Saganaga Lake
About Saganaga Lake
Saganaga Lake is an 18,767-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 280 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 277 miles of shoreline. It is the largest lake in Cook County in the Minnesota DNR's LakeFinder records. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. 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 11 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and county. Saganaga Lake #94 and Saganaga Lake #19 are 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. Ice typically goes out around May 6, based on 41 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Saganaga Lake
- 18,767 acres, up to 280 feet deep, near Grand Marais
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 12.8 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Saganaga Lake #94 and Saganaga Lake #19
- 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
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 18,767 acres
- Max depth
- 280 ft
- Shoreline
- 277 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.8 ft
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 trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Camping: Saganaga Lake #94, Saganaga Lake #19, and Saganaga Lake #29
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Power boating and big-water cruising
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Big water: wind builds dangerous waves quickly, so check the forecast and carry safety gear
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 11
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Walleye: Possession limit three, only one over 20".
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- May 6
- Years of record
- 41
- Earliest
- April 2, 2012
- Latest
- May 19, 2014
- Most recent
- May 11, 2026
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Saganaga Lake #94, Saganaga Lake #19, Saganaga Lake #29, and Saganaga Lake #98 are mapped on or near Saganaga 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 Saganaga Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Marabaeuf Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais860 acres
5.1 miles away
Grandpa Lake
45 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Schroeder125 acres
5.5 miles away
Gull Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais168 acres
5.6 miles away
Red Rock Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Tofte451 acres
6.4 miles away
Gneiss Lake
39 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais227 acres
6.9 miles away
Zephyr Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Prairie Portage140 acres
7.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Saganaga Lake?
Saganaga Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais. It covers 18,767 acres and reaches 280 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Saganaga Lake?
Saganaga Lake covers 18,767 acres with about 277 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 280 feet.
What fish can you catch at Saganaga Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Burbot, and Lake Whitefish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Saganaga Lake?
Yes. Saganaga Lake has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Saganaga Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Saganaga 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 Saganaga Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Saganaga Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Saganaga Lake?
Yes. Possession limit three, only one over 20".
When does the ice go out on Saganaga Lake?
The median ice-out date is May 6, from 41 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is April 2, 2012 and the latest is May 19, 2014.
Can you camp at Saganaga Lake?
Yes. Saganaga Lake #94, Saganaga Lake #19, and Saganaga Lake #29 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Saganaga Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Saganaga 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.