---
type: lake
name: "South Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Maple Hill"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 1145
max_depth_ft: 140
latitude: 48.0951
longitude: -90.54748
lake_score: 64
dnr_lake_id: "16024400"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/south-lake
---

# South Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Maple Hill

- **Surface Area**: 1,145 acres
- **Max Depth**: 140 ft
- **Shoreline**: 15 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 26.2 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 64/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)
- **Border Water**: shared with Canada

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 6
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2023
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Topper Lake #1
- South Lake #7
- South Lake #8
- South Lake #4

## Fish Species

Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout, Brook Trout, Burbot, Tullibee (Cisco), White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Dunn Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/dunn-lake) - 1.7 miles, 101 acres
- [North Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/north-lake) - 1.7 miles, 2,349 acres
- [Birch Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/birch-lake) - 1.9 miles, 236 acres
- [Mayhew Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/mayhew-lake) - 2.4 miles, 221 acres
- [Partridge Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/partridge-lake) - 2.8 miles, 118 acres
- [Portage Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/portage-lake) - 3 miles, 128 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.0951,-90.54748)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16024400)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/south-lake)*