Lichen Lake
About Lichen Lake
Lichen Lake is a 253-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 17 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.7 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2014.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Lichen Lake
- 253 acres, up to 17 feet deep, near Lutsen
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.7 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 253 acres
- Max depth
- 17 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 246 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
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 5
- Game fish
- 4
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2014
- 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 Lichen Lake
Compare Lichen Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Kinogami Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen111 acres
1.1 miles away
Bouder Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais129 acres
1.2 miles away
Crescent Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais755 acres
2 miles away
Tait Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen355 acres
2.1 miles away
Gust Lake
34 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais143 acres
2.2 miles away
Pipe Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen285 acres
2.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lichen Lake?
Lichen Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen. It covers 253 acres and reaches 17 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lichen Lake?
Lichen Lake covers 253 acres with about 6.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 17 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lichen Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lichen Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Lichen Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lichen 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 Lichen Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Lichen Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.