---
type: lake
name: "Lichen Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Lutsen"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 253
max_depth_ft: 17
latitude: 47.84291
longitude: -90.72249
lake_score: 36
dnr_lake_id: "16038200"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/lichen-lake
---

# Lichen Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen

- **Surface Area**: 253 acres
- **Max Depth**: 17 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 4.7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Carry-in access only
- **Lake Score**: 36/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Carry-in access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 5
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2014
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling

## Amenities

Carry-In Access

## Fish Species

Walleye, Muskellunge, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Kinogami Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/kinogami-lake) - 1.1 miles, 111 acres
- [Bouder Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/bouder-lake) - 1.2 miles, 129 acres
- [Crescent Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/crescent-lake) - 2 miles, 755 acres
- [Tait Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/tait-lake) - 2.1 miles, 355 acres
- [Gust Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gust-lake) - 2.2 miles, 143 acres
- [Pipe Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/pipe-lake) - 2.8 miles, 285 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.84291,-90.72249)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16038200)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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