Larch Lake
About Larch Lake
Larch Lake is a 132-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 14 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 4 feet, and has roughly 3.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Larch Lake #2 and Larch Lake #3 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Larch Lake
- 132 acres, up to 14 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5 feet
- Camping close to the water at Larch Lake #2 and Larch Lake #3
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 132 acres
- Max depth
- 14 ft
- Average depth
- 4 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.2 mi
- Water clarity
- 5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 132 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
Facilities
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Larch Lake #2, Larch Lake #3, and Larch Lake #1
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
- 7
- Game fish
- 6
- 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
Larch Lake #2, Larch Lake #3, and Larch Lake #1 are mapped on or near Larch 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 Larch Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Clove Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Prairie Portage160 acres
1.1 miles away
Granite Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Prairie Portage306 acres
2.7 miles away
Gneiss Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais227 acres
2.9 miles away
Magnetic Lake
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill447 acres
3.4 miles away
Marabaeuf Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais860 acres
4.2 miles away
Gull Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais168 acres
4.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Larch Lake?
Larch Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 132 acres and reaches 14 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Larch Lake?
Larch Lake covers 132 acres with about 3.2 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 14 feet and its average depth is about 4 feet.
What fish can you catch at Larch Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Larch Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Larch Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Larch 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 Larch Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Larch Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Larch Lake?
Yes. Larch Lake #2, Larch Lake #3, and Larch Lake #1 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.