---
type: lake
name: "Vern Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Lutsen"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 123
max_depth_ft: 42
latitude: 47.9037
longitude: -90.72751
lake_score: 47
dnr_lake_id: "16040900"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/vern-lake
---

# Vern Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Lutsen

- **Surface Area**: 123 acres
- **Max Depth**: 42 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 4 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 47/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

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.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service, Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 4
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 1999
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Juno Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/juno-lake) - 1.4 miles, 216 acres
- [Pipe Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/pipe-lake) - 1.4 miles, 285 acres
- [Homer Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/homer-lake) - 2 miles, 434 acres
- [East Pipe Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/east-pipe-lake) - 2 miles, 105 acres
- [South Temperance Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/south-temperance-lake) - 3 miles, 214 acres
- [Jack Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/jack-lake) - 3.1 miles, 113 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.9037,-90.72751)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16040900)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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