---
type: lake
name: "Kemo Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 189
max_depth_ft: 65
latitude: 47.90175
longitude: -90.43216
lake_score: 44
dnr_lake_id: "16018800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/kemo-lake
---

# Kemo Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 189 acres
- **Max Depth**: 65 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3.1 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 13.7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 44/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 3
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access

## Fish Species

Lake Trout, Splake, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [West Twin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/west-twin-lake) - 1.1 miles, 134 acres
- [Pine Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/pine-lake-grand-marais) - 1.2 miles, 98 acres
- [East Twin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/east-twin-lake) - 1.9 miles, 173 acres
- [Two Island Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/two-island-lake) - 2.5 miles, 754 acres
- [Bower Trout Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/bower-trout-lake) - 3 miles, 133 acres
- [Ball Club Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/ball-club-lake) - 3 miles, 206 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.90175,-90.43216)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16018800)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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