---
type: lake
name: "Kelso Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Forest Center"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 133
max_depth_ft: 16
latitude: 47.9039
longitude: -90.90543
lake_score: 36
dnr_lake_id: "16070600"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/kelso-lake
---

# Kelso Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Forest Center

- **Surface Area**: 133 acres
- **Max Depth**: 16 ft
- **Average Depth**: 10 ft
- **Shoreline**: 7.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 3.5 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 36/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## 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**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Sawbill Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/sawbill-lake) - 1.7 miles, 834 acres
- [Alton Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/alton-lake) - 2.3 miles, 969 acres
- [Wine Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/wine-lake) - 3.3 miles, 268 acres
- [Grace Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/grace-lake) - 3.6 miles, 433 acres
- [Beth Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/beth-lake) - 3.7 miles, 170 acres
- [Burnt Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/burnt-lake) - 3.7 miles, 358 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.9039,-90.90543)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16070600)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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