Kimball Lake
About Kimball Lake
Kimball Lake is a 77-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 9 feet, and has roughly 1.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.1 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 4 fish species here, including yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown 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 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. Kimball Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Kimball Lake
- 77 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, and splake
- Average water clarity around 10.1 feet
- Camping close to the water at Kimball Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 77 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 9 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.8 mi
- Water clarity
- 10.1 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 75 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 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Kimball Lake Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 4
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Kimball Lake Campground is mapped on or near Kimball 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 Kimball Lake
Compare Kimball Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Kimball Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Mink Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais57 acres
0.5 miles away
Trout Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais259 acres
2.7 miles away
Northern Light Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais378 acres
2.9 miles away
Elbow Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais408 acres
3.1 miles away
Pine Mountain Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais106 acres
4 miles away
Binagami Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais117 acres
6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kimball Lake?
Kimball Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 77 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Kimball Lake?
Kimball Lake covers 77 acres with about 1.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 9 feet.
What fish can you catch at Kimball Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Yellow Perch, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Splake. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Kimball Lake?
Yes. Kimball Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Kimball Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Kimball 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 Kimball Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Kimball Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Kimball Lake?
Yes. Kimball Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.