Vern Lake
About Vern Lake
Vern Lake is a 123-acre lake near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 42 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 4 feet. 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 4 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 1999.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. 6 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Vern Lake
- 123 acres, up to 42 feet deep, near Lutsen
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass
- Average water clarity around 4 feet
- Camping close to the water
- Boundary Waters country: entry permit required, no cans or glass bottles, and motors are restricted on most lakes
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
- Wilderness permit
- BWCAW permit required
Conditions
- Surface area
- 123 acres
- Max depth
- 42 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 92 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 BWCAW permit is required year-round; quota permits apply May 1 through September 30
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- 1 portage access
- Camping (6 mapped)
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
- 4
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 1999
- 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
6 campgrounds are mapped on or near Vern 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 Vern Lake
Compare Vern Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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See how Vern Lake ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Juno Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen216 acres
1.4 miles away
Pipe Lake
42 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen285 acres
1.4 miles away
Homer Lake
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen434 acres
2 miles away
East Pipe Lake
30 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen105 acres
2 miles away
South Temperance Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen214 acres
3 miles away
Jack Lake
31 out of 100 Lake ScoreCook · Lutsen113 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Vern Lake?
Vern Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen. It covers 123 acres and reaches 42 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Vern Lake?
Vern Lake covers 123 acres with about 6.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 42 feet.
What fish can you catch at Vern Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth Bass. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Vern Lake?
Yes. Vern Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the US Forest Service and Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Vern Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Vern 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 Vern Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Vern Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Vern Lake?
Yes. A campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.