Homer Lake
About Homer Lake
Homer Lake is a 434-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 22 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 12.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 6.9 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 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2022.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Homer Lake
- 434 acres, up to 22 feet deep, near Lutsen
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 6.9 feet
- Camping close to the water
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
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
- 434 acres
- Max depth
- 22 ft
- Shoreline
- 12.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 6.9 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 400 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 BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 1 portage access
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- 9
- Game fish
- 8
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2022
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
1 campground is mapped on or near Homer 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 Homer Lake
Compare Homer Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Homer Lake ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Homer Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
East Pipe Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen105 acres
1.2 miles away
Star Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen107 acres
1.8 miles away
Juno Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen216 acres
1.9 miles away
Vern Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen123 acres
2 miles away
Pipe Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen285 acres
2.1 miles away
Brule Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais4,327 acres
2.5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Homer Lake?
Homer Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen. It covers 434 acres and reaches 22 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Homer Lake?
Homer Lake covers 434 acres with about 12.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 22 feet.
What fish can you catch at Homer Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Burbot, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Homer Lake?
Yes. Homer 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 Homer Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Homer Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Homer Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Homer Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Homer Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.