directory. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.3 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and lake trout. 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.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. OpenStreetMap shows a swim beach on or beside the lake. Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground is 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. Ice typically goes out around May 6, based on 80 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Gunflint Lake
- 4,009 acres, up to 200 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, bluegill, yellow perch, and lake trout
- Average water clarity around 16.3 feet — very clear
- Swim beach on or beside the lake
- Camping close to the water at Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- 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
Conditions
- Surface area
- 4,009 acres
- Max depth
- 200 ft
- Shoreline
- 39.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 16.3 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 674 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Swim beach
- Camping: Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Swimming and beach days
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- May 6
- Years of record
- 80
- Earliest
- March 23, 2012
- Latest
- June 3, 1936
- Most recent
- May 4, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground is mapped on or near Gunflint 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.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Gunflint Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Loon Lake
75 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais1,095 acres
1.4 miles away
Magnetic Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill447 acres
2.8 miles away
Tucker Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais147 acres
2.9 miles away
Little Iron Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais115 acres
3.3 miles away
Little Gunflint Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill111 acres
4.4 miles away
Banadad Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill178 acres
4.4 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gunflint Lake?
Gunflint Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 4,009 acres and reaches 200 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Gunflint Lake?
Gunflint Lake covers 4,009 acres with about 39.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 200 feet.
What fish can you catch at Gunflint Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Gunflint Lake?
Yes. Gunflint 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 Gunflint 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 Gunflint Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Gunflint Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Gunflint Lake?
The median ice-out date is May 6, from 80 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 23, 2012 and the latest is June 3, 1936.
Can you camp at Gunflint Lake?
Yes. Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Gunflint Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Gunflint 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.