Kemo Lake
About Kemo Lake
Kemo Lake is an 189-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 65 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3.1 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 13.7 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. 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 3 fish species here, including lake trout and splake. 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.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Kemo Lake
- 189 acres, up to 65 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: lake trout and splake
- Average water clarity around 13.7 feet — very clear
- 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
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 189 acres
- Max depth
- 65 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.1 mi
- Water clarity
- 13.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 16 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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 carry-in access
- 1 portage access
Best For
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 3
- Game fish
- 2
- Stocked
- Yes
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Kemo Lake
Compare Kemo Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
West Twin Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais134 acres
1.1 miles away
Pine Lake
43 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais98 acres
1.2 miles away
East Twin Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais173 acres
1.9 miles away
Two Island Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais754 acres
2.5 miles away
Bower Trout Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill133 acres
3 miles away
Ball Club Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais206 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kemo Lake?
Kemo Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 189 acres and reaches 65 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Kemo Lake?
Kemo Lake covers 189 acres with about 3.1 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 65 feet.
What fish can you catch at Kemo Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Lake Trout and Splake. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Kemo Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Kemo Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Kemo 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 Kemo Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Kemo Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.