North Fowl Lake
About North Fowl Lake
North Fowl Lake is a 1,040-acre lake near Hovland in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 10 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 6 feet, and has roughly 15.8 miles of shoreline. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 1998.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. North Fowl Lake #1 is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving.
Plan Your Visit to North Fowl Lake
- 1,040 acres, up to 10 feet deep, near Hovland
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch
- Camping close to the water at North Fowl Lake #1
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
- Listed as infested with spiny waterflea — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,040 acres
- Max depth
- 10 ft
- Average depth
- 6 ft
- Shoreline
- 15.8 mi
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 950 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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: North Fowl Lake #1
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- 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
- 1998
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
North Fowl Lake #1 is mapped on or near North Fowl Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to North Fowl Lake
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Nearby Lakes
John Lake
44 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland191 acres
1.8 miles away
South Fowl Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland1,586 acres
1.9 miles away
McFarland Lake
76 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland386 acres
2.9 miles away
Moose Lake
67 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland1,026 acres
3.3 miles away
East Pike Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland554 acres
4.3 miles away
Stump Lake
36 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Hovland254 acres
5.3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is North Fowl Lake?
North Fowl Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Hovland. It covers 1,040 acres and reaches 10 feet deep.
How big and how deep is North Fowl Lake?
North Fowl Lake covers 1,040 acres with about 15.8 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 10 feet and its average depth is about 6 feet.
What fish can you catch at North Fowl Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on North Fowl Lake?
Yes. North Fowl Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR and US Forest Service. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at North Fowl Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at North Fowl 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 North Fowl Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for North Fowl Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at North Fowl Lake?
Yes. North Fowl Lake #1 is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does North Fowl Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists North Fowl Lake as infested with spiny waterflea. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.