---
type: lake
name: "Mesaba Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Tofte"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 213
max_depth_ft: 65
latitude: 47.96863
longitude: -90.95017
lake_score: 45
dnr_lake_id: "16067300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/mesaba-lake
---

# Mesaba Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Tofte

- **Surface Area**: 213 acres
- **Max Depth**: 65 ft
- **Average Depth**: 24 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.6 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 45/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Mesaba Lake is a 213-acre lake near Tofte in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 65 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 24 feet, and has roughly 6.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10 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 4 fish species here, including northern pike and lake trout. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 3 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**: 4
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Northern Pike, Lake Trout, Green Sunfish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Wine Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/wine-lake) - 1.7 miles, 268 acres
- [Mora Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/mora-lake) - 3.7 miles, 210 acres
- [Kelso Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/kelso-lake) - 4.9 miles, 133 acres
- [Elm Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/elm-lake) - 5 miles, 109 acres
- [Crooked Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/crooked-lake) - 5 miles, 244 acres
- [Little Saganaga Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/little-saganaga-lake) - 5 miles, 1,627 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.96863,-90.95017)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16067300)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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