Star Lake
About Star Lake
Star Lake is a 107-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 13 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.6 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4.8 feet.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, 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. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2023.
Public access is carry-in only — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Star Lake
- 107 acres, up to 13 feet deep, near Lutsen
- Carry-in access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 4.8 feet
Access & Fees
- Public access
- Carry-in access only
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service
Conditions
- Surface area
- 107 acres
- Max depth
- 13 ft
- Shoreline
- 4.6 mi
- Water clarity
- 4.8 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 107 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 carry-in access
- 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
- Yes
- 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.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Star Lake
Compare Star Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Homer Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen434 acres
1.8 miles away
Brule Lake
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Grand Marais4,327 acres
2.4 miles away
East Pipe Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen105 acres
2.5 miles away
Cascade Lake
51 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen452 acres
2.7 miles away
Juno Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen216 acres
3.3 miles away
Echo Lake
40 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Maple Hill121 acres
3.6 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Star Lake?
Star Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen. It covers 107 acres and reaches 13 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Star Lake?
Star Lake covers 107 acres with about 4.6 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 13 feet.
What fish can you catch at Star Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Star Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: carry-in access only.
Can you swim at Star Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Star 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 Star Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Star Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.