Mistletoe Lake
About Mistletoe Lake
Mistletoe Lake is a 145-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 6 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 2.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 3.6 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer. 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 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2014.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Mistletoe Lake
- 145 acres, up to 6 feet deep, near Lutsen
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 3.6 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 145 acres
- Max depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 2.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 3.6 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 145 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
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 carry-in access
- 1 portage access
Best For
- Canoe tripping
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- 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 Mistletoe Lake
Compare Mistletoe Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Holly Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen76 acres
0.6 miles away
Clara Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen388 acres
2 miles away
Christine Lake
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White Pine Lake
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Tait Lake
50 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen355 acres
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Rice Lake
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3.8 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mistletoe Lake?
Mistletoe Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen. It covers 145 acres and reaches 6 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Mistletoe Lake?
Mistletoe Lake covers 145 acres with about 2.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at Mistletoe Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Mistletoe Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Mistletoe Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Mistletoe 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 Mistletoe Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Mistletoe Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.