Jim Lake
About Jim Lake
Jim Lake is a 59-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 26 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 2 fish species here, including lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 1998.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Jim Lake
- 59 acres, up to 26 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: lake trout
- Average water clarity around 15 feet — very clear
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 59 acres
- Max depth
- 26 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.7 mi
- Water clarity
- 15 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 32 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
Facilities
- 1 carry-in access
Best For
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 2
- Game fish
- 1
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 1998
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- No
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Jim Lake
Compare Jim Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Crocodile Lake
37 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais295 acres
2.9 miles away
Alder Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais529 acres
3 miles away
Lake Crystal
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill206 acres
4 miles away
East Bearskin Lake
77 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais593 acres
4.4 miles away
Moon Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais148 acres
4.4 miles away
Caribou Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais462 acres
4.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Jim Lake?
Jim Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 59 acres and reaches 26 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Jim Lake?
Jim Lake covers 59 acres with about 1.7 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 26 feet.
What fish can you catch at Jim Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Lake Trout. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Jim Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Jim Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Jim 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 Jim Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Jim Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.