---
type: lake
name: "Little Saganaga Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Tofte"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 1627
max_depth_ft: 150
latitude: 48.03405
longitude: -90.99812
lake_score: 57
dnr_lake_id: "16080900"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/little-saganaga-lake
---

# Little Saganaga Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Tofte

- **Surface Area**: 1,627 acres
- **Max Depth**: 150 ft
- **Shoreline**: 43.8 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10.1 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 57/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Little Saganaga Lake is a 1,627-acre lake near Tofte in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 150 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 43.8 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10.1 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 5 fish species here, including northern pike, yellow perch, lake trout, and burbot. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 11 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 5
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Elm Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elm-lake) - 1.4 miles, 109 acres
- [Elton Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/elton-lake) - 2.3 miles, 124 acres
- [Peter Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/peter-lake) - 2.3 miles, 282 acres
- [Gabimichigami Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gabimichigami-lake) - 2.3 miles, 1,186 acres
- [Mora Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/mora-lake) - 2.7 miles, 210 acres
- [Howard Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/howard-lake) - 3 miles, 166 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.03405,-90.99812)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16080900)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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