Watap Lake
About Watap Lake
Watap Lake is a 199-acre lake near Maple Hill in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 45 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 10.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.8 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. 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.
The DNR has no fish survey on file for this lake, so treat any fishing as exploratory.
Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch.
Plan Your Visit to Watap Lake
- 199 acres, up to 45 feet deep, near Maple Hill
- Portage access only — bring a boat you can hand-launch unless you confirm a ramp
- Average water clarity around 14.8 feet — very clear
- 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
- 199 acres
- Max depth
- 45 ft
- Shoreline
- 10.9 mi
- Water clarity
- 14.8 ft
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
- Border-water seasons and limits with Canada differ from Minnesota inland rules
- Recorded accesses require a permit or fee
Facilities
- 1 portage access
Best For
- Canoe tripping
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Watap Lake
Compare Watap Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Watap Lake?
Watap Lake is in Cook County, Minnesota, near Maple Hill. It covers 199 acres and reaches 45 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Watap Lake?
Watap Lake covers 199 acres with about 10.9 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 45 feet.
What fish can you catch at Watap Lake?
The DNR has no fish survey on file for Watap Lake.
Is there a public boat launch on Watap Lake?
Public access is on record, but not a trailer ramp: portage access only.
Can you swim at Watap Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Watap 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.