Kelso Lake
About Kelso Lake
Kelso Lake is a 133-acre lake near Forest Center in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 10 feet, and has roughly 7.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.5 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer. 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 northern pike, yellow perch, and rock bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 6 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Kelso Lake
- 133 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Forest Center
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: northern pike, yellow perch, and rock bass
- Average water clarity around 3.5 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- 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
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 133 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 10 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 95 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
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 3 portage accesses
- Camping (6 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 4
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
6 campgrounds are mapped on or near Kelso 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 Kelso Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kelso Lake?
Kelso Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Forest Center. It covers 133 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Kelso Lake?
Kelso Lake covers 133 acres with about 7.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 10 feet.
What fish can you catch at Kelso Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Rock Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Kelso Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Kelso Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Kelso 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 Kelso Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Kelso Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Kelso Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.