Northern Light Lake
About Northern Light Lake
Northern Light Lake is a 378-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 8 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 7.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 5.5 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2021.
There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Northern Light Lake
- 378 acres, up to 8 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 5.5 feet
- Camping close to the water
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 378 acres
- Max depth
- 8 ft
- Shoreline
- 7.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 5.5 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 378 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
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- Camping (1 mapped)
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- 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
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2021
- 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
1 campground is mapped on or near Northern Light 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 Northern Light Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Mink Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais57 acres
2.6 miles away
Pine Mountain Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais106 acres
2.6 miles away
Kimball Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais77 acres
2.9 miles away
Trout Lake
58 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais259 acres
3.8 miles away
Elbow Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais408 acres
4.1 miles away
Musquash Lake
33 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais131 acres
4.9 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Northern Light Lake?
Northern Light Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 378 acres and reaches 8 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Northern Light Lake?
Northern Light Lake covers 378 acres with about 7.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 8 feet.
What fish can you catch at Northern Light Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Northern Light Lake?
Yes. Northern Light Lake has 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Northern Light Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Northern Light 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 Northern Light Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Northern Light Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Northern Light Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.