South Lake
About South Lake
South Lake is a 1,145-acre lake near Maple Hill in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 140 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 15 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 26.2 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. The lake is a border water shared with Canada, so different seasons, limits and licensing rules can apply on the far side. 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 smallmouth bass, lake trout, brook trout, burbot, and tullibee (cisco). The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. Topper Lake #1 and South Lake #7 are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to South Lake
- 1,145 acres, up to 140 feet deep, near Maple Hill
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: smallmouth bass, lake trout, brook trout, burbot, and tullibee (cisco)
- Average water clarity around 26.2 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Topper Lake #1 and South Lake #7
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
- Border water with Canada — know which side of the line you are fishing on
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Portage access only
- Launch fee
- Permit or fee required
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,145 acres
- Max depth
- 140 ft
- Shoreline
- 15 mi
- Water clarity
- 26.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 167 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 trout and salmon stamp is required to fish designated trout lakes or to keep trout
- A BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 portage access
- Camping: Topper Lake #1, South Lake #7, and South Lake #8
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Canoe tripping
- 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
- 2023
- 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.
Camping & Reservations
Topper Lake #1, South Lake #7, South Lake #8, and South Lake #4 are mapped on or near South 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 South Lake
Compare South Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how South Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
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1.7 miles away
North Lake
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Birch Lake
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais236 acres
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Mayhew Lake
56 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais221 acres
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Partridge Lake
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais118 acres
2.8 miles away
Portage Lake
35 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais128 acres
3 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is South Lake?
South Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Maple Hill. It covers 1,145 acres and reaches 140 feet deep.
How big and how deep is South Lake?
South Lake covers 1,145 acres with about 15 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 140 feet.
What fish can you catch at South Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Burbot, and Tullibee (Cisco). A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on South Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at South Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at South 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 South Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for South Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at South Lake?
Yes. Topper Lake #1, South Lake #7, and South Lake #8 are mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.